AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024: Spotlight on Seven Dynamic Tracks Shaping Africa’s Innovation Landscape

Cape Town, South Africa – The AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024, held from November 6-8 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2), was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse network of innovators, thought leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across Africa. This year’s event marks the 9th iteration of the AfriLabs Annual Gathering with the theme "Uniting Innovation," placing a strong emphasis on seven thematic tracks, each representing a cornerstone of Africa’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape. These tracks served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, exchange, and strategic planning aimed at shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for Africa.?

In collaboration with RLabs, a leader in South Africa’s innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs spotlighted Cape Town’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. The city’s breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage created a unique setting for a Gathering that left a lasting impact on Africa's innovation landscape.

AfriLabs’ Executive Director, Anna Ekeledo, expressed the unifying ethos of the event during her opening remarks, saying, “AfriLabs proudly stands as a Pan-African community. Though we are a tapestry of rich diversity, we are united by a shared purpose: to build a lasting legacy that will shape generations to come.”

Deputy Minister Raesetja Jane Sithole of South Africa’s Ministry of Small Business Development delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasising the country’s commitment to fostering accessible opportunities. “The future of South Africa’s growth lies in empowering diverse entrepreneurs. By reducing red tape and supporting informal and micro-enterprises, we’re ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, especially youth, women, and people with disabilities,” she stated, reflecting the event’s dedication to inclusive, sustainable growth across Africa.

The Creative Digital Economy Track, provided an immersive exploration into Africa’s creative sector, discussing the fusion of technology and creativity that powers Africa’s burgeoning digital arts, gaming, and content sectors. Topics ranged from “Diaspora to Homeland: Building a Connected Future” to “Independent Filmmaking in the Digital Era” and “Gaming for Impact.” The track gathered esteemed voices like Mathew Mensah, Ambassador for Ghana Tourism and Co-founder of Act Africa, and Henry A Stokes, Senior VP of The African Channel among many others. Speakers dove into themes of African storytelling, the opportunities for Africa’s creative industries on the global stage, and the potential of digital platforms to drive the sector’s growth. The track underscored the potential of Africa’s creative economy to bridge cultural, technological, and economic divides, all while empowering the continent’s youth and creatives.

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Addressing the essential role of Policy, Data, and AI in Africa’s development, this track convened policymakers, tech leaders, and AI specialists to discuss ethical AI, cultural alignment in AI design, and policy frameworks that empower data-driven innovations. From “AI in Africa: Accelerating Africa’s AI Footprint” to “Digital Public Infrastructure: The Role of Policy and AI in Sectoral Transformation,” the discussions examined how a responsible AI and data strategy could support sustainable growth and innovation. Notable speakers included Dr. Rachel Sibande from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mario Romao, Intel’s Director of AI Policy, and representatives from both the AU and the South African government, who explored the policy requirements for Africa’s AI future.

The Hub Solutions Track centred on the foundational role of innovation hubs in Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape. This track presented strategies for hubs to “scale up”, sessions included a “Design Thinking Masterclass” and panel discussions on “Hub Evolution” and “Strategic Partnerships.” Experts like Alfredo Cuanda, Founder & Business Designer at? Ideario and Tomi Davies, Chief Investment Officer at TVC Labs, shared insights on strategies for specialisation and global collaboration and creating hubs with a “10x” impact, positioning hubs as central to nurturing localised innovation and facilitating access to resources, training, and mentorship.

Rebecca Enonchong, CEO of AppsTech, shared sentiments on empowering young startups which resonated deeply here, as she emphasised, “Our mission is to be a steady hand for entrepreneurs, guiding them from ideation to growth. By investing in them, we’re investing in the future of Africa—one startup, one idea at a time.”

The Investment Track united investors and startups to discuss Africa’s investment ecosystem and the pathways to attract both local and global capital. Thought leaders such as Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, Julia Price, Co-Founder/Director at Linea Capital and Spiwe Sibanda, Development Bank of Southern Africa’s Credit Risk Executive, delved into topics on “The state of Investment by Tech Cabal insights” and “Navigating Investment Risks and Returns” and “The Future of Investment: Insights into the current landscape and future trends in African & Global Investments.” The discussions emphasised the critical need to develop new financing frameworks, partnerships, and de-risking mechanisms that empower African entrepreneurs and accelerate growth across underserved communities.

In the Gender and Inclusion Track, leaders and advocates gathered to highlight the impact of gender equity and inclusivity in the tech ecosystem. Through panel discussions like “Tech-Enabled Financial Inclusion” and “Inclusive Digital Ecosystems: Women and Disability Participation,” speakers explored how Africa’s tech landscape could benefit from a broader representation of voices, talents, and perspectives. Noteworthy contributors included Hema Vallabh, Founding Partner at Five35 Ventures, and Baratang Miya, Founder of Girlhype Women Who Code. This track advocated for equal opportunities and supportive environments for women and underrepresented groups, emphasising the critical importance of inclusivity in fostering resilience and diversity in Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

The Green and Blue Economy Track delved into Africa’s sustainability challenges and the potential of green technologies to foster resilient ecosystems. Topics such as “Harnessing Technology for Resilient Agricultural Eco Parks” and “Collaborative Policies for Environmental Resilience” were discussed by speakers including Buffy Okeke-Ojiudu, CEO of Zebra Group, Tigele Nlebesi, Ventures Associate at ALX Ventures and Uche Ekeledo, CEO at Fosu. The track offered a vision for a sustainable Africa through enhanced environmental governance, leveraging both natural resources and advanced technologies for growth in agriculture, water resources, and sustainable trade.

The Makerspaces Track explored how physical spaces for innovation and hardware development are empowering African entrepreneurs and grassroots inventors. Key discussions included “Sustainable Business Models for Makerspaces” and “Impact and Policy: African Makerspaces.” Panellists such as Tochukwu Chukwueke, CEO of Clintonel Innovation Centre, and Joseph Agyina, Project Manager at Africa Makerspace Network, highlighted the importance of providing resources and community hubs for prototyping, production, and skills-building that cater to local challenges and encourage innovation from within communities.

As the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024 drew to a close, the discussions that took place over these seven tracks reaffirmed AfriLabs’ commitment to cultivating a collaborative and resilient Pan-African innovation ecosystem. The event sparked fresh ideas, partnerships, and policy initiatives, setting a forward-looking agenda that places Africa at the forefront of global innovation. AfriLabs, with its pan-African reach and mission to support innovation hubs across the continent, continues to drive initiatives that fuel growth and resilience.?

About AfriLabs

AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa's innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer.

For more information about the AfriLabs Annual Gathering 2024 and AfriLabs, visit www.afrilabsgathering.com and www.afrilabs.com .