CALL FOR SPEAKER - AFROBYTES IV

How do you define an African Tech Company? This was recently the debate at the eye of a social media storm in the African Tech Ecosystem.

In our commitment to building a community for French and English speaking African innovators, we have congregated the biggest international tech companies, investors and media houses from Europe, US, and Asia, on the global stage of African tech. Together, we build. We build on alignment on key fundamentals, steeped in the definition of our ecosystem; of the African Tech Industry. This forms a crucial step in our journey.

As a congregator of the African Tech Community, we recognize our duty as a platform where such debate can be held visibly and objectively. This year’s edition of Afrobytes IV is themed “Where do we go from here?” Coincidence? We think not. Indeed, we deem these questions worth answering.

What is African Tech? Is it Tech in Africa for Africa by Africa? Or is it so much more? Is it so much less?

Under the moderation of @Andile Masuku, @Rebecca Enonchong and @Ammin Youssouf will offer their views on what defines this identity. If you followed the debates on the African Tech Ecosystem, you already know Rebecca's point of view. In our experience, deep conversations thrive on a plurality of opinions. In this spirit, we are delighted to invite a fourth alternative voice to animate this discussion.

To be that fourth voice in this courteous and balanced debate, we invite you to share your opinion in the comment section of this post. Based on your responses, we will select one speaker that presents a balancing view of this subject, objectively and civilly.*

For a nuanced consideration of the topic, kindly consider the following;

Core Market: Tecno, the number one company for mobile phone sales in Africa, grew and sustains its core market in Africa. Does this sufficiently qualify it as an African Company?

Identity: As recognized by the WTO "Appellation d'Origine Controlée" ("Controlled designation of origin" if you will) restricts the use of the name "Champagne" to drinks from a very specific region in France. France understands the value of its culture and is totally right to protect it. Is Tech Cultural? Is African Tech Cultural? How Cultural must a Tech Company be to qualify as African?

We hope to see you in Paris to share your views, in building a consensus on this crucial question in the African Tech Ecosystem.

With love for the African Tech Industry as always,

Ammin & Haweya - Afrobytes co-founders

*Please note that logistics are not covered to join this debate.