Fourth annual MEST Africa Summit to take place in Nairobi

MEST Africa has announced that its 2019 MEST Africa Summit will take place between 10 and 12 June in Nairobi, Kenya.

In a statement on Monday (15 April), MEST said the summit — which it will hold in collaboration with Microsoft — will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel and at MEST Africa’s Nairobi incubator, situated at Nairobi Garage.

The annual summit, which is now in its fourth year, brings together leading entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem players and executives from across Africa and around the world to explore the latest innovations and rising founders in the continent’s tech community.

The 2019 MEST Africa Summit will also host the finals of the 2019 MEST Africa Challenge

MEST said this year’s edition will build on the exponential growth and diversity that the African startup scene has seen over the past 12 months.

At the summit thought leaders will discuss the latest challenges and opportunities in the African tech space, including the impact of artificial intelligence and machine learning on the continent’s workforce.

Other topics to be covered include the role of tech in cultivating a more energy-efficient Africa, as well as how the creative use of data is enabling financial inclusion on the continent.

Confirmed speakers include MEST and Meltwater founder and CEO Jorn Lyseggen, Microsoft senior director for Africa Chris Langwa, Andela chief strategy officer Wambui Kinya, GSMA market engagement director Martin Karanja, Google Launchpad Africa head of startup successes and services Fola Olatunji David, IDEO.org managing director Tosh Juma, Flutterwave co-founder and CEO Olubenga Agboola.

The summit will also host the finals of the 2019 MEST Africa Challenge, with regional winners AMPZ.TV, OZÉ, Snode Technologies, WayaWaya and Seekewa pitching for a chance to win up to $50 000 in equity investment, a place at a MEST Africa incubator of their choice and full support to help their company scale.

In addition, this year’s summit will — on the second day — feature interactive workshops designed for entrepreneurs and with information on MEST training programme and incubator.

Commenting in the statement, MEST Africa managing director Aaron Fu said the organisation is “thrilled” to partner with Microsoft.

“We look forward to diving deep into discussions around the innovations and solutions that are rapidly driving change on the continent,”said Fu.

Feature image: Supplied