AfricArena announces MC, more speakers for Dakar summit

The stage is set, and the official countdown has begun for the highly anticipated AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit, set to take place in the Senegalese capital next week.

Scheduled for Wednesday, 24 and Thursday, 25 May 2023 at Dakar’s well-known Museum of Black Civilisations , the excitement is building as organisers today announced Seynabou Thiam Monnier as the master of ceremonies. Industry leaders, investors, and start-ups from across West Africa eagerly await this event.

As the region rapidly emerges as a magnet for investment, the AfricArena event in Dakar is hot on the heels of its Johannesburg summit in March with a focus on deep tech and hardware, as well as the recent Cairo Growth Stage Summit. The Dakar event will serve as the third leg of this year’s AfricArena tour.

Dakar – a vibrant city that houses an astounding 93% of Senegal’s start-ups – has solidified its position as a powerhouse in Africa’s start-up ecosystem. In fact, according to the prestigious StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2022, Dakar secured an impressive fourth place in the rankings.

Senegal’s proactive approach to fostering entrepreneurship, including the implementation of a Startup Act in 2019, further reinforces its status as a thriving hub for innovation.

The AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit is a collaborative effort, made possible through partnerships with influential organisations and individuals. DER (General Delegation for the Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth), Startupbootcamp AfriTech, AWS Startups, International Trade Centre, ENRICH in Africa, ASIP, Philippe Lalliot (Ambassador of France to Senegal and The Gambia), and the Methys Group have joined forces with AfricArena to create an unforgettable two-day experience.

The event will showcase over 30 exceptional start-ups operating across Africa, each making their mark in the fintech, mobility, and logistics sectors. From seed stage to growth stage, they represent the cutting edge of innovation on the continent. Attendees can anticipate captivating pitch sessions, thought-provoking panel discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities with investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts.

Stepping into the limelight as the MC, Seynabou Thiam Monnier, founder at Smart Ecosystem for Women, is poised to ignite the summit with her infectious energy and passion for empowering women in entrepreneurship. With her exceptional leadership skills and wealth of experience, he will guide participants through a programme brimming with ground-breaking ideas, collaborative discussions, and transformative insights.

The AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit boasts an illustrious line-up of speakers who are at the forefront of their fields. From Zachariah George (managing partner at Launch Africa Ventures) and Charlotte Newman (head of Underrepresented Founder Startup BD at AWS Startups) to Thaheer Mullins (general partner at Savant Venture Fund) and July Andraous (managing partner at Jambaar Capital), these industry titans will share their expertise, shedding light on the latest trends and opportunities shaping Africa’s fast-growing tech ecosystem.

The anticipation for the summit is palpable, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets through the official website. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative event where you’ll gain exclusive insights, forge invaluable connections, and witness the limitless potential of Africa’s fintech, mobility, and logistics sectors.

ENRICH in Africa events

During the AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit, ENRICH in Africa (EiA) will furthermore facilitate two significant events that further enhance the ecosystem. First, the Dakar Learning Expedition, organised by Bond’innov, will provide foreign entrepreneurs and SMEs with the opportunity to explore the Senegalese market, forge lasting partnerships, and establish their economic activities in the region.

The expedition will offer insights into the local business environment, market intelligence, and best practices to navigate the entrepreneurial ecosystem. EiA, funded by the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 programme and coordinated by Steinbeis 2i in Germany, is playing a crucial role in bridging the European and African tech ecosystems.

ASIP Accelerator Demo Day

Additionally, the ASIP Accelerator Demo Day, held on 25 May during the AfricArena Dakar Summit, will showcase the most promising start-ups from the ASIP Accelerator Programme. This platform enables these start-ups to pitch their innovative ideas and products to potential investors and partners, fostering valuable connections within the African tech industry.

The ASIP programme, supported by Telecel Group, DER, Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), AfricArena, and ENRICH in Africa, plays a pivotal role in empowering and advancing these start-ups.

VC Unconference

In addition to the summit, a VC Unconference in Saly, Senegal, in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech, is scheduled from 26 to 28 May 2023. Held at the Rhino Resort Hotel and Spa, the VC Unconference offers a unique environment for investors from across Africa, the UK, Europe, and Asia to exchange innovative ideas and foster collaboration within the venture capital ecosystem.

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