AfricArena set to spark Dakar start-up revolution

Dakar, Senegal is set to become the centre of attention this May as the highly anticipated AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit kicks off. With the aim of exploring the thriving Senegalese start-up ecosystem, the summit promises to be a gathering of the brightest minds in business, technology, fintech, mobility, logistics, and investment.

Following the successful AfricArena Cairo Growth Stage Summit, the AfricArena team says they are excited to continue their 2023 AfricArena tour in Dakar. The summit will be held at the Museum of Black Civilisations from Wednesday, 24 to Thursday, 25 May 2023.

Dakar, often referred to as the “Gateway to Africa,” will provide the perfect backdrop for this event. As Africa’s westernmost city, Dakar is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the city’s historic streets and immerse themselves in the investment prospects that Senegal has to offer.

In collaboration with Startupbootcamp AfriTech, DER, AWS Startups, International Trade Centre, ENRICH in Africa, ASIP, and Philippe Lalliot, ambassador of France to Senegal and Gambia, the summit aims to foster networking and collaboration between start-ups, investors, and venture capitalists from across the African continent and the globe.

The two-day conference will feature pitches from over 30 start-ups operating in the fintech, mobility and logistics sectors at various stages of development, from seed to growth. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from keynote speakers and participate in panel discussions led by industry experts.

Among the esteemed speakers confirmed for the event are Zachariah George, managing partner at Launch Africa Ventures; Charlotte Newman, head of Underrepresented Founder Startup BD at AWS Startups; Thaheer Mullins, general partner at Savant Venture Fund; July Andraous, managing partner at Jambaar Capital, and many more.

In addition to the summit, several other events will take place during the week. ENRICH in Africa will organise a learning expedition in Dakar, offering foreign entrepreneurs and SMEs the chance to discover the Senegalese market and forge lasting partnerships. The ASIP accelerator demo day will also take place during the summit, showcasing the most promising start-ups from the ASIP accelerator programme to potential investors and partners.

Furthermore, the VC Unconference, known for its unfiltered exchange of innovative ideas and collaboration within the venture capital ecosystem, will be hosted in Saly, Senegal in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech.

Startups attending the summit can take advantage of AWS Activate, which offers up to $100 000 in credits to help them build and scale their businesses on the Amazon Web Services platform.

The AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit provides a unique opportunity for investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to connect, share knowledge, and explore the exciting developments in Senegal’s start-up ecosystem.

Tickets are available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to secure their spots early.

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