Saviu takes centre stage at AfricArena’s Dakar summit

Saviu Ventures investment manager Cynthia Mandjek has welcomed the invaluable outreach and networking opportunities offered by AfricArena’s Fintech, Mobility & Logistics Summit, which kicks off in the Senegalese capital Dakar today.

Taking place at Dakar’s renowned Museum of Black Civilisations today and tomorrow, this event promises to be a focal point of innovation and networking. Excitement among industry leaders, investors, and start-ups from West Africa is palpable.

Speaking to Ventureburn, Mandjek emphasised the magic of the summit focused on mobility, logistics, and fintech will bring to the region’s ecosystem. Experts are recognising the immense significance of these sectors for Africa’s economic growth and technological advancement.

With Africa experiencing rapid urbanisation and a rising middle class, efficient and innovative solutions in mobility and logistics are crucial for enabling seamless transportation, e-commerce, and supply chain management. Additionally, the fintech sector is revolutionising financial services, offering inclusive banking solutions, digital payments, and access to capital for previously underserved populations.

“We are glad to have helped AfricArena source some of the fast-growing start-ups operating in the region,” said Mandjek. “We look forward to catching up with local investors as well as investors from other regions like Anglophone Africa. It is important to support the growth of the ecosystem with this kind of event that allows creating meaningful relationships between the different ecosystem actors and can lead to potential business opportunities.”

Dakar, known for housing an impressive 93% of Senegal’s start-ups, has solidified its position as a powerhouse in Africa’s startup ecosystem. Securing fourth place in the prestigious StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2022, the city boasts a thriving entrepreneurial environment further enhanced by Senegal’s proactive approach to fostering entrepreneurship, including the implementation of a Startup Act in 2019.

The AfricArena Dakar Fintech, Mobility and Logistics Summit stands as a testament to collaboration, with influential organisations and individuals partnering to make this event a success.

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.

This summit will showcase over 30 exceptional start-ups representing the cutting edge of innovation in Africa. From seed stage to growth stage, they are set to captivate attendees with their pitches, participate in thought-provoking panel discussions, and engage in invaluable networking opportunities with investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts.

Seynabou Thiam Monnier, founder at Smart Ecosystem for Women, takes on the role of master of ceremonies, infusing the summit with her infectious energy and passion for empowering women in entrepreneurship. With her exceptional leadership skills and wealth of experience, Monnier will guide participants through a programme brimming with groundbreaking ideas, collaborative discussions, and transformative insights.

The summit will feature an illustrious line-up of speakers who are leaders in their respective fields. 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, and July Andraous, managing partner at Jambaar Capital, are among the industry titans who will share their expertise.

In addition to the summit, ENRICH in Africa will facilitate two significant events that further enhance the ecosystem. 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 ASIP Accelerator Demo Day, supported by Telecel Group, DER, Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), AfricArena, and ENRICH in Africa, will showcase the most promising startups from the ASIP Accelerator Programme, fostering valuable connections within the African tech industry.

Moreover, the VC Unconference, in partnership with Startupbootcamp AfriTech, is scheduled from 26 to 28 M ay in Saly, Senegal. This unique event will bring together investors from Africa, the UK, Europe, and Asia, providing an environment for exchanging innovative ideas and fostering collaboration within the venture capital ecosystem.

With the AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit poised to unfold, participants can anticipate a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere, where exclusive insights, invaluable connections, and the limitless potential of Africa’s fintech, mobility, and logistics sectors will be on full display.

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