Sehr gut! AfricArena announces first Berlin summit

In a momentous collaboration between AfricArena, Counder, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and CODE University of Applied Sciences, Africa’s tech revolution is set to captivate Berlin at the inaugural AfricArena Summit on Thursday, 8 June 2023.

Organisers say the historic event will bring together leading minds in business, technology, and investment from Africa and Germany, fostering partnerships and propelling innovation across borders.

Imagine a gathering of German investors, venture capitalists, and the brightest African tech talents, converging in the vibrant start-up hub of Berlin at Factory Berlin. The AfricArena Berlin Summit aims to serve as the epicentre for the merging of German and African investment ecosystems, igniting discussions, idea exchanges, and collaborations. Tickets are available online.

During this ground-breaking summit, over 20 dynamic African start-ups will present their compelling pitches, showcasing their unique solutions, innovative ideas, and immense growth potential. These start-ups are not just creators; they are inspirations, providing fertile ground for German investors and companies to explore investment and partnership opportunities.

The core objective of the AfricArena Summit is to facilitate a two-way flow of knowledge and best practices, forging robust connections and collaborations between Africa and Europe. The future of technology and investment lies in this synergy, and the event is set to be the catalyst for this transformational journey.

But the AfricArena journey doesn’t end in Berlin. After the Berlin Summit, the stage will shift to the enchanting city of Paris, France. The Paris Summit is scheduled for Monday, 12 to Wednesday, 14 June.

Highlights from Dakar summit

Reflecting on the recent success of the AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit 2023, held at The Museum of Black Civilisations in Dakar, Senegal, the AfricArena team extends heartfelt gratitude to all who made this event a resounding success.

The summit, which marked the fourth event of the year following Johannesburg, New York, and Cairo, featured over 30 exceptional start-ups from across the African continent in the fintech, mobility, and logistics sectors. Investors attending the summit had the privilege of witnessing these ventures pitch their ground-breaking ideas.

More than 30 esteemed speakers, including experts in tech, business, fintech, mobility, logistics, law, policy, investment, and venture capital, shared their invaluable insights through keynotes and panel discussions. This two-day event, celebrated alongside Africa Day on 25 May, showcased the infinite potential and unique African-led solutions that West Africa and the continent as a whole have to offer to global challenges.

AfricArena acknowledged its partners DER, Startupbootcamp AfriTech, AWS Startups, International Trade Centre, ASIP, ENRICH in Africa, and Ambassador Philippe Lalliot of France to Senegal and The Gambia for their unwavering support. Organisers say it is through collaboration and unity that AfricArena continues to drive the growth of West Africa’s most mature start-up ecosystem, Dakar.

One shining star of the AfricArena Dakar Summit was Seynabou Thiam Monnier, the founder of Smart Ecosystem for Women. As the master of ceremonies, Seynabou brought a wave of excitement, laughter, and inspiration to the audience. Her unwavering commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs resonated throughout the event.

Mame Aby Seye, general delegate for entrepreneurship at The General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship of Women and Youth (DER/FJ), expressed heartfelt gratitude to AfricArena and extended a warm welcome to all delegates attending the summit. She shared the impactful work of DER in empowering entrepreneurs, uplifting women, and nurturing the youth in Senegal.

Henry Ojuor, programme director at Startupbootcamp AfriTech, and Joojo Ocran, Africa Strategic Partnerships Director at Startupbootcamp AfriTech, welcomed attendees to the ASIP Demo Day, which took place during the AfricArena Dakar FinTech, Mobility & Logistics Summit. They introduced the ASIP Cohort 3 start-ups, highlighting the transformative work being done in the region.

Eleanor Azar, executive deputy at the Telecel Group, expressed gratitude to all partners involved in the AfricArena Summit. She extended a warm welcome to delegates attending the ASIP Demo Day and shed light on Telecel’s role in supporting ASIP and fostering growth within the ecosystem.

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