EMERGING Valley 2023: Uniting continents, igniting innovations

The seventh edition of EMERGING Valley, a globally renowned business forum founded by entrepreneur and author Samir Abdelkrim, is set to take place on 28 November 2023, under the patronage of French president Emmanuel Macron.

This year’s event, hosted at the innovative thecamp campus in Aix-Marseille-Provence, marks a significant milestone in stimulating co-innovation and digital investments between Europe and Africa. The gathering, held against the backdrop of Aix-Marseille-Provence being named the European Capital of Innovation for 2023, aims to foster collaborations and synergies between African and European digital ecosystems.

With an expected attendance of more than 3 000 participants, including 250 start-ups, 50 investors, and 280 speakers from 70 different countries, EMERGING Valley 2023 is poised to be a pivotal event in shaping the future of technological and economic relations between the two continents.

The forum will focus on key themes such as artificial intelligence, environmental challenges, female entrepreneurship, start-up financing, and positive innovation connecting Africa and Europe.

Under the banner of “co-innovation and global challenges”, EMERGING Valley 2023 will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on crucial topics. Among the themes to be explored are the potential and applications of artificial intelligence in African technological and human development.

Strategies to support impact entrepreneurs and connect them with global investors, innovative solutions for biodiversity preservation, sustainable energy security through digital innovations, and agritech’s role in ensuring food and nutrition security are also on the agenda, alongside decarbonisation of cities, female entrepreneurship in African tech, and digital solidarity in the face of medical and health challenges.

Abdelkrim emphasises the significance of this event, stating, “EMERGING Valley 2023 will address societal, economic, and environmental challenges, highlighting the concrete solutions that African and European digital companies can provide in the face of multiplying crises. EMERGING Valley is not just a business forum; it’s an immersive experience where African and European creativity and innovation meet for the common good.”

The event will also feature several highlights, including the Med’innovant Africa 2023 Awards, recognising African start-ups committed to sustainable cities in the Mediterranean and Africa. The Provence Africa Connect 2023 Award will reward entrepreneurs from the Aix-Marseille-Provence territory and, for the first time, European entrepreneurs, with positive impacts in Africa. Additionally, the Research Institute for Development (IRD) will introduce its Innovation Trophies, recognising innovative projects by young African researchers.

As Aix-Marseille-Provence solidifies its role as a digital crossroads between Europe and Africa, EMERGING Valley 2023 stands as a beacon of collaboration, fostering connections between start-ups, investors, and decision-makers.

Since its inception in 2017, EMERGING Valley has facilitated thousands of BtoB appointments, brought together numerous tech hubs and investors, and showcased the expertise of over 1,200 leading speakers. This year’s summit promises to continue this tradition of excellence, driving positive innovations that will shape the technological future of both Africa and Europe.

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