Johannesburg to Host Major AI Startup Event
On June 6, 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa, will host the continent’s largest African Startups AI Fest, an event organized by Microsoft. This hybrid event is designed to bring together technology startup founders, pioneers, partners, and customers. For those unable to attend in person, virtual participation will be available, ensuring broad access across the continent.
Empowering Startups with AI
Microsoft Africa President Lillian Barnard emphasized the importance of the event for the continent’s 10,000 startups. The gathering will offer a platform for startups to share their success stories and gain access to industry-specific expertise. Attendees will learn how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate their businesses.
“There is a need to provide startups on the continent with the resources to take their concepts from the drawing board to customers. From AI-enabled tech solutions to advanced digital skills, startups need to be given every opportunity to thrive in a highly competitive global market because they are the catalysts for job creation and economic growth in Africa,” Barnard stated.
Building on Momentum from Morocco
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the first African Startups AI Fest held at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, organized by the Africa Transformation Office (ATO). The ATO event aimed to inspire and support startups in accelerating their market journeys with AI-powered tech solutions.
Key Participants and Opportunities
The Johannesburg event will attract founders, entrepreneurs, business decision-makers, engineers, and developers from across Africa’s startup ecosystem. Barnard highlighted the resilience of African startups in the face of economic challenges, noting their ability to innovate and drive growth.
“In the face of a challenging economic climate, startups across Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite the tough conditions, they have ignited a wave of innovation. Empowered with the right tech tools, startups can scale their solutions, enhance productivity, and drive growth,” Barnard said.
Introducing Cutting-Edge AI Solutions
Attendees will be introduced to Independent Software Vendors integrating Microsoft AI into their software. Notably, South Africa recently launched its first AI lawyer, a solution that automates routine tasks and provides quick answers to legal questions, allowing attorneys to focus on more complex issues.
Microsoft’s Commitment to Startups
Microsoft aims to support 6,000 to 10,000 startups through its Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programmes. These initiatives include industry-specific webinars, pitch coaching sessions, and investor community meetings designed to help startups scale and secure investments.
“Founders and entrepreneurs will be primed for growth through industry-specific webinars designed to help startups scale, pitch coaching sessions that will help investors enhance their pitching skills and navigate common challenges, investor community sessions that will connect startups with top investors from the Continental investor community to glean key insights on securing their first investments, integration with the Microsoft Independent Software Vendor programme and insights on how to best use AI technologies to propel their businesses forward,” Barnard explained.
