Introduction

AfriLabs has officially announced its partners for the 2024 AfriLabs Annual Gathering, set to take place from November 6-8 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC 2) in South Africa. The event will bring together leaders in innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology under the theme “Uniting Innovation,” which highlights the power of collaboration to drive sustainable economic and social development across Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

Seven Key Tracks to Shape Africa’s Future

This year’s gathering will feature seven specialized tracks, each addressing essential areas for Africa's growth:

  • Makerspaces
  • Green and Blue Economy
  • Gender and Inclusion
  • Investment
  • Hub Solutions
  • Policy, Data, and AI
  • Creative Digital Economy

These tracks are designed to address opportunities and challenges across various sectors, focusing on how collaborative innovation can drive sustainable economic transformation across the continent.

Notable Global Partnerships for 2024

AfriLabs has collaborated with prominent global organizations, each bringing unique expertise to strengthen Africa’s innovation ecosystem:

RLabs: As this year’s Host Hub, RLabs is a foundational partner bringing a rich history of fostering technological growth and entrepreneurship in Africa.

NASENI (Nigeria): The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure will highlight its role in advancing industrialization and innovation within Nigeria.

Research & Innovation Systems for Africa Fund (RISA): RISA supports Africa’s research landscape, aligning with AfriLabs’ commitment to providing reliable data for innovators and entrepreneurs.

Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA): ERIA offers expertise in economic integration and SME promotion, strengthening connections between East Asia and Africa.

Cloudmania: As a leader in cloud and cybersecurity solutions across the Middle East and Africa, Cloudmania’s partnership, backed by Microsoft, will offer insights into Microsoft 365, Azure, and more.

Tanzania Hub Network: Supported by UNDP’s FUNGUO Innovation Programme, the Tanzania Hub Network aims to build a cohesive innovation ecosystem in Tanzania that supports socioeconomic growth.

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA): TIA focuses on bridging research and commercialization, helping transform Africa’s innovations into market-ready solutions.

A Focus on Digital Inclusion and Policy Development

Key partners will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions on digital inclusion and AI policy:

Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO): DCO is actively engaged in developing Africa’s digital economy policies, fostering cross-border digital collaboration.

Intel: Hosting a roundtable on AI policy, Intel aims to spark dialogue on AI’s evolving role within Africa, addressing both opportunities and ethical considerations.

Promoting Youth Health and Wellbeing

AfriLabs’ long-time partner UNFPA will host a workshop and exhibition on leveraging innovation in sexual and reproductive health for African youth, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for the continent’s health sector.

Additional Partners and Collaborators

Other notable partners, including the Interledger Foundation, Anglo American, ReCha, Comtel, South African Future Trust Foundation, African Intelligent Machines (AIM), ZIto, the French Embassy, and the City of Cape Town, will contribute to promoting innovation, digital inclusivity, and cross-border empowerment. These partnerships underscore AfriLabs’ mission to create a thriving, collaborative environment for Africa’s innovators.

Quotes from AfriLabs and ERIA Leaders

Reflecting on the strength of this year’s partnerships, Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs, remarked:

“The support of our partners is not only a testament to the global relevance of Africa’s innovation ecosystem but also to the importance of collaborative efforts in driving sustainable development across the continent.”

Dr. Giulia Ajmone Marsan, Head of Startups and Inclusion at ERIA, also expressed enthusiasm:

“We are excited to partner with AfriLabs, a leading player on the African continent. We look forward to scaling up our activities in digital inclusion and green innovations to connect ecosystem builders, innovators, and startups across Asia and Africa.”

Through these partnerships, the 2024 AfriLabs Annual Gathering is set to advance Africa’s innovation landscape, building an interconnected future driven by collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.