OCTOBER SYMPOSIUM SESSION

African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2021
AMPLIFY INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT HUBS IN AFRICA
Wednesday, October 28, 8:00 AM PST, 3:00 PM GMT

FIRESIDE CHAT

Building Innovative Ecosystems In Africa: Destination Rwanda

Rwanda is investing in the tech industry more than other African countries. In fact, over the past several years it has launched innovation hubs like FabLab and FOYO, a mobile pharmaceutical directory. How is the entrepreneurial ecosystem improving as a result of these innovation hubs in Rwanda? What are some examples of emerging innovative technologies in health, agriculture, or education that are impacting daily life in Rwanda? What role do innovation hubs in Rwanda play in mentoring entrepreneurs, developing skills, and fostering an innovative ecosystem?

The fireside chat will address this and other issues including access to the Internet and a faster broadband.

MODERATOR : C.D. Glin, President and CEO of the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF)

The Honorable, Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Government of Rwanda

PANEL SESSION

Amplify Innovation and Investment Hubs in Africa

Across the continent, several countries have taken various approaches to building strongholds of investment and innovation. Rwanda is actively planning an innovation hub, Kigali Innovation City, to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy. In West Africa, Nigeria has partnered with U.S. officials to launch a West Africa Trade and Innovation Hub.

What are some unique approaches adopted by different countries in Africa to building innovation ecosystems? What role are public-private partnerships playing in amplifying Innovation hubs in Africa? What are the most pressing challenges Africa innovation hubs are facing today? What effects is Covid 19 having on innovation ecosystems? What are some unique ways in which the African diaspora can engage in amplifying African Innovation hubs?

MODERATOR: Saida Benhayoune, Innovation Practice Advisor at MIT

Hiruy Amanuel, Co-founder and Managing Director of A.J. Ventures

Nekesa Were, Director of Strategy, AFRILABS

Timothy Nzioka, Director of Regional Program Operations, USADF - NAIROBI

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