Relevant stakeholders especially in the ICT space in Africa will converge in Kigali, Rwanda in February 2018 for African Tech Summit, Justice Godfrey Okamgba chats with Andrew Fassnidge, Founder of Africa Tech Summit concerning the expected outcome of the event.
1. The African Tech Summit is just around the corner, what do we expect from this event which is expected to attract key industry players?
The two day African tech event will explore the latest trends with over 50 expert speakers from across the continent delivering keynotes, breakout sessions featuring Connectivity; Blockchain; African Mobility; Cloud and IoT; Investing; Solar; Mobile and Data; Tech & Talent; Future Trends; mCommerce; Payments and Credit; Fintech; mHealth; EdTech; AgriTech; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics; Virtual Reality (VR); Digital Media and Creative Tracks.
2. We have seen lots of tech summit holding almost every day with little or nothing positive to reckon with, what does this event intend to achieve?
The mission of Africa Tech Summit Kigali is to drive business and investment within the African tech ecosystem. The event will showcase some of the most exciting ventures and connect critical stakeholders from across the continent while providing excellent insight and networking over two days. Our events are about connecting tech leaders to do business.
3. Andrew, are you doing this alone, or have you gotten any support concerning funding to put this event together?
The event is supported by our sponsors and ecosystem players who see the Summit as a great platform to drive their businesses forward.
4. How sustainable has this event been, is this the flagship event?
The Kigali event comes off the back of two successful African Tech Summit London’s in 2016 and 2017, and you can watch the feedback from speakers and attendees here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHQCyIgjU_M. Launching Africa Tech Summit Kigali aims to connect investors, tech leaders from across Africa and the rest of the world.
5. What is the primary impediment to the development of technology in Africa and practical approach to dealing with them?
I think it is easy to look for impediments, but what we see across the African tech scene is entrepreneurs who have a desire, drive, and determination to use technology to overcome challenges with new solutions.
There are of course challenges with connectivity, funding, talent or market conditions in different markets; however, that said these problems have also been a catalyst for new innovative businesses. Africa Tech Summit Kigali aims to connect leaders in the ecosystem who can help others overcome these challenges.
6. Why did you choose to host the African Tech Summit in Kigali ahead of other more prominent cities like Lagos, Pretoria or Abuja?
We are honored to work with the Rwandan ICT Ministry to connect leading ventures from across the continent at Africa Tech Summit Kigali.
Rwanda is a leading light for cutting-edge tech initiatives, and the event will assess some of the most exciting opportunities for partnership and investment across the continent so a fantastic fit for what we are trying to achieve.
