Onyeka Akumah, co-founder and CEO of Farmcrowdy, Nigeria’s first digital agriculture platform, is among the prominent African Tech players that will be speaking at the annual Innovation Summit for Africa which has been billed to hold in Nairobi on March 6, 2018.
This was disclosed in a tweet this morning by the company’s Twitter handle:
Today, our CEO, @onyekaakumah will be speaking at the Economist Innovation Summit Africa in Nairobi, Kenya on "Lightning round: Africa’s next-generation innovators". Details – https://t.co/KEGeVvVRXS
We are excited about the opportunity for him to share knowledge with Africa! pic.twitter.com/lQJtlj5QRt— Farmcrowdy (@farmcrowdy) March 6, 2018
The event which has been organised by the Economist Events aims at bringing together a host of digital stakeholders including startups and investors to discuss how Africa can successfully fulfil its digital potentials.
The Summit will feature topics such as; Exchange African innovation in a drawbridge up the world, Policy as a driver for innovation, Africa’s next-generation innovators, The future of the mobile continent, and Can Africa be the world’s factory?
Hear prominent speakers from global businesses like COMESA, Siemens, Mobius Motors, BitPesa, Rockwell Automation and more to discuss digital transformation at The Innovation Summit Africa 2018, March 6th 2018 Nairobi #InnovEcon. Please visit https://t.co/bnDmhLMp7V pic.twitter.com/ndiky1XoYV
— Economist Impact Events (@EconomistEvents) March 1, 2018
Although Africa holds the promise of significantly accelerating growth in certain technologies, it is still being held back by problems such as poor infrastructure, skills shortages, weak governance and a continual reliance on commodities. The event organizers have promised that the event bears the promise of proferring credible solutions.
In a build-up statement for the event, they said:
Africa undoubtedly offers potential, but the question remains: how will it be achieved? Are African governments doing enough to improve infrastructure, train their workforces, modernise regulations and ensure inclusive growth, to create a better business climate and boost trade? How can companies innovate and capitalise on advances in technology to scale up their businesses across the continent? Can Africa’s tech-driven startups become engines of future growth? And will a connected Africa be better for business and improve lives for people overall?
Today, our CEO, @onyekaakumah will be speaking at the Economist Innovation Summit Africa in Nairobi, Kenya on "Lightning round: Africa’s next-generation innovators". Details – https://t.co/KEGeVvVRXS
We are excited about the opportunity for him to share knowledge with Africa! pic.twitter.com/lQJtlj5QRt— Farmcrowdy (@farmcrowdy) March 6, 2018
On the side, attendees will have the chance to meet and share ideas with business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, technologists, and industry stakeholders. They will also get to explore opportunities and challenges for the expansion of digital transformation in the region.
This Panel on THE FUTURE OF MOBILE CONTINENT shares captivating insights
– ELIZABETH ROSSIELLO, chief executive officer, BitPesa
– ROSTAN SCHWAB, Africa head for fintech, International Finance
Corporation
– MOHAMED DABBOUR, executive vice president Africa, Millicom#InnovEcon pic.twitter.com/vHeM8XAH1l— eNitiate Digital Content Solutions (@The_eNitiaters) March 6, 2018
Other speakers at the event include BitPesa CEO, Elizabeth Rossiello; Nailab Founder, Sam Gichuru; Andela Chief Strategy Officer, Wambui Kinya; MEST Managing Director, Aaron Fu; TPG’s Africa Managing Partner, Yemi Lalude; Managing Director iHub, Mary Gicharu and a host of others.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
