2019 Gate for Innovation Africa Start-up Summit – Activate!
Activator Bongekile Filana was among 15 Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) delegates who paved a a way for new Africa technology investments roadmap at Gate for Innovation Africa Start-up Summit in Tunisia from the 25th and 26th of June.
Social Change Driver and Digital Activist Bongekile Filana joined the chosen minds to represent South Africa because of her participation in ICT skill development and involvement in various organisations like the Youth Economic Alliance which is the official partner of the 2019 African Start-up Gate Summit that advocates for youth entrepreneurship in South Africa.
2019 African Gate for Innovation Africa Start-up Summit’s aim was to give young African participants an opportunity to interrogate viable digital revolution solutions that can better the lives of our poor people and enable the majority of African citizens (especially youth)to participate meaningfully in digital economic development.
This annual gathering was attended by early-stage projects, start-up entrepreneurs and experts in the ICT industry from all over the African continent.
Bongekile addressed issues like accelerating innovation-based economic growth in Africa, Agro technologies for African emerging markets, Artificial intelligence, direct effects of blockchain in free African markets, how FinTech is shaping the future of banking and how to correctly implement the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Accelerating innovation-based Economic Growth in Africa:
This interactive panel session was led by Tunisian Communications technologies and Digital Economy Minister, Sir. Annour MAAROUF. He outlined the importance of supporting start-ups with innovative technology tools that ensure accountability and transparency from all sectors of society.
As the continent we need to create inclusive economic growth and ensure all citizens can overcome barriers to civic participation and inclusion. Technology is one of many keys that will help us to ensure that happens in our lifetime.” said sir. Annour MAAROUF as he finished his session.
Agro technologies for emerging African markets
This interactive panel session was led by CEO ANPR, Prof Chedly Abdelli. The seasoned entrepreneur shared his views on how technology is changing the face of agriculture by enabling farmers to increase production and reduce costs. He also shared ideas on how Africa can utilise disruptive technology to boost the green economy.
Sensors and drones are capable and can be used to undertake specialised work, and a good thing about such technology tools is they are relatively cheap. Its high time that fellow Africans in Agriculture effectively use sensors and drones to do other things like water and soil and analysis, said Prof Abdelli.
Artificial intelligence, direct effects of blockchain in free African markets
This financial panel session was conducted by Botswana FinTech entrepreneur, Sir. Rajit Singh. The session mainly focused on how FinTech is shaping the future of banking and insurance industries-opportunities for African Entrepreneurs.
We need solutions that use automation, artificial intelligent, cloud and machine learning to improve the human conditions. I would like to also share my support to what Republic of South African President highlighted in his recent State of the Nation Address. Indeed it is true that if it is well implemented, African continental free trade will improve a lot of things for us as Africans,’’ he emphases throughout his session.
UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals
Youth Economic Alliance Deputy President Makibinyane Mohapeloa’s core message focused on the role of start-ups in developing the digital economy. One of the key things Makibinyane emphases is the importance of technology skills in driving the United Nations 2030 agenda and the catalyst role of tech start-ups in ensuring inclusive economic growth on our continent.