Conferences come and go in Africa today. Hot topics that break through into the world’s conscious thanks to mainstream media dominate them including Infrastructure, Technology, Manufacturing, Mining.
None has attempted to bring together key stakeholders, in both ambition and scale to tackle the PanAfrican technology renaissance. That is until, DEMO Africa, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from the 24-26th of October 2012.
DEMO Africa takes the years and refined precision of the acclaimed international DEMO conference, which had its very first African participants last year through the winners of the inaugural Pivot25 conference in Nairobi in 2011.
With no further ado here are 5 reasons to register and attend DEMO Africa:
1. Silicon Savannahs’ Savviest Startups
The story of Silicon Savannah and Africa’s nascent technology revolution has made the pages of TIME, The Economist and major newspapers around the globe cementing the credentials that the continent is ready. However it’s much harder to figure who exactly the key players are, especially those that are about to emerge or hit the spotlight. DEMO Africa’s team have traversed the continent to select the 40 strongest candidates in their respective categories and markets. Whether for investing, connecting or simply to get up to speed on what it takes to succeed, this is a promising reason to register to attend.
2. Networking in Nairobi
For those who haven’t taken a visit to Kenya’s capital city it offers the promise of connecting with the continent’s most active, respected and successful business people. Seasoned African entrepreneurs looking to engage with new talent or perhaps the Middle East & Africa head of a new emerging markets fund – all kinds of professionals will converge in Nairobi for DEMO Africa. The exchange of intelligence, ideas and inspiration with the selection of guests makes this a must attend event. Register to Attend.
3. Perfecting The Pitch
DEMO’s stage is set as the entrepreneurs work tirelessly for months in expectation that they will make the 6 minute pitch that may very well define the rest of their careers. This opportunity to interact with the connectors, “doers” and entrepreneurial genius of all corners of the continent as they prepare and present their businesses and growth paths paints a quick image of what opportunities there are in consumer and enterprise technology on the continent. Register to Attend.
4. Titans of Industry Trading Insights and Expertise
The program promises some of the most renowned and respected business individuals across the continent exchanging insights and best practice on what works in Africa and where the next frontiers lie. From global vice presidents invested in emerging markets to some of the foremost experts in technology, innovation and enterprise – the stage will see discussions, conversations and perspectives on the past, present and future of this great industry. Register to Attend.
5. PanAfrican Context, Global Reach
Among the recent investor breakfasts held by DEMO Africa in each of the 3 technology hotspots in the continent that is, Lagos, Nairobi and Cape Town; emerged the local thread of what local investors are getting involved with as well as their challenges. As international partnerships are forged within the LIONS@FRICA (Liberating Innovation in Opportunity Nations in Africa) Partnership and DEMO Africa finds what’s made previous African entrepreneurs successful, one can only expect that this next generation will learn and apply these lessons and the international community will accelerate their impact. Whichever side of the divide you are on, it promises global impact with Nairobi as the first stop on the continent. Register to Attend.
To witness this, or better yet, to be part of it is why DEMO Africa promises to be the definining conference of 2012.
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Article originally written by Mark Kaigwa (@mkaigwa)