Startups as a tool for empowerment and job creation

Human-centric digital innovation as an enabler for local economies and beyond

Studio 2
Lab Debate
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
13:40 to 14:25

A reliable partnership can provide mutual benefit to African and European stakeholders in areas including digital technologies and skills, both of which are essential for economic growth. Supporting digital entrepreneurship, including tackling the pressing needs of youth entering the job market, as well as the specific hurdles faced by women in accessing the digital economy, is key.

The session was designed as an incubator, bringing together various stakeholders, beyond traditional development actors. The event featured a genuine discussion about collective goals and challenges, resulting in concrete proposals, with a particular focus on women and youth, and beyond the ‘Big Four’ (Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya).

Synopsis

A number of challenges must be addressed to stimulate digital entrepreneurship in Africa. In this regard, the underrepresentation of women in tech can be tackled through inclusion and diversity programmes that feature and are led by women. To address business sustainability, entrepreneurs should partner with large corporations to leverage both their knowledge and access to markets. Governments need to create a startup ecosystem which combines public will, private sector creativity, investor funding and academic research.

Organised by

Speakers

Moderator
Christine MHUNDWA
Moderator
Deutsche Welle
Kwena MABOTJA
Global Director Purpose and Sustainability Marketing and Solutions, SAP
SAP SE
Moataz HELMY
Chairman
AfriLabs
Peter THIMME
Director Business Innovation & Syndication
DEG
Antti KARHUNEN
European Commission - Directorate-General for International Partnerships

Photo gallery

Startups as a tool for empowerment and job creation