Africa Tech Summit takes place April 20th, London

By @SimonCocking

When is the African Tech Summit on?

April 20th

What was the inspiration to start it?

Having worked across Africa in the mobile industry since 2009, I founded Appsafrica.com a number of years ago to illustrate all the great things I was seeing across the African tech scene. I had witnessed the explosive growth of the ecosystem from pre-mobile data days when most services revolved around messaging and voice, to the rapid expansion of internet penetration across Africa. This mobile first continent is providing opportunities that previously did not exist for investors, entrepreneurs and corporates. The vision for Africa Tech summit London was simply to bring together all these great companies and initiatives I was seeing across the continent and connect them with a European community of ventures, investors, entrepreneurs who are also focused on Africa.

What exciting things can people look forward to for the 2017 version?

This year we have a very broad range of speakers sharing insights on a range of topics from across Africa from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Agri-tech. We will uncover the latest investment insights from across Africa from leading investors including International Finance Company (IFC) and Draper Dark Flow from Silicon Valley. Fintech is always a hot topic, even more so when the majority of the African population are unbanked and underserved. We will hear from leading banks, corporates and disruptors including RedCloud Technologies who are disrupting mobile payments and banking in East Africa. Blockchain is being utilised for international remittances and payments for SME’s, launched first in Africa by BitPesa, a fintech disruptor we will share the blockchain opportunities in Africa. Other leading experts will share insights on the mobile, data, consumer, media and investment opportunities across the continent.

What opportunities are on offer for people / startups / investors and companies attending?

We would really welcome any of these to come along and connect with key industry stakeholders and still opportunities to exhibit, we especially welcome scaling start-ups looking to connect with African focused investors. We have a full day’s agenda, excellent networking opportunities with African experts and media, and an expo showcasing some leading ventures all under one roof, finished off with an evening drinks reception!

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

The event is a great opportunity to connect with leading African mobile network operators, banks, investors and funds without leaving Europe so come ready to connect in relaxed atmosphere with interactive format. We also have several leading African editors in the room this year from Quartz Africa, TechCrunch, The Economist and African Business all involved in the agenda so a great opportunity to come and speak to the leading media directly, or make announcements.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?

Some tickets are still available at www.africatechsummit.com and likely to sell out in the coming weeks

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked?

The Irish angle!

Andrew Fassnidge is founder of Africa Tech Summit London, connecting Europe with the African tech scene in London. A Dublin native, he first cut his teeth in tech under Ray Nolan at Hostelworld.com back in 2002. Having moved to London he went on to work in mobile across Africa, before founding Appsafrica.com which provides insights and advisory to global companies about the African tech scene. Appsafrica.com also host tech events in Nigeria, South Africa and the UK connecting industry leaders, media and investors. www.africatechsummit.com

If you would like to have your company featured in the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie or on Twitter: @SimonCocking