The Africa Tech Festival, one of the continent’s premier gatherings for technology and telecoms, will debut its 27th annual event with an expanded program featuring the YALI Alumni Expo and Trade Show and a strategic partnership with the Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF).
The festival, which runs from November 12 to 14 at Cape Town International Convention Centre, is expected to draw 15,000 attendees, with over 400 speakers and 300 exhibitors.
The YALI Expo, established by the USAID Young African Leaders Initiative, will provide a platform for alumni driving positive community change. Attendees can network with these emerging leaders and explore innovations designed for sustainable impact across Africa.
The Trevor Noah Foundation’s strategic partnership will bring a focus on leadership development in the education sector. Through this collaboration, young leaders from Southern Africa will gain insights and tools to support tech-driven educational solutions, aligning with TNF’s mission to enhance youth education across the continent.
“We are thrilled to announce our role as a strategic partner for the upcoming Africa Tech Festival! This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing technology and education across the continent,” said Mzwandile Msimanga, Special Projects and Partnerships Manager at TNF.
James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival, highlighted the significance of these new additions.
“The inclusion of the YALI Expo and the Trevor Noah Foundation coming on board as a strategic partner demonstrate the vital role of technology in equipping Africa’s youth with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy. We look forward to engaging and insightful discussions around improving access to quality education and preparing Africa’s youth for emerging opportunities,” he remarked.
The festival will also address Africa’s AI talent shortage, with Shalane Yuen, TNF’s Founding Managing Director, speaking on a panel titled “The AI Talent Crunch: Solutions for Skill Gaps and Training Needs.” Surprise Nsovo Sebeyeni from Sifiso Edtech, TNF’s AI and robotics partner, alongside TNF members and YALI alumni, will lead sessions on edtech’s role in upskilling youth and next-gen talent workshops.
As Africa Tech Festival 2024 gears up, it promises a platform for crucial discussions on technology’s transformative role in Africa’s digital and educational landscape, emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment for the continent’s future.
The event is remarkably dedicated to putting African Tech on the global stage.