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AfriLabs, the largest pan-African network of technology and innovation hubs in Africa is pleased to announce that Rwanda’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Hon. Paula Ingabire has given her endorsement for the 2023 AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) to be held in Kigali, Rwanda. This came after her tweet last year expressing her excitement when Rwanda won the bid to host this event.
In a recent meeting with a team from AfriLabs consisting of Anna Ekeledo – the Executive Director, Steve Tchoumba – an AfriLabs board member, and some other apex staff, the Minister pledged her support for the AAG and expressed her commitment to hosting all stakeholders of the African technology and innovation ecosystem for a series of events, adding that she is ready to showcase the opportunities available to them in Rwanda.
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“Rwanda is always open to welcome regional and global innovators, and more so to champion critical conversations that unlock forward-looking policies and opportunities for the start-up ecosystem. Our goal is to empower scalable startups that collectively transform our communities with cutting edge innovations,” said Hon. Paula Ingabire.
The AAG is AfriLabs’ flagship event which first took place in 2016 in Accra, Ghana, and is held yearly in different cities across the continent. Over the years, it has grown from being just an opportunity to convene the African technology and innovation ecosystem into being an avenue to build African institutions, chart policy pathways and become a vehicle to usher in the next wave of African technology advancement. Through collaboration, stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy and Government engagement, the event has turned into a focal point for change in Africa. To this end, Hon. Ingabire has committed to having further conversations on policy throughout this year that will yield tangible results in the ecosystem.
We are also pleased to announce that the theme for this year’s Gathering is “Accelerating Africa’s Digital Economy by the Strength of our Community”, and it is scheduled to take place from the 11th to 13th of October 2023.
“AfriLabs appreciates the people, government, and innovation community in Rwanda for the strides they have made in positioning themselves as one of the most progressive countries on the continent. We thank the Honorable Minister for putting her weight behind platforms like the AfriLabs Annual Gathering. We look forward to onboarding more partners as we approach the Gathering. To the entire African innovation ecosystem, see you in Kigali in October,” said Anna Ekeledo during her meeting with the Rwandan Minister of ICT.
Registration for the 2023 AfriLabs Annual Gathering has commenced. Interested persons can secure their spots at www.afrilabsgathering.com.
