AfriLabs ; The largest pan-African network of over 60 technology and innovation hubs across 25 African countries is holding its 2017 Annual Gathering taking place from the 18th – 20th of October in Egypt hosted by AfriLabs member hub The District in partnership with Hivos . The AfriLabs Annual Gathering and the Hivos Coworking Summit will be coming together as a joint event to provide more opportunities for the different members of both networks to exchange knowledge, network, build collaborative relationships and share resources. The conference is themed ‘ Future of Cities: Innovation, Spaces and Collaboration ’.
This conference is a showcase covering a select number of topics beneficial to both networks that relate to the future of Africa and the role entrepreneurs are playing and can play. In attendance will be 80 technology and innovation hubs & co-working spaces from 35 countries, over 250 African entrepreneurs and creatives. The grand opening and first day of the conference will be hosted by the French University in Sherouk City and the subsequent 2 days and grand closing hosted by American University in Cairo. The conference also has an agenda that highlights joint and parallel sessions. In attendance will be Egyptian government representatives, 80 technology and innovation hubs & collaborative spaces from 35 countries, over 250 African entrepreneurs and creatives.
The conference is co-organized by; AfriLabs, Hivos, District, Progrss, Wasabi, The French University and The American University in Cairo (AUC). We are very excited about this strategic partnership between all parties – first of, District and Progrss graciously hosting the African innovation ecosystem in their great city, Cairo and then Hivos who will be bringing their amazing network of Collaborative Spaces with our network of Innovation Labs to co-run a three day conference full of exciting activities and discussions which
will form the foundation of relationships forged, ecosystem collaborations and innovative solutions which will be implemented on the continent for urban, economic and social
development. Exciting times indeed! – Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director of AfriLabs ” We are happy to host “The Future of African Cities” Conference in Cairo.
We believe that there are tremendous opportunities for African entrepreneurs to collaborate and contribute to solutions to address some of the most pressing challenges that African cities face today. We are happy to mobilize our network and resources for this conference ,” says Mohamed Helmy, CEO of District Spaces and Progrss.
” For two years now, The Coworking Summit has been empowering managers and founders of collaborative spaces by allowing them to connect, share experiences, and expand their networks.
We are very excited about the prospects of bringing our networks and resources together along with AfriLabs to co-organize our annual gatherings. Observing the diversity of participants and different partners coming together to be part of this event from both networks is mouth watering. We can’t wait to see what collaborations and exciting ideas will come out of it “, said Ahmed Sameh, Project Manager, Hivos.
