After a long wait its finally here, Less than a month, 15 Sub-Saharan Africa’s startups are going to compete and pitch at the Startup Battlefield Africa Event to be Hosted in Nairobi on October 11th. With a great Line up of Speakers and Topics to be Covered, we are yet to see who gets to attend TechCrunch’s flagship event, Disrupt SF 2018, Trip for two paid for and a no-equity cash prize of $25,000.
The main action of TechCrunch Battlefield Africa―startup competitions in gaming and entertainment, productivity and utility, and social impact categories―will be held before a live audience. Confirmed judges include Naspers’ Showmax Africa Head Chris Savides, IFC Senior Investment Officer Wale Ayeni, Nataal founder Helen Jennings, MEST MD Aaron Fu, and Agile Venture Capital founding partner Shuonan Chen. The Event will have a live Audience and a Live stream of the Pitches, Fireside Chats and Panels.
BOB COLLYMORE – CEO Safaricom
How does the continent solve its internet connectivity equation? We’ve enlisted the help of Bob Collymore, CEO of Kenya’s mobile network provider, Safaricom (and the progenitor of M-PESA — Africa’s leading mobile currency), along with Facebook’s Uche Ofodile, and BRCK CEO Erik Hersman to provide the best prescriptions. Connectivity is a major problem facing consumers and companies alike throughout the continent and this panel will offer solutions that startups can implement now.
SACHA POIGNONNEC – Ceo Jumia
We’re also excited to have Sacha Poignonnec, CEO of Africa’s first $1 billion tech company, Jumia, share his insights on what it took to build his company. And to tackle what it will take to produce Africa’s next unicorn? EchoVC’s Eghosa Omoigui and Paga’s Tayo Oviosu, will join Poignonnec on stage to talk strategies companies can employ while avoiding common pitfalls.
Among the numerous obstacles startups face in Africa, finding the right tools and the most skilled team is a critical pain point. AppsTech CEO Rebecca Enonchongwill join IBM Africa’s Nik Nesbitt, and Andela’s Chief Strategy Officer Wambui Kinya to discuss what it takes to build the right teams and what tools to employ while staying on budget.
How will technology help Africa’s music, movies, and fashion go global? Creative industries leader Obi Asika and Kisua e-commerce founder Samuel Mensah will share their perspectives on how startups can properly export their local culture while maintaining their unique identity.
we look forward to seeing you in October! Apply for your tickets to attend here.
