Diaspora-Driven Entrepreneurship: Bridging Markets and Scaling African Ventures

For too long, philanthropy and traditional nonprofits have been the primary avenues for empowering communities across Africa. This panel will explore how entrepreneurship can serve as a transformative tool to drive lasting impact without relying on handouts. Bringing together impact investors, entrepreneurs, and VCs, we will discuss strategies to build sustainable, scalable enterprises that transcend borders and create real change across the continent. Attendees will hear firsthand from investors and founders on the trade-offs and synergies between profitability and purpose.

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Africa’s healthcare systems face critical challenges: reducing reliance on foreign aid, addressing the shift from infectious to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and expanding access to care. This panel explores practical and innovative, sustainable models to transform healthcare delivery across the continent. This session will bring together investors, operators, and academics to explore

the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the adoption of technology in Africa. Panelists will discuss strengthening pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystems through local production, technology transfer, and regional collaboration. They will also highlight the role of private capital in scaling sustainable solutions and share insights on leveraging pharmacies as primary care providers to address NCDs. Together, they’ll outline actionable strategies for building resilient healthcare systems, emphasizing local innovation, public-private partnerships, and regional cooperation. This session offers a roadmap for addressing Africa’s evolving healthcare needs.

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The panel brings together key financiers in Africa—spanning the private sector, philanthropies, and public sector players—to explore how innovative financing can drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent. The discussion will highlight the critical role of collaboration among these stakeholders in addressing Africa’s unique challenges and unlocking its opportunities. Panelists will share insights on structuring impactful investments, mobilizing capital at scale, and leveraging strategic partnerships, while also addressing the challenges they face when operating in the region.

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