Breakout 1
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Saturday
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9:00 am
Aldrich 107

Entrepreneurship and Impact: Building sustainable businesses to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges

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.

Entrepreneurship and Impact: Building sustainable businesses to solve Africa’s most pressing challenges

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.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 107

Other Sessions

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Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 108
Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential for Regional and Global Markets
This panel explores value addition, branding, and investment to transform Africa’s agricultural sector and boost growth.
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Unlocking Africa’s Agricultural Potential for Regional and Global Markets

Africa’s agricultural sector remains heavily dependent on raw commodity exports, with value addition accounting for just 10-15% of total exports. This limits the continent’s ability to fully benefit from global and regional markets for processed goods. Despite decades of efforts to improve subsistence farming, food systems and livelihoods have seen little transformation.

This panel will explore how demand-driven value addition, branding, and storytelling—supported by the right investments and ecosystem partnerships—can drive sector growth, enhance food security, and unlock economic potential. Panelists from across the value chain will discuss key gaps, opportunities, and actionable pathways to create and capture value in Africa’s agricultural ecosystem.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 108
More Info
Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Spangler Auditorium
The Financing Dilemma: Are Global Powers Driving Africa’s Development or Deepening Economic Dependency?
This panel explores foreign financing’s impact on Africa—driving growth or fostering dependency—and its future sustainability.
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The Financing Dilemma: Are Global Powers Driving Africa’s Development or Deepening Economic Dependency?

This panel examines the impact of foreign financing on Africa's development, focusing on whether these cross-border investments are essential drivers of economic growth or if they risk fostering dependency and undermining sovereignty. Discussions will explore how foreign financing has shaped African economies over the past decade and what expectations lie ahead for the future. Key questions include: Are the structures of current financing agreements sustainable and beneficial for African nations? Do countries have the capacity to refinance debts? Most importantly, what does this mean for future generations, particularly in balancing opportunities for growth with the burden of long-term debt?

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Spangler Auditorium
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Lunches
Saturday
|
12:45 pm
Batten Hives 2nd Floor
Thematic Networking Lunches
Please join us on the second floor of Batten for lunch and networking
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Thematic Networking Lunches

Thematic Networking Lunches offer a dynamic space for professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships over a shared meal. Each gathering is centered around a specific theme, sparking insightful discussions and fostering collaboration among like-minded individuals. Whether you're looking to gain fresh perspectives, explore new opportunities, or simply expand your network in a relaxed yet purposeful setting, these lunches provide the perfect opportunity to engage, learn, and grow.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 12:45 PM
Batten Hives 2nd Floor