South Africa This Week: Startup Events Glimpses [8th-14th October, 2018]
Startup activity in the southern part of Africa has been on something of an upward trajectory in recent times as the entrepreneurial scene on this front seems to always be buzzing with happenings that are aimed at developing the region’s startup ecosystem. And this past week was no different as a number of events geared toward furthering the growth of the ecosystem were successfully held in parts of the region. Now, here are highlights from some of those events.
TADHack Event Held In South Africa
On Saturday, 13th October 2018, a hackathon which seeks to help people learn about the latest internet, IT, and telecoms technologies kicked off at MTN Innovation Center in Randburg, South Africa. The hackathon which was tagged TADHack drew participation from aspiring tech teams who were looking to build on their skills and expertise by improving their knowledge of how to use technology to solve some of society’s most pressing problems. The event which is expected to draw to a close today is billed to feature a number of keynote speakers, as well as presentations from a number of tech teams.
EduTech Africa Conference Took Place In South Africa
This year’s edition of the annual EduTech Conference was held between 9th to 10th October 2018, at Sandton Convention Center, in Johannesburg. In what could be considered one of Africa’s largest edtech exhibition, the event was essentially a showpiece which allowed for viewing of some of the latest offerings in the edtech space.
The year’s Edutech Conference featured seminars, a coding zone, a robotic zone, an ICT panel, a startup zone, new exhibitors, some networking, and an edtech exhibition. It also showcased interactive experience zones which allowed buyers to touch, feel, see, interact, and use live products — thus making for a social, practical, and captivating experience.
The event offered participants a chance to network with edtech professionals, meet and purchase products and solutions from leading technology suppliers, as well as discover and test some of the most innovative edtech products and solutions on the market. Edtech startups were also afforded the opportunity to advertise their offerings.
Solution Space Hosted An Event In South Africa
Startup consultant and Startupbootcamp (Afritech) Program Manager, Nsovo Nkatingi, was invited to this last week’s Solution Space Learning Lunch to share her insights on putting together a winning pitch deck. Solution Space Learning Lunches are known to provide a platform for entrepreneurs to learn from experts in their field. This it does by inviting guests to speak on a range of topics that address common pain points faced by founders.
Participants are the event were looking to pick the brains of the guest on such aspects as pitching for customers, finance, and partners, building a sales deck for B2B, building a fundraising deck, and delivering excellent presentations. The event took place on Thursday, 11th October 2018 at UCT Graduate School of Business in Cape Town. The audience comprised a number of early-stage startups, as well as corporates and industry players.
Lionesses Of Africa Event Held In Zimbabwe
Melanie Hawken; Founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa, alongside Charity Jinya; Managing Director at Nedbank Zimbabwe, brought Lioness Lean In Breakfast event for women entrepreneurs to Zimbabwe for the very first time. Lionesses of Africa is regarded as one of the fastest-growing networks of women entrepreneurs in Africa. This event which took place in TBD, Harare, on 9th October 2018, drew attendance from a number of inspirational women entrepreneurs who shared their startup stories. It also featured the unveiling of some great new initiatives being launched by Lionesses of Africa.
Participants at the event were afforded the opportunity to hear inspiring entrepreneurial stories of women who are building great businesses, benefit from the insights and advice of women entrepreneurs who have been there and done that, network with speakers and participants who all share a passion for advancing women entrepreneurs, as well as ask questions and get advice that can help take their enterprises to the next level.
Image Credits: Htxt.co.za, Africa.com
