The inaugural German African Entrepreneurship Summit (GAES) will take place in Accra from Monday, February 11 to Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
This summit brings together 150 representatives of the Pan-African entrepreneurship ecosystem to focus their experience and creativity on central questions of entrepreneurship in Africa and to learn from each other.
The event is themed: “Unleash the Ecosystem – to shape Policies, collaborate with Companies and determine its own Future.”
The GAES is organised by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) in collaboration with some partners including the Ministry of Business Development, AHK (Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana), Afrilabs, #i4Policy, Make-IT in Africa and Ghana Tech and Business Hubs in Ghana.
Entrepreneurship is a field of freedom of mind and creativity which are all essential ingredients for innovation and expertise.
According to the Resident representative of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Burkhardt Hellemann the organization of the summit expresses the foundation’s strong faith in the potential of the African entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“The two major objectives of this summit are to improve the legal and political framework and to develop the synergies and bridge the gap between the new ecosystem of entrepreneurs and startups and already existing companies,” Mr. Helleman stated.
“With this summit, we want to support you to shape better policies and develop your potential for establishing leading companies.”
The GAES is one of the biggest gatherings of African hubs, incubators and startups who will share their experiences, examine new trends and insights.
Startups will also have the opportunity to learn from the most experienced and talented people in the entrepreneurship ecosystem across the continent.
GAES is a side event to the German African Business Summit (GABS), Germany’s signature business event in Africa with around 750 top business and government leaders.
On Day 2 of the event, the two Summits will merge to a single event following the motto: “Old Economy meets new Economy”; a great opportunity for exchange, networking and initiating partnerships
With an interesting programme of workshops, panel discussions, brainstorming and disruption sessions, cocktail nights, Fireside Chats and an opportunity to engage in a pitch presentation for startups, the summit will address issues such as Networking, the African Online Marketing Trends, market barriers and opportunities, the value of involving civil society into policy shaping, Financial education (Gamification) and Dealing with European Business Culture.
The gap among the industry, investors and startups is bound to be bridged to shape entrepreneurial policies in Africa.
About KAS
KAS is a German political foundation. Starting in Ghana in 1966, KAS supports socio-political reforms, tries to strengthen the parliament as an institution of decision-making, promotes popular participation in the political process and law security as well as the integration of traditional structures into the modern state. KAS is the main sponsor of the GAES.
Partners
i4Policy
i4Policy develops and implements a methodology to get YOU involved in public policy. Governments across Africa are working to support digital and economic transformation. This requires innovative and ambitious policymaking, and the participation and insights from young entrepreneurs and innovation communities, such as hubs.
German Chamber of Commerce (AHK)
At 130 locations in 90 countries around the world, the German Chamber Network (AHKs) offers its experience, network and services to German and foreign companies. AHKs are located in all countries which are of special interest for German industry and business. The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana is part of the worldwide AHK German Chamber Network. As a Delegation, it is the preliminary stage for a bilateral Chamber of Commerce.
Afrilabs
AfriLabs is a network organization of 135 innovation centres across 36 African countries. We support hubs to raise successful entrepreneurs that will create jobs and develop innovative solutions to African problems.
Ghana Tech and Business Hub Network
The Ghana Tech and Business Hubs Network consists of hubs in Ghana (generic innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem enablers across the country) who have come together to use shared ideas and resources to develop human resource and equip innovative individuals with the requisite skills, build capacity to grow local innovations & businesses, build capacity for jobs creation and generate income.
Ministry of Business Development
The Ministry of Business Development was formed to create a sustainable and most business-friendly, entrepreneurial and innovative business environment that fosters private sector-led investment and job creation.
Make-IT Africa
Make-IT in Africa promotes digital innovation for sustainable and inclusive development from West and East African entrepreneurs in their early growth phase. In close collaboration with corporate and financing partners, social enterprises, hubs and networks, Make-IT in Africa creates an enabling environment for better access to finance, markets and skills.
