The hybrid event will bring together startup founders and pioneers from across Africa; Microsoft’s startup partners and customers will take to the main stage to share their stories of success; Up to 10,000 startups will be given access to industry-specific expertise and insights on how best to take their business to the next level with the help of AI

Microsoft announced the introduction of its first African Startups AI Fest at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco today. Spearheaded by the organisation’s Africa Transformation Office (ATO), the event promises to inspire and support startups to accelerate their journey to market with the right AI-powered tech solutions. The event, scheduled for 6 June 2024, will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, with virtual access available to attendees across the continent.

The African Startups AI Fest will bring together founders, entrepreneurs, business decision-makers, engineers and developers in the startups space from across the continent. This inaugural event aims to showcase the transformative power of AI and how startups can use this revolutionary technology to drive innovation and take their ideas not only to local markets but a global stage.

“There is a need to provide startups on the continent with the resources to take their concepts from the drawing board to customers,” says Lillian Barnard, Microsoft Africa President. “From AI-enabled tech solutions to advanced digital skills, startups need to be given every opportunity to thrive in a highly competitive global market because they are the catalysts for job creation and economic growth in Africa.” Overcoming mounting economic pressures

Recent research from The African Tech Startups Funding Report (http://apo-opa.co/3KlSzQs) has found that funding for tech startups in Africa has declined after a highly successful 2022 when 633 tech startups raised over $3 billion in funding.

“In the face of a challenging economic climate, startups across Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience,” Barnard says. “Despite the tough conditions, they have ignited a wave of innovation. Empowered with the right tech tools, startups can scale their solutions, enhance productivity, and drive growth. At Microsoft, we believe that technology, particularly the transformative power of AI, holds the key to a more empowered future in Africa.”

Finding the right tech partner

Over the years, Microsoft has supported startups on the continent to grow and develop. These success stories include the likes of RE Legal Interact, M-KOPA, Omnisient, Zen Dawa, Deepecho and Terragon.

Legal Interact (http://apo-opa.co/3yDXE45) is an Independent Software Vendor that has integrated Microsoft AI into its software and recently launched the first AI lawyer in South Africa. The solution is automating certain tasks by providing quick answers to legal questions, freeing up time for attorneys to address more complex legal queries. Thanks to IoT tools and AI-powered automation in the cloud, M-KOPA (http://apo-opa.co/3yMX8jX) is providing inclusive financial services such as insurance and loans to people across East Africa. The fintech business has gone on to provide millions of families and entrepreneurs with the financial support they need to purchase solar systems, motorbikes and smartphones.

Attendees of the inaugural African Startups AI Fest will be introduced to these and other startup success stories on the continent. In addition, Microsoft, its partners and customers will introduce and demonstrate how AI tools can be leveraged by entrepreneurs in ways that give their businesses the extra edge in a competitive landscape.

The organisation aims to reach 6,000 to 10,000 of these businesses and provide them with customised support through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programmes. Founders and entrepreneurs will be primed for growth through industry-specific webinars designed to help startups scale, pitch coaching sessions that will help investors enhance their pitching skills and navigate common challenges, investor community sessions that will connect startups with top investors from the Continental investor community to glean key insights on securing their first investments, integration with the Microsoft Independent Software Vendor programme and insights on how to best use AI technologies to propel their businesses forward.

To register for the African Startups AI Fest, participants can register HERE  by June 5th, 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Microsoft.

About Microsoft: 
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
The opportunity in Africa is immense, but there is a pressing need to adopt digital platforms to accelerate Africa’s economic growth and better enable Africans to participate in the global digital economy. Through the Africa Transformation Office, Microsoft focuses on four essential development areas – digital infrastructure, skilling, SMEs and start-ups, supported by strategic partnerships with industry alliances and coalitions, to fuel investment in Africa and further establish the continent’s export of digital services. Read more about Microsoft’s Africa Transformation Office HERE: apo-opa.co/3Kib6gu.

Daba Finance, a startup that enables investing in Africa’s best private and public companies seamlessly, will highlight its state-of-the-art investment platform that caters to the capital-raising needs of businesses of all sizes and sectors in Africa at GITEX AFRICA 2024 (www.GITEXAFRICA.com)—the largest and most influential technology event on the continent.

The event will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, from May 29 to May 31, 2024, bringing together thousands of professionals, exhibitors, startups, and more than 100 government delegations. Daba will be offering exclusive early previews of their forthcoming product launches at the event. These launches are designed to further democratize investing in and out of Africa, catering to individuals, businesses, institutions, and technology companies alike.

In addition, Boum III Jr, CEO and Co-Founder of Daba, will be a panelist on the discussion titled “Working for Africa, Building for Africa – Creating Globally Influential Entrepreneurs”, joined by Sadaharu Saiki, Mayssa Mrabet, Solomon Adjei, Zelalem Bogale, and Francesco Gracolici. This timely conversation explores Africa’s transformational journey as it defies global expectations and embraces innovative solutions across various sectors.

As Africa’s first multi-asset investment infrastructure provider, Daba’s solution contributes to the continent’s transformation by democratizing access to and the movement of investment capital across the continent’s financial markets.

“GITEX Africa will bring together leading technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers from across Africa and the world to showcase the latest innovations and explore the vast potential of Africa’s digital economy,” said Boum. “As a premier multi-asset investment and financing platform for African markets, we are delighted to be a part of GITEX Africa 2024, which provides a unique platform to showcase our capabilities and interact with like-minded technology professionals from across Africa and beyond.”

A Unified Platform For Investing in Africa

Daba was launched by Boum and Co-Founder Anthony Miclet in September 2021 with a simple mission—to democratize investing in Africa by providing a barrier-free way for investors (of every level) to access curated investment strategies and build wealth by investing in the African private and public capital markets, through its all-in-one platform.

The company was recently selected among 21 cutting-edge startups (https://apo-opa.co/3WZTEok) to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator, a program launched in January 2024 by U.S. digital payments giant Visa in collaboration with Plug and Play, one of the world’s largest global innovation platforms, further accelerating our mission to become the go-to unified platform for investing in Africa.

Africa has been attracting increasing attention from international investors, and for good reason. The continent is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and its stock markets have recently demonstrated superior performance compared to other global markets, suggesting the potential for attractive returns.

As interest in African investment opportunities continues to surge, the company is positioned as the premier resource for investors seeking to gain access to the continent’s most promising investment opportunities.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

Contact Information:
Daba Finance
Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire
www.DabaFinance.com

About Daba Finance:
Established in 2021, Daba Finance is Africa’s premier multi-asset investment and financing platform, dedicated to unlocking the continent’s full investment potential. Through a unified platform, individuals and institutions can access high-quality investment opportunities across African markets, driving economic growth and fostering sustainable development.

By providing liquidity and trade execution to retail and institutional investors, Daba offers a range of features, including reliable information, transparency, and ease of investing across the continent. The platform is dedicated to bridging the capital-to-opportunity mismatch, enabling investors to access Africa’s investable opportunities while helping African companies access the capital they need to succeed.

London-based technology company Nothing, is proud to announce its participation at this year’s GITEX Africa (www.GITEXAfrica.com), marking the brand’s foray into the market. Nothing will not only showcase its latest technological advancements during the course of the event, but also open the doors for collaboration and growth with local partners.

Nothing, who has seen strong success in the Middle East since its penetration into the region, aims to expand its success into the African markets. With Africa boasting untapped potential from a technological perspective, this expansion into the new market will be one of the key highlights of Nothing’s presence during GITEX Africa.

Commenting on the participation, Rishi Gupta, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa of Nothing​, said, “I am excited to highlight Africa’s dynamic market. Africa’s youthful, tech-savvy population represents vast opportunities for innovation.

Introducing CMF by Nothing, our new brand offers affordable, innovative, and well-designed products tailored to young African consumers. CMF by Nothing democratizes technology, making it accessible without compromising quality.

Our vision is to empower African consumers with cutting-edge products that enhance their lives and contribute to Africa’s digital future. Together with our partners, we are committed to a connected, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.”

Since its inception, Nothing has launched a range of technology products. This includes smartphones from Nothing Phone (1), the current flagship Nothing Phone (2) and the recently launched Nothing Phone (2a). The brand also focuses on audio products, with the recently launched Ear and Ear (a), some of the most innovative audio devices that showcase industry-first ChatGPT integrations. As a brand that is focused on design, Nothing has also expanded its horizon ahead of technology products, with the range of clothing called the Apparel collection, which builds on Nothing’s design ethos for a unique approach to fashion. Additionally, the brand is also heavily focused on sustainability.

At GITEX Africa, Nothing will be showcasing its latest innovations at an exclusive booth including its flagship smartphones, newly released audio products as well as its new range of CMF products and Nothing Apparel. Showcasing the brand’s versatility and capabilities, this product showcase will serve as a platform to tease Nothing’s upcoming presence in the African markets, with each product soon becoming available for customers.

Nothing will have to be at Booth 2B-50 located in Hall 2, during GITEX Africa. Customers and visitors are invited to visit the booth to get a first-hand experience of Nothing’s product portfolio.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

About Nothing: 
Founded in 2020, Nothing is here to make tech fun again. Its debut smartphone, Phone (1), made Time Magazine’s prestigious Best Inventions for Innovative Smartphone Design award. Through cutting-edge design and user interface innovation, the London-based company is creating an alternative ecosystem of tech products for the young and creative.

In 2023, the company launched Phone (2) to wide acclaim from its community, the media, and design enthusiasts, contributing to reaching a milestone of two million units shipped across their product range in less than three years.

To date, Nothing has released three audio products, two smartphones, and, as of September 2023, a sub-brand: CMF by Nothing. All Nothing products are developed in close collaboration with their community, which includes over 8,000 private investors, and are crafted with sustainability at the forefront.

GITEX (https://GITEXAfrica.com) is one of the most important technology exhibitions displaying a vast range of companies, brands and industry trends reflecting the current market dynamics. This is beneficial for businesses looking to adopt both innovation and growth to align with the current economic patterns and increase demand, develop and motivate global trade.

As the leading British remanufacturer of ink and toners, DCI will exhibit at the show with KODAK-branded printer consumables for use with printers from HP, Canon, Epson and Samsung. KODAK, a legendary brand, globally known for its exceptional printing and excellent print performance assure their remanufactured printer consumables are produced in line with strict quality and page yield standards. DCI’s latest introduction to its sustainable printing supplies, ‘Refurbished Printers&Copiers’ will also make a special feature at the stand.

As budget constraints and sustainability efforts continue to increase pressure on office supplies and the need to adopt eco-practices within business, remanufactured cartridges and refurbished printers allow organisations to take the first step in reducing print costs and help develop corporate environmental awareness.

GITEX Africa offers an excellent opportunity to continue developing KODAK business and connect with both distribution partners and end users across the globe. We invite all the exhibitors and visitors from all industries to meet members from the KODAK remanufactured ink and toner team at the show who will be on hand to demonstrate the cost savings, print quality and after sales support.

The KODAK remanufactured printer consumables alongside DCI’s refurbished printers will be showcased on stand 6A-9 at GITEX Africa 2024.

KODAK range of Remanufactured Inks&Toners to exhibit at GITEX Africa 2024.
DCI’s latest introduction to its sustainable printing supplies, ‘Refurbished Printers&Copiers’ will also make a special feature at the stand.
Remanufactured cartridges and refurbished printers allow organisations to take the first step in reducing print costs and develop corporate environmental awareness.
GITEX Africa offers an excellent opportunity to continue developing KODAK business and connect with both distribution partners and end users across the globe.
The KODAK remanufactured printer consumables alongside DCI’s refurbished printers will be showcased on stand 6A-9 at GITEX Africa 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

For media enquiries please contact:
Email: shakila.miah@dci.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1205 355 555

Email: sales@dci.co.uk
Call: +44 (0)1205 355 555
Website: www.DCI.co.uk

Dynamic Cassette International Ltd.
Marsh Lane, Boston
Lincolnshire
PE21 7TX
United Kingdom

About KODAK:
KODAK is an iconic name in the world of photography and printing dating back to 1888 when the first KODAK camera was first launched. Through world-class R&D capabilities and innovative solutions we offer a wide range of products from photopaper, cameras and printers to industrial digital print technology designed to capture and preserve your memories. We provide – directly and through partnerships with other innovative companies – hardware, software, consumables and services to customers in graphic arts, commercial print, publishing, packaging, electronic displays, entertainment, commercial films, and consumer products markets. KODAK endeavour to create products designed to deliver vibrant colours, sharp details and exceptional image quality all whilst committed to sustainability.

For Kodak trademark, logo and trade dress are used under license from Eastman Kodak Company.

About Dynamic Cassette International Ltd:
Dynamic Cassette International Ltd. (DCI Ltd), established in 1983 has grown to become one of the world’s leading remanufacturers of ink and toner cartridges. Specialising in UK quality, innovative R&D, ink formulation, packaging design and production all based at DCI’s purpose-built production facility in Boston, Lincolnshire. DCI has a number of collection arms including The Recycling Factory (TRF), collecting over 1 million used ink and toner cartridges per month. Expanding the eco-range, TRF now specialise in refurbished printer&copiers. Additionally, DCI’s house brand ‘Jet Tec’ is stocked by thousands of resellers across the UK, with Jet Tec GmbH servicing customers across Europe.