The Creativity and Innovation for Development Convention Africa (CIDCON Africa) is an event pioneered by the Kwathu Kollective, and co-hosted with partners across the African continent, commemorating the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day. This event is hosted annually, and it celebrates Africa’s leading role in the digital and creative revolution, highlighting the talents of young entrepreneurs in media, technology, and the creative arts while fostering collaboration across sectors.
Why CIDCON Africa
CIDCON Africa serves as a vital platform for showcasing the immense potential of African creativity and innovation as drivers of sustainable development. By bringing together leading minds in media, technology, and the creative arts, this annual convention fosters collaboration, dialogue, and actionable ideas that address Africa’s unique development challenges. It empowers young entrepreneurs by providing them with opportunities to network, learn, and exhibit their talents on a global stage. CIDCON Africa stands as a testament to the continent’s ingenuity and commitment to shaping a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and progress. In commemorating the United Nations’ World Creativity and Innovation Day, CIDCON Africa underscores Africa’s commitment to being at the forefront of innovation. The convention champions the message that Africa’s ingenuity, resourcefulness, and creativity are not just solutions for the continent’s challenges but also contributions to global progress.
Event Details:
Date:
05th – 07th May 2025
Tentative Venues:
Residence of the EU in Malawi
Bingu International Conference Centre, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Auditorium
- Main Foyer
Embassy of Morrocco to Malawi
Theme
Step Out and Innovate.
Event Objectives
- Broaden Impact: Establish CIDCON Africa as a premier annual platform celebrating innovation in Africa, expanding its influence nationally and regionally.
- Foster Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with public institutions, international organizations, private sector leaders, and academia.
- Engage and Empower Innovators: Provide participants with actionable insights, mentorship opportunities, and access to funding.
- Enhance Visibility: Increase media presence to highlight CIDCON Africa as a key innovation event in Malawi and beyond.
Target Audience
- Young innovators and entrepreneurs across Malawi.
- Government representatives, policymakers, and development partners.
- Investors, venture capitalists, and corporate leaders.
- Academia and research institutions.
- Media and the general public.
Proposed 2025 Event Plan
Day 1: Opening Cocktail (5th May 2025)
Venue: Residence of the EU Ambassador to Malawi.
Program:
- Welcome Remarks: EU Ambassador to Malawi and OPC representative.
- Keynote Address: Delivered by Kwathu Kollective representative.
- Networking Cocktail: Interactive networking session featuring light entertainment.
- Art Showcase: Exhibit of creative art installations by young Malawian innovators.
Day 2: Innovation for Development (6th May 2025)
Venue: Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), Lilongwe.
Morning Program:
- Opening Ceremony:
- Welcome by Kwathu Kollective and keynote by a renowned African innovator.
- Special addresses by representatives from the UN, OPC, AU, and EU.
- Panel Discussion:
- Theme: “Innovation as a Driver for Africa’s Sustainable Development.”
- Panelists: Experts from technology, media, and creative industries across Africa.
- Interactive Workshop Series (Breakout Sessions):
- Leveraging Digital Skills for Entrepreneurship.
- Funding Opportunities for Young Innovators.
- Harnessing Creative Arts for Social Impact.
Afternoon Program:
- Innovation Showcase:
- Exhibitions of groundbreaking solutions by Malawian startups and creatives.
- Spotlighting innovations in technology, agriculture, and arts.
Evening Program:
- Cultural Evening at the Embassy of Morocco:
- Networking reception with international stakeholders and government representatives.
- Performances by Moroccan and Malawian artists.
- Screening of a Pan-African short film celebrating African creativity.
Day 3: Collaboration for Growth (7th May 2025)
Venue: Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC), Lilongwe.
Morning Program:
- Hackathon:
- Challenge: Develop solutions to address Africa’s pressing socio-economic issues.
- Participants: Multidisciplinary teams of young innovators and mentors.
- Fireside Chat:
- Theme: “Collaborative Leadership for Africa’s Innovation Ecosystem.”
- Speakers: Corporate leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs.
Afternoon Program:
- Bants2Business Pitch Competition:
- Top 5 startups from the innovation showcase pitch to a panel of investors.
- Focus: Funding and scaling impactful solutions.
Closing Ceremony:
- Presentation of awards to hackathon and pitch competition winners.
- Announcement of partnerships and funding opportunities for young innovators.
- Closing remarks by OPC and Kwathu Kollective representatives.
Marketing and Promotion Strategy
- Pre-Event Campaigns:
- Social media storytelling featuring success stories from past participants.
- Collaborations with media partners for event promotion.
- During the Event:
- Live-stream key sessions on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.
- Interactive Q&A sessions with panelists via social media.
- Post-Event Engagement:
- Publish an impact report summarizing outcomes and success stories.
- Share participant testimonials and media highlights to maintain momentum.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased Participation:
- Attendance of over 500 participants, including innovators, policymakers, and investors.
- Strengthened Partnerships:
- Long-term collaborations with government, international organizations, and the private sector.
- Empowered Innovators:
- Opportunities for young entrepreneurs to access mentorship and funding.
- Enhanced Recognition:
- CIDCON Africa positioned as a leading creativity and innovation convention in Africa.
Why Get Involved in CIDCON 2025?
CIDCON Africa offers a unique opportunity to spotlight Malawian creatives and innovators, showcasing their groundbreaking ideas and talents to a regional and international audience. By supporting this event, investors play a pivotal role in nurturing local businesses, empowering young entrepreneurs, and catalyzing innovation within Malawi’s vibrant ecosystem. Moreover, CIDCON Africa’s ambition to expand across the continent ensures that your investment not only amplifies the visibility and impact of event but also positions your organization as a leader in fostering sustainable development and creativity throughout Africa.
Work With Us
Want to partner on or fund one of our programmes / initiatives? We are always open to collaborations and partnerships. Contact our Business Development Associate; Ms. Abigail Zingani via contact@kwathucentre.org, or give us a call(direct or WhatsApp) on +265991850749.
To keep up with the work of the Kwathu Kollective, our initiatives and our projects, follow us on socia media:
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