The Nkumano Conference, held from September 2nd to 4th, 2024, at Ufulu Gardens Hotel in Lilongwe, Malawi, was a groundbreaking event that brought together key stakeholders from Malawi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Organized by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and GOPA-AFC GmbH, the conference aimed to foster collaboration, innovation, and shared progress under the theme “Bridging Gaps, Creating Opportunities, Growing Together.”
Day 1 Highlights
The conference began with a warm welcome from Caroline Trimborn, Team Leader at GOPA-AFC, followed by traditional dance performances by the National Dance Troupe, setting a vibrant tone for the event. Opening remarks from Andreas Hartmann of the German Embassy and Mr. Limbikani Kochiveya from the Ministry of Trade and Industry emphasized the importance of international cooperation and local industry support.
Katharina Link, CEO of Pulse, delivered a compelling keynote address on “Riding the Waves: Resilience, Innovation, and Community in Africa’s Thriving Ecosystems,” which set the stage for the day’s discussions. The morning sessions included insights on ecosystem building across the continent by Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu from AfriLabs and a panel discussion on elevating the Malawian entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Day 2 Highlights
Day 2 featured deep dive sessions on technology and AI governance in startups, led by Dr. Ruth Gondwe, and a presentation by Dr. Alice Mbewe on the CREATOR Innovation Hub’s role in creating health and wealth for Malawi. The day also included discussions on women’s entrepreneurship within the green transformation and emerging technologies for enterprise support organizations (ESOs) in Malawi.
Kwathu Kollective’s Contribution
Kwathu Kollective was proud to present “Digital Skills for Africa” during the session on Emerging Technologies for Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) in Malawi. Our presentation highlighted the critical role of digital skills in empowering local entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. We showcased successful case studies and shared insights on how digital tools can enhance the capabilities of ESOs, ultimately driving economic growth and development in Malawi.
Kwathu Kollective is deeply aligned with the goals of the Nkumano Conference. Our mission to empower local entrepreneurs through digital skills training and support resonates with the conference’s theme of bridging gaps and creating opportunities. By participating in this event, we reinforced our commitment to fostering an inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malawi. Our focus on digital skills is crucial for modern enterprise support, ensuring that local businesses can compete and thrive in a global market.
Day 3 Highlights
The final day of the conference included storytelling sessions featuring inspiring tales of Malawian startups, a session on community impact and outreach by Lake of Stars, and deep dive sessions on upcoming regulations and ecosystem building. The event concluded with a consolidation and closing session, ensuring that attendees left with a clear understanding of the key takeaways.
Award Gala and Ecosystem Tour
An Award Gala, held in collaboration with Lake of Stars, celebrated outstanding achievements within the ecosystem. The conference also featured an ecosystem tour hosted by innovation hubs in Lilongwe, providing participants with a firsthand look at local entrepreneurial initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The Nkumano Conference served as an exclusive pre-event for the Afrilabs Annual Gathering (#AAG24) in Cape Town, South Africa, further emphasizing its significance in the broader African entrepreneurial landscape. As we reflect on the success of this inaugural event, we look forward to continued collaboration and innovation within Malawi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Kwathu Kollective is committed to supporting and empowering local entrepreneurs through initiatives like “Digital Skills for Africa.” We believe that by bridging gaps and creating opportunities, we can grow together and build a brighter future for Malawi.
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.
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