The African Women In Technology (AWIT) was all the craze this past weekend in Nairobi. The conference attracted women (and some men) from all walks of life from across the continent and beyond. The two-day conference happened on July 19 and 20, from 8 AM to 6 PM, at the Michael Joseph Center (MJC) venue in Safaricom House, in Westlands, Nairobi.
Though there were some two other pre-events held across Nairobi, all of which happened in the evenings (6PM-8PM). Innov8tiv, being the sister company of AWIT under the IBOM LLC umbrella, we were also represented and here is a recap of how AWITKenya19 went down through our own eyes.
This year’s theme ‘Awaken the Teachazon Within’ drew its inspiration from the Dahomey Amazons, an elite all-female military in the Republic of Benin. The women warriors were tasked with protecting one of Africa’s last independent kingdoms. Some of their great conquests include fighting off colonial armies
AWITKenya19 Pre-Events:
The Hub Roundtable July 16, 6PM-8PM at Metta
This was a roundtable discussion on how to accelerate the digital economy in Africa. The discussions also delved into how to connect the continent’s innovators and creating a continent-wide network of innovators.
It’s D-day for the Hub Roundtable! Catch our powerhouse panel of #womenintech at Metta this evening from 6-8 pm as we discuss accelerating the digital economy and connecting Africa’s innovators. RSVP via https://t.co/FNn2ebT2Aa. #AWITKENYA19 pic.twitter.com/bJB11FetiT
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
And ladies and gentlemen we are live at @WeAreMettaNBO for the Hub Roundtable a pre-event for #AWITKenya19 conference starting this Friday, July 19 #Africa #WomenInTech #Kenya #Business #Tech pic.twitter.com/xpEsBGL7XM
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
Below is a snippet of how things went down at Metta with the panelist’s discussions at the roundtable:
A startup #business is often a one-woman ran show, but once you come into a co-working space environment. You immediately begin seeing the value of synergy with fellow budding entrepreneur and corporates. It puts you on the map#AWITKENYA19 #kenya #africa #tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
As co-working spaces (@ihub) we try to provide the facilities and organize events that will push that solo entrepreneur into the market map. That includes workshops, training programs, demo days, bootcamps #AWITKenya19 #Africa #business #tech #kenya
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
Panelist discussing how startup #WomenInTech across #Africa can find a softer landing ground through leveraging on facilities such as co-working space, networking, sharing their story, and mentorship programs.#AWITKenya19 #Kenya #business #tech pic.twitter.com/0TAXwjgnGD
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
There has never been an easier time in history when a solo entrepreneur has been given a voice than in modern times of internet, smartphones, and social media. Sharing your story will help other startups learn from your experience. The power of collaboration#AWITKenya19 #Kenya
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
As African #womenintech it is absolutely critical we share our story. It inspires the young girls scared of jumping into #STEM education, gives psych to entrepreneurs facing challenges. Thanks to social media and internet basically anyone has a voice#AWITKenya19 #kenya #tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
You have to be in control of your story, and be very deliberate about it. If you don’t someone else will tell your story for you, and it may not be the reality of how you experienced it#AWITKenya19 #africa #kenya #tech #business
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
Hubs and accelerators constantly provide:@Nekesa @iHub
– A community, network that a consultant/ freelancer/ startup can leverage. @CelestineUkpere
-Resources that can be acquired from the curated programs. @MESTAfrica @MakenaFiona
-Access to opportunities @Mhuyanza #AWITKenya19 pic.twitter.com/8qDlFJMRYK— Girl in Geo (@laura_mugeha) July 16, 2019
The Government of #Kenya has jumped in to leverage on #tech to provide employment to the youths in #Kenya, for instance, the Ajira project where the government provides infrastructure for youths to find digital jobs #AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #business #startup
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
“Communities need to tell their stories… Control your narrative” Njeri Ndonga – Manager at Obsidian Africa speaking at Mettā Nairobi #TechAzon #AWITKENYA19 #AfricanWomen pic.twitter.com/hXMgHEdmw7
— Mettā Nairobi (@WeAreMettaNBO) July 16, 2019
As @iHub we do appreciate the efforts the government is putting is supporting our work#AWITKenya19 #Africa #Business #Tech #Kenya pic.twitter.com/U4PONXjPzi
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
As an entrepreneur, its important to have control of your business’, personal, brand story. While its key to have a story its better to lack one than have a bad story. #AWITKenya19 @AfricanWIT @Mhuyanza pic.twitter.com/2oIZEH7t5o
— Girl in Geo (@laura_mugeha) July 16, 2019
I have been in a Google project encouraging women in STEM fields to come out and share their stories. That way they act as role models, mentors, and someone to share stories with for other #womenintech creating a support group#AWITKenya19 #Business #Tech #Kenya pic.twitter.com/BC0BfSQ8Fa
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 16, 2019
One thing that came out clear, is the fact that digital information (access to the internet and smart devices) has opened new avenues for women across Africa. Getting started has also become easier, but though most find themselves kicking it off, they can leverage synergy by working from co-working spaces.
Spaces such as iHub, Metta, MEST Africa, and ALX among others provide a platform for one solo entrepreneur to interact with others like herself. They can then share their stories and hopefully partner up to benefit from each other’s strengths.
Leaders Roundtable, 6PM-8PM July 18 ALX
The next pre-event took one day later – July 18 – at the ALX (African Leadership X) space on Ngong Road, Nairobi. The roundtable was aimed at fostering a culture that drives transformation and high impact for businesses and the tech ecosystem.
Happening now at the @ALXapp #AWITKenya19 in Nairobi. Join us for a Leaders Roundtable#Africa #Kenya #WomenInTech #Business #Tech pic.twitter.com/yIQUEzt54W
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Annstella Mumbi, Growth Analyst Moringa
Emy Makakalala – Strategy Operations Consultant, ALX
Dr Chao Mbogo – Comp Science dean at Kenya Methodist Unive & Founder of Kamilimu
Nekesa Were, MD iHub
Ariane Fisher,MD Shortlist
Cleopatra DouglasExpansion Engineering Lead Flutterwave pic.twitter.com/SsZVX4lOui— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
The panelist delved into subjects such as the culture of the startups across Africa. How much impact did the culture play in making or breaking the startup. And it emerged that most startups in Africa that get the highest attention from venture capitalists from outside the continent are those that have an expatriate at its helm. Or headed by a diaspora who has lived a considerably long time abroad.
Below is a snippet of what the ladies were saying in this evening session.
Ariane Fisher >> A culture of an organization is quite important and plays a role in basically everything the company does#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Nekesa Were >> At @iHub our culture wraps around our willingness to incorporate the community into our organization.#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Cleopatra Douglas >> Our culture at @theflutterwave is to have employees come up with their own ideas, have their voice heard, make everyone feel they belong#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Emy Makakalala >> Culture begins with hiring and how you target your team, and then how you grow with them.#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Emy Makakalala >> Our culture is about helping the community, who we can bring into the organization, and how we grow with them over the years#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
How do you scale culture in your organization
Ariane Fisher >> Define your value in terms of behavior that represent that. #AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Ariane Fisher >> As an organization are you clear about what you hold valuable to yourself so that you can share that with your stakeholders out there#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Ariane Fisher >> There some organizations that are so proud of their culture, and that could hold them back if they fear change. That can bring difficulties when diverging views, especially from someone from outside#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
How does education impact on culture?@chao_mbogho >> As educators we don’t just teach the technical skills, we also train them to be good employees. that entails how to make them accommodate different org. cutlure#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Question > How culture influences employment vs entrepreneurship? <#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Cleopatra Douglas >> I applied to various jobs but got turned down and in their email, they said ‘I’m sorry we have to turn you down because your culture does not align itself with our organization#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Cleopatra Douglas >> As much as you are employed, it is important to have an entrepreneurial spirit#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Emy Makakalala >> Today it seems like its a cool thing to embrace failure, embrace risks in North America and Europe. But that is sometimes not the case all over the world. #AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Question >> How does culture impact teamwork and the dynamics therein? <<#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Cleopatra Douglas >> A culture of being understanding, loyal to one another, don’t expect too much from someone, goes a long way to make the team, work#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Moderator Annstella Mumbi >> How many of us are victims of this side-hustle mentality. Like you are employed but have various small, small gigs on the side. tuBiasharaBiashara#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Emy Makakalala >> Culture influence the following in an organization
1) Communication
2) Decision Making
3) Funding#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Emy Makakalala >>
Most funding coming to Africa to a great extent goes to expatriate found startups or startups founded by locals with a strong link with the overseas? Culture plays a key role in that. #AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
If local startups want to see a lot of success in terms of securing funding, it’s time to re-look at the possibility of aligning their culture with that of the VCs#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Cleopatra Douglas >> In Nigeria we have this go-getta culture.
We also have a mentality of starting different projects (businesses) on the side. But perhaps we should focus on just one or two and become an authority#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
Ariane Fisher >> A culture fit is not necessarily having someone who looks like you or comes from the same background. It’s a matter of can we share a beer with this person, share a light moment, become friends#AWITKenya19 #WomenInTech #Africa #Business #Kenya #Tech
— African WomenIn Tech (@AfricanWIT) July 18, 2019
innov8tiv’s takeaway was the importance of having a good organizational culture; one that will make it easy for an outside party of the organization to want to relate to. Otherwise, business will be a tough sale. Simply because people (venture capitalists) invest in what is relatively familiar to them.
For the recap of the main days (July 19-20) be on the lookout for our tomorrow post right here on innov8tiv.
