DEMO Africa has today released a list of the thirty technology start-ups from across Africa that will pitch at the 2015 edition of the DEMO Africa event. Last year’s giant, Nigeria, tops the list again with 8 representatives followed by Kenya with 6. South Africa is third with 3 representatives while Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon and Zimbabwe each have two. Uganda, Tanzania and new comer, Ivory Coast, will each be represented by 1 start-up. The presence of Ivory Coast on the list of giants is a strong signal that more African nations are warming up to the ability of the continent to craft her own solutions to various needs.
The highest represented category on the 2015 list is Finance and Banking with 8 products. Other popular categories include Education, Transport and Logistics, Retail, Communication and Media and entertainment.
The Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Mr. Peter Jack warmly congratulated the start-ups and welcomed them to Nigeria for the epic Pan African technology event. “We are excited at the opportunities that technology has presented to our African youths in creating jobs and wealth. This is a great moment in the history of Africa, steadily rising to establish its digital footprint in the world. Congratulations to the finalists,” Mr Jack emphasized.
Harry Hare, The executive producer of DEMO Africa, congratulated all the participating entrepreneurs noting the increase in the number of products from the applications received this year. “I would like to congratulate every entrepreneur that took part in the DEMO Africa challenge, though the stage can only accommodate thirty entrepreneurs this year, our pride is particularly in the large numbers of entrepreneurs that continue to support the cause to have Africa generated solutions.” He commented.
The 30 start-ups have been selected from a list of over 600 hundred applicants with four earning direct nominations during the DEMO Africa pre-pitch events.
The selected start-ups will now be placed under a mentorship programme which will run till September 22nd 2015. This programme is aimed at sharpening the pitching skills of the entrepreneurs readying them for the DEMO Africa stage.
More people continue to book their slots to witness the unveiling of the selected thirty products. The week-long event will take place between the 21st and 25th September, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos Nigeria. Over 500 guests including investors, IT buyers, IT consumers and media are expected.
Mr Yele Okeremi, the Chairman of DEMO Africa’s Local Organizing Committee confirmed that preparations for the event are now in the very final stage “We are excited that local and international players in the transport and accommodation industries have come forth to offer their support. I am confident that we will deliver a world class event.” Mr Okeremi assured.
This year, DEMO Africa introduces knowledge streams to delve into critical topics including Business Modelling, Scaling Businesses, Creating an unfair advantage, and Raising Capital. Top industry players including Jorn Lyseggen-MEST Founder, Harry Tomi Davies-ABAN President, Folabi Esan-Partner, Adlevo Capital, Jason Njoku-IROKO TV CEO among others will lead the discussion.
Other notable activities at the 2015 DEMO Africa event include an investor roundtable forum and the LIONS@FRICA Summit with the uptake of Africa generated technology being expected to dominate the conversations.
The event will be co-hosted by DEMO Africa, Nigerian Ministry of Communication Technology and National Information Technology Agency-Nigeria in collaboration with LIONS@FRICA partnership and VC4Africa.