Dear Readers,
Fintech Cadence is immensely proud of Afrifursa’s work forging connections between the Canadian and African tech communities. This year marked our third year supporting the organization at the Afri Future Tech Summit held in Toronto. We believe that our involvement underscores the importance and value of such gatherings in driving progress.
The 2023 edition of the event was a powerful reminder of the potential of authentic and progressive conversations. The hard work of Tapfuma and his team led to diverse perspectives from the speakers and created an excellent dialogue that sparked discussions among the panellists and attendees alike.
Overall, the Summit provided a unique and valuable opportunity for both in-person and virtual attendees to come together and engage in meaningful discussions on crucial topics that have a significant impact on the sector. Among the many topics discussed, the Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy took center stage. Participants had the chance to delve deep into the challenges faced in collaborations between the two regions and create space for a proper evaluation of the Strategy’s potential impact and limitations.
One of the key takeaways from the Summit was the need to recognize and embrace the diversity of Africa and adopt different policies and processes based on the unique requirements of each region and sometimes even individual countries. The Summit also highlighted the vast potential being overlooked in various tech sectors and showcased the remarkable talent of entrepreneurs in the region.
The participants emphasized the importance of Canada adopting a collaborative approach from the tech sector in Africa instead of a “give back” approach. This approach is vital in ensuring that Canada develops a deeper understanding of the tech sector in the region, learns from its successes, and collaborates with African entrepreneurs to create mutually beneficial solutions and investments.
Overall, the Summit was a resounding success, and these key takeaways will serve as the foundation for future action. The discussions and insights gained will help shape how those in attendance engage and highlight collaboration, inclusion, and innovation between Canada and Africa as the best way forward.
