Redefining the Narrative: African Creatives Charting New Paths

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, and while the potential for AI to drive development in Africa has long been recognized, the question remains: is the continent poised to realize this potential? This panel brings together voices in AI innovation, investment, and governance to explore the state of AI on the continent. The discussion will examine how AI is already being applied to solve some of Africa’s unique challenges, from enhancing retail supply chains to improving healthcare delivery. Panelists will also delve into the barriers preventing broader adoption and the ethical considerations of building AI systems for low-resource settings. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the current state of AI in Africa, the opportunities that exist, and the strategies required to bridge the gap between potential and impact

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Health-focused Climate Adaptation: Innovating and Scaling Global Action for Local Impact.

Solutions for adapting healthcare to meet the threats posed by climate change remain immature. Enabling innovation and scaling solutions is a critical priority to protect vulnerable populations around the world, especially in Africa. This fireside will explore three areas of opportunity for innovation and the scaling of solutions that specifically target climate-related health challenges: 1) medical products and technologies that seek to reduce the burden of climate change on health; 2) health-related climate surveillance, early-warning, and response systems; and 3) climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure, supply chain, and workforce capabilities.

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For too long, philanthropy and traditional nonprofits have been the primary avenues for empowering communities across Africa. This panel will explore how entrepreneurship can serve as a transformative tool to drive lasting impact without relying on handouts. Bringing together impact investors, entrepreneurs, and VCs, we will discuss strategies to build sustainable, scalable enterprises that transcend borders and create real change across the continent. Attendees will hear firsthand from investors and founders on the trade-offs and synergies between profitability and purpose.

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