African Diaspora Investment Symposium 2018

Welcome!

The African Diaspora Network Board Members and team is pleased to announce the third annual African Diaspora Investment Symposium (ADIS 2018) taking place in Silicon Valley from January 27-28, 2018. Entrepreneurs, technologists, educators, innovators, public and social leaders from across the globe are invited to join us for this catalytic convening to uplift the African continent by building bridges among Africans, Diasporans, and friends of Africa.

Our 2018 theme, “Building Africa’s Future: Magnifying What is Within,” seeks to amplify the changemakers and leaders shaping the Continent’s future. Experts, panelists, and participants will engage in fruitful dialogue to examine the crossroads between human capital, natural resources, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology in Africa.  

This two-day conference will provide networking, community-building, and knowledge-sharing with symposium attendees as we celebrate a spirit of abundance and unearth the richness of the Continent’s resources, as well as the talents and contributions of Africans, friends of Africa, and Diasporans.

Key topics for ADIS2018 include:

• Startup Pitch by Diaspora Entrepreneurs
• The State of the Continent: Policy, Impact Investment, Venture Philanthropy, Renewable Energy
• Immersive design-thinking workshop on agriculture and technology
• Networking and building partnerships: Enhancing Business Pitches for Entrepreneurs
• Deep-dive discussion on bold policies, innovative business models, and technologies shaping the Continent.
• African Women in Tech – convened by Afrobytes and ADN

We look forward to having you join with us for another informative, engaging, and actionable symposium curated to redefine Africa and discover the abundance and potential of the Continent.

Sincerely,

Almaz Negash

Founder African Diaspora Network

Convener, African Diaspora Investment Symposium

ADIS 2018 RegistrationCLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Agenda

DAY ONE: MAGNIFYING WHAT’S WITHIN: THE STATE OF AFRICA

Friday, January 26 | 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Be inspired by the opening session on the State of Africa and learn about current business and investment trends. Hear African Diaspora Entrepreneurs speak how their innovative work is transforming communities in Africa. Immerse in a design-thinking workshop on innovation and technology. Participate in fireside chats with leading experts on how to leverage the tremendous potential of the Diaspora and transform the narrative of Africa as a land of opportunity.

DAY TWO: AMPLIFYING ABUNDANCE

Saturday, January 27 | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Gather with changemakers from the global Diaspora to learn about the innovative work taking place in selected countries in Africa. Participate in panel sessions on technology, agriculture, policy, impact investment, venture philanthropy, and renewable energy. In the afternoon, gain foundational skills in networking and building partnerships through a workshop on business pitches for African Diaspora entrepreneurs. The day will conclude with a call to action and a reception.

Sessions

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Friday, 9:15 AM: Opening Remarks: The State of Africa: Economic and Business

This session will provide insights and analysis on how to make informed investment decision in Africa.

Friday, 9:45AM: Panel Discussion: On Bold Policies, Innovative Business Models and Technology

In this session, African government officials, innovators, and business leaders will speak on specific policy agendas that African countries are pursuing to increase investment opportunities in the Continent. Representatives will engage in dialogue on best practices and how to mitigate challenges, share best practices on how to incentives the Diaspora and champions of Africa to invest in the continent.

Friday, 11:15AM: Deep-Dive Discussion: How to Develop an Effective Supply Chain Across the Continent and Globally 

Due to differences in infrastructure and supply chain development across African countries, developing an effective and coordinated supply chain remains a massive challenge in Africa. Join us for a panel discussion with experts from logistics, trade, transportation, and energy to address the opportunities and limitations of various existing systems of delivery. Our panel will discuss ways in which Africa can develop an effective supply chain to move goods across the Continent and globally.

Friday, 2:00PM: Panel Discussion:  Magnifying Africa’s Agriculture Sector: The Farm to Table Process and the Role of Technology

This panel examines Africa’s agriculture sector and the role that technology plays in the farm to table process. Leading experts will engage the audience in conversation on existing opportunities and challenges, as well as address the importance of human capital and the role of youth in one of Africa’s largest sectors. Key questions include how we are developing the entire agricultural value chain and how we can create a pathway of employment opportunity for African youth.

Friday, 3:30PM - 5:30PM: Concurrent Sessions: Design Thinking Session and Startup Symposium

• Startup Symposium: Meet and build relationship with various startup and investors
• Design-Thinking on the Crossroads between Agriculture, Technology, and Human Capital.

A human-centered design workshop focused on satellite technology applications for Agriculture in Africa. The workshop will engage the participants on the role that investment in agriculture can play in transforming the lives of the people in Africa, especially that of the youth.

Using design-thinking principles, participants will work together on different challenges that the African continent is facing; identify a suitable action plan to tackle some of these challenges; define projects ideas; connect, network and create project consortium; and identify sustainability plans.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018

Saturday, 9:15AM: Keynote Speaker/Context Setter: The Business Case for Investing in Africa

A Silicon Valley/US/Diaspora investor to share their investment journey/experience in Africa.  The speaker will share why it ‘pays off’ to invest in Africa, how he/she overcame challenges and thrived.

Saturday, 9:30AM: Impact Investment in Africa 

Discussion around the impact investing space in Africa and ways the diaspora can invest in the continent. The session will include discussion on how social enterprises get into funds, how fund managers get investors and some obstacles with impact investing in Africa.

Saturday, 11:30AM: Fireside Chat – with leaders on Agriculture, Migration, Innovation, and Youth

Taking a deeper dive into the symposium theme, ADIS2018 participants will take part in a fireside chat with leading experts on the role of the Diaspora in the agricultural ecosystem and innovative ways to include youth.

Saturday, 2:00PM: Workshops and Deeper Dives

1. Channels and Vehicles for Investing in Africa

   This workshop of distinguished investors and intermediaries will present current and new initiatives that are making it easier than ever for investors and mentors to support Africa’s hottest ventures. The session will address the opportunities that new web and mobile investment platforms are availing to Diaspora and foreign investors.
2. How I Started My Business

   How do you navigate the initial stages and sustainability of a new business? Learn about best practices for developing a business plan, launching an idea into a business, and advice from key stakeholders. This workshop will feature entrepreneurs and investors who have invested in various business start-ups in Africa. Discover essential practices as they share insight on how to navigate steps and obstacles.

Saturday, 3:30PM: Startup Pitch by Diaspora Entrepreneurs

A curated list of 10 African Diaspora entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to showcase their startups to ADIS participants. Startups will be selected based on the criteria of innovation, uniqueness, growth potential and impact potential on the continent. ADIS platform will offer a unique stage for the entrepreneurs to promote their venture, attract potential customers and drum up investors and partners interests.

Sources:

 1. https://adis2018.squarespace.com/

2. https://adn.memberclicks.net/