Netrepreneurs: The Rise of Africa's Digital Lion event will discuss challenges facing digital Africa

Leaders will debate the challenges and opportunities facing a new digital Africa and the role that the public sector, investors, entrepreneurs and educational organizations can play in this transformation.

Across Africa, eCommerce platforms flanked by payments, logistics, tourism and big data partners are starting to lift national economies.

During "Netrepreneurs: The Rise of Africa's Digital Lions", an event jointly organized by Alibaba Business School, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Jack Ma Foundation, taking place on 8 August 2018 – 13:00-17:30, Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg, South Africa, thought leaders will debate the challenges and opportunities facing a new digital Africa and the role that the public sector, investors, entrepreneurs and educational organizations can play in this transformation. 

The event will cover the following topics: 

The Creators of a New Economy: Constructing Digital Businesses

Young African entrepreneurs will share their journeys and discuss the challenges of developing a new kind of business on the continent.

Governments and Policymakers: Nurturing Innovation in the Digital Economy

A regional and country perspective will be given on the role of the public sector in providing a conducive environment for innovation.

Access to Capital: Fueling Transformation Through Investment

Business leaders will examine how best to allocate capital in a dynamic and challenging market.

Digital Talents: Enabling youth to Power the New Economy

Skill development experts will debate how educational institutions, incubators, training programmes and other models can educate and train the new generation to achieve impact and economic success.

The Jack Ma Africa Netrepreneur Prize Announcement

The launch of the Africa Netrepreneur Prize to support exemplary young internet leaders.

Ways forward for a Digital Africa

Eminent personalities will share their vision for a dynamic continent where a globalized digital economy enables small and medium-sized enterprises and young entrepreneurs.