On 28th November 2023, the highly anticipated Digital Entrepreneurship in Africa Report was formally launched during a virtual webinar, marking a momentous occasion in the progression of digital entrepreneurship in the continent. The report, a collaborative endeavour between UNDP’s Istanbul International Centre for Private Sector in Development (ICPSD), the UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the HP Foundation, aims to elucidate the evolving landscape of digital entrepreneurship in Africa and its potential for the future.
The report exemplifies the invaluable contributions of digital entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs towards the attainment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063. It provides thorough insights supported by data and case studies, demonstrating the rapid advancement of digital entrepreneurship in Africa and identifying promising sectors for propelling the development agenda. Additionally, it candidly presents the challenges and opportunities encountered by digital entrepreneurs across the continent, while furnishing actionable recommendations to promote continued growth in the sector.
The launch event itself was a significant affair, characterized by engaging discussions and presentations that resonated with a diverse audience comprising young entrepreneurs, private sector representatives, development practitioners, academics, and members of the media. A notable aspect of the event was a comprehensive presentation of the report’s key findings, underscore the remarkable growth of digital entrepreneurship in Africa in recent years. The ensuing panel discussion featured insights from experts representing UNDP Africa Sustainable Finance Hub, AUC, HP Inc., and the Young African Leaders Initiative, exploring avenues to nurture digital entrepreneurship in Africa and elucidating opportunities for youth in the sector.
In his opening address, ICPSD Director Sahba Sobhani highlighted the transformative potential of digital entrepreneurship, asserting that it presents significant opportunities to generate employment, catalyze economic growth, and elevate productivity at a substantial scale. Vileshen Moodley, Managing Director of HP Africa Central and East, echoed this sentiment as the keynote speaker, expressing optimism about the report’s capacity to instigate positive changes in Africa’s business landscape, while also highlighting the significance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in driving this critical agenda. Dr Tapiwa Nyasulu, Head of the Gender Policy Department at the African Union Commission, emphasized the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the creation of an enabling environment to fully harness the potential of digital entrepreneurship across the continent.
The event concluded on a resolute note, with attendees reinvigorated in their commitment to support and empower the next generation of digital entrepreneurs, recognizing the far-reaching impact of their collective efforts.
The launch of the Digital Entrepreneurship in Africa Report is indeed a defining moment, signifying a remarkable leap towards a more vibrant and dynamic future for digital entrepreneurship in Africa.
To obtain a copy of the Digital Entrepreneurship in Africa Report, please click here.
For media inquiries, please direct your correspondence to:
Gokhan Dikmener, Technical Specialist, UNDP ICPSD
The launch of the report represents a significant step towards illuminating the potential of digital entrepreneurship in Africa and forging a promising path towards sustainable development and economic prosperity for the continent. Over the past years, digital entrepreneurship has experienced incredible growth, and with the right support, it is poised to revolutionize the economic landscape of Africa and create a wealth of opportunities for the youth in the region.
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