Africa has steadily and confidently established itself as a thriving center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological progress over the past decade. Whether it’s well-established institutions or groundbreaking startups, the goal remains unchanged: Africa must pave its own path in the world of business and technology, not merely play catch-up. With this mindset, Kigali welcomed the African Leadership Network Gathering (ALN), setting the stage for shaping the future of startups, technology, and investments across the continent.
The 11th ALN dubbed Beats of Boldness was hosted in Rwanda on 8th — 12th November 2023 with the aim of uniting outstanding visionaries and pioneers from all over Africa. Established by Fred Swaniker, the African Leadership Group’s CEO, and Acha Leke, McKinsey Africa’s Chairman, this gathering has been cultivating connections and igniting influential partnerships since 2010.
Over 300 influential leaders, comprising of dynamic entrepreneurs and notable figures in business, politics, sports, and entertainment, convened in November for insightful conversations centered on unleashing Africa’s potential through entrepreneurship.
The Annual Gathering offered a captivating blend of interactive, mind-stimulating, and enjoyable sessions. These sessions explored the future of Africa in our fast-paced and technology-driven world and covered diverse topics such as leveraging ChatGPT, infusing creative processes into leadership and how to tap into the vast investment opportunities that exist in Africa.
The AL Group embarked on a captivating journey, delving into their advancements over the past two decades. It all began with a humble concept for African Leadership Academy, and has since blossomed into a consortium of establishments, positively influencing countless lives through ALU and ALX.
ALN also partnered with The FutureList this year to create a curated deal room that connects startups with potential investors and partners. According to Fred Swaniker, who has firsthand experience in the industry, these relationships can be the key to launching a successful startup.
The event created the opportunity to:
- LEARN: about yourself, Africa, innovation in the face of crisis, digital transformation, entrepreneurship and leadership.
- BUILD MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS: with some of the most influential people in Africa and the world. Startups can connect with potential mentors, investors, or collaborators who can propel your vision forward.
- CONNECT WITH EXCEPTIONAL TALENT: expand your network and also meet those who can help fuel your organisation’s growth.
- DISCOVER THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN TECH: get a front-row seat to the latest innovations on the continent, identify promising startups, understand emerging tech trends, and potentially make investments that shape the continent’s future.
WATCH: Recap this panel discussion unpacking how Rwanda has succeeded in successfully growing its economy through collective collaboration and working towards a shared vision.