Navigating the African Startup Landscape: A Journey to Algeria

My journey to the 2nd edition of the African Startup Conference in Algeria began with a spirited drive from Takoradi to Accra on Sunday, the 3rd of December. A dash to the airport later, I found myself airborne at 8:30 pm, bound for Algiers via Istanbul, Turkey. The 24-hour adventure felt like a paradox, symbolizing the current state of African connectivity – a need for direct flights between nations. With me on this entrepreneurial pilgrimage was Festus Amoyaw, the founder of myFig, representing Ghanaian innovation alongside Naa Sika.

A Glimpse into the Conference Highlights

The African Startup Conference unfolded over three days, from the 5th to the 7th of December, 2023. The event brought together startup enthusiasts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent. Notable activities included keynote addresses by esteemed personalities, including a powerful speech by the Prime Minister of Algeria and a keynote from the South African Minister for Small Business Development, the guest of honour. Mr Belhocine Mohamed, the African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, also graced the stage with insights into the future of African innovation.

Doing a demo of Naa Sika during the VIP visit to our stand

A Proud Representative of Ghana

As the founder of Naa Sika, my primary goal at the conference was to immerse myself in the latest trends in the fintech space and the broader startup world. Our exhibition booth garnered attention from high-profile visitors, including the Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups, and Microenterprises, as well as the South African Minister for Small Business Development. The engagement with diverse African delegations provided a unique platform to showcase the potential of Naa Sika on the continental stage.

Myself, Festus and two Government reps and a Ghanaian living in Algeria

Exploring Pertinent Topics

The conference featured diverse discussions, with topics ranging from Doing Business to "Fostering Access to African Markets." Sessions on the "Future of Energy" and "Investing in Africa's Startup Ecosystem" were exciting. The ministerial summit focused on assessing the progress of the adopted roadmap from the previous edition, emphasizing the commitment to nurturing startup ecosystems across Africa.

Looking Ahead: Collaborations and Opportunities

For me, the conference served as a strategic opportunity to collaborate with startups from various African nations. The chance to scale Naa Sika beyond Ghana was a tangible prospect. Discussions on strategies to retain startup headquarters in Africa and local financing solutions were insightful, laying the groundwork for potential collaborations.

A Grateful Acknowledgment

I sincerely thank the Algerian Government for championing the African Startup Conference. As the founder of Naa Sika, I am grateful for the invaluable experiences gained and connections forged. I eagerly anticipate the next edition of this enriching event, committed to contributing to the thriving startup ecosystem in Africa.

By Ralph Menz, Founder of Naa Sika