The GEC+Africa (#GECPLUSAFRICA24) took place on 13-14 March 2024 and connected African Entrepreneurs (Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises and Startups) from different sectors. The GEC+Africa was a gathering of entrepreneurs from more than 43 African nations committed to advancing entrepreneurial activities throughout their own and other countries in Africa. Thought Leaders advancing Startups in Africa gathered at this conference.
This what the Namibians attending the conference had to say after experiencing the GEC+Africa. These testimonies are making the attendance so much important for other Namibians to attend in future.
Vaughan Weiss: A startup in the educational gaming industry. “From sitting in on the sessions and afterwards being able to engage with the speakers, it offered an intimate experience of networking and building cross border relationships. • I was able to learn what my fellow Africans are doing in their respective countries to build their entrepreneurial ecosystems successfully. This will equip me with confidence to apply what I learned in the Namibian ecosystem and know that I have access to people who can mentor me in the areas I need strengthening. I learned about the different mechanisms available to scaling a business and creating opportunities for collaborative projects. The ethos of GEN was showcased successfully celebrating, understanding, supporting, and connecting entrepreneurs. It was a great honor to be part of it. • During the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) we could cheer on the Namibian finalist Festus Malakia (A GEN Member). He reached the top 10 in Africa. His Startup Mepeya, bringing vegetables for rural farmers to the market, did not cash in on the $50,000 prize money, but he says he is ready for his next pitch for price money.”
Jesaya Hano-Oshike: “Attending the GEC+Africa 2024 was truly enlightening, as it unveiled the impactful initiatives undertaken by the Global Entrepreneurship Network across Africa. Engaging with the global leadership of the organization and connecting with leaders from diverse GEN chapters in Africa has significantly broadened my network. These newfound contacts will greatly facilitate my efforts to provide Namibian entrepreneurs with vital insights into penetrating various African markets. Moreover, interacting with other African startup ecosystem leaders has afforded me invaluable lessons on optimizing support for Namibian startups.”
Elsabe van Wyk: “Growth of small-scale mining in Namibia can IMPROVE EMAN COMPANY IMAGE. The Emerging Mining Association is already very active in other African countries. However, at GEC Plus Africa I could hand my business card with EMAN logo and was promised cross border collaboration and initiatives sharing. Future business ventures might come about, which will lead to economic growth for miners in Namibia and educating of small-scale miners in Namibia to grow their networks including other African countries, is possible after attending the GEC Plus Africa 2024. Deals will only be finalized once the MOU is signed. Bringing more money to small scale miners as well as reaching Namibia’s Vision 2030. I met stakeholders from different fields. It was interesting to meet many people from various countries and make acquaintances. “
Lovisa Shinkili: “The conference was insightful and educational. I get to learn the most important component fundamental of entrepreneurship that helps a business to grow, not only capital, but non-financial support such as promotional partners is very crucial to business growth and success. I have learnt the most fundamental components to business growth and success. The event opened my eyes to the importance and the role of the use of AI and Digitalization. The world is migrating from the traditional ways of contacting business- it's at a faster pace. This makes me realize that I and the mining sector at large need to gear up into the world of technology. The slogan: I carry from the conference is: There is room to grow, there is room to succeed.”