Africa Tech Festival
EQL:LOUNGE | Africa Tech Festival
12 - 14 November 2024 | Cape Town International Convention Centre
Africa Tech Festival where innovation and inspiration converge to shape the future of Africa's tech industry. Africa Tech Festival is a jam-packed, energy-filled week that celebrates Africa’s vibrant tech scene.
Bringing together a passionate community of 15,000+ movers and shakers as well as the most inspiring examples of tech as a force for good.
What To Expect?
EQL:LOUNGE Africa is a premier networking space dedicated to women and their allies throughout Africa Tech Festival.
In this 2024 EQL:LOUNGE, we are bringing high-calibre speakers into intimate settings for panel discussions, keynote addresses, and fireside chats. Our focus is on re-balancing gender in the technology sector across Africa, with key themes including Women in African Tech: Funding and Investment, Open Innovation and Digital Transformation, and Talent, Empowerment & Leadership.
Engage in dynamic Q&As with main stage speakers, enjoy intimate fireside chats, and participate in power hour networking sessions!
What Are The Key Features?
- Content – Learn from industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs who share their real-world experiences and insights to help you grow your business or elevate your career.
- Morning Meditation – Start the morning fresh with a guided meditation from our expert.
- Workshops – Join our dynamic workshops designed exclusively for female founders, to empower then with the skills and knowledge they need to propel their business to new heights.
- Networking Opportunities – Connect with women, founders and investors across the tech ecosystem at our Power Hour Networking Sessions.
Agenda Tracks
Day 1
Tuesday 12 November
Africa is brimming with entrepreneurial potential. However, the journey to success is fraught with unique challenges. This track is dedicated to equipping African founders with the insights, strategies, and connections they need to overcome these obstacles and achieve sustainable growth.
Day 2
Wednesday 13 November
As the technology landscape rapidly evolves, corporates (especially SMEs) face unique challenges and opportunities. This track focuses on equipping organisations with the technical tools and knowledge needed to navigate these changes, fostering growth, innovation, and resilience.
Day 3
Thursday 14 November
Powerful technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics have become widespread, the adoption of these transformative technologies is changing the types of roles and skills needed. The evolving career landscapes are central to shifts in employee expectations, self-employment trends, and labour shortages.
EQL:LOUNGE 2024 Co-Hosts
EQL:LOUNGE 2024 Speakers
Funke Opeke, Founder & CEO, MainOne
Sinal Govender, Entrepreneurship Coach, Allan Gray Orbis Foundations
Portia Thokoane, HR Director of East and Southern Africa Region, Nestle
Sandiso Sibisi, Open Innovation Studio Director, COOi Studios
Motunrayo Opayinka, Founder, Womenovate
Baratang Miya, Co-Founder/Digital Public Infrastructure Expect, Devshired AI/United Nations
Katharina Pillay, Managing Director, South African Communication Forum
Catherine Lückhoff, Co-Founder & CEO, 20fifty
Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa
