Rwanda’s
Ministry of ICT and Innovation and Rwanda Convention Bureau have confirmed
their partnership with the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum
(AWIEF) for its 2023 conference.
The 9th edition of the annual AWIEF Conference,
Exhibition, and Awards will be held at the Kigali Convention Centre, in Rwanda,
on 9 and 10 November 2023.
Established in
2015, AWIEF has become Africa’s leading entrepreneurship, innovation, and
technology platform, bringing together more than 1,300 entrepreneurs and
startups, industry experts, thought leaders, policy drivers, and change-makers
from across Government, Corporate, and Development sectors for impactful
discussions and dialogue on new ideas, initiatives, strategies, and solutions
to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, digitization, intra-Africa trade,
investing, food security, climate action and sustainability and, ultimately,
economic and social transformation in Africa.
The event features
a multi-sector exhibition, workshops, the AWIEF Awards and gala dinner, and
networking opportunities.
The Minister of ICT
and Innovation of the Republic of Rwanda, Ms. Paula Ingabire, said: “As a country that understands the critical role of women in national
development and transformation, Rwanda is delighted to host the 9th Africa
Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Conference and Awards, in
November. We will be particularly interested in discussing practical solutions
to accelerate Africa’s inclusive digital transformation and contribute to
closing the gender gap.”
Commenting on the
partnership, Janet Karemera, the CEO of Rwanda Convention Bureau, said: “The Government of Rwanda is pleased to partner with AWIEF to host the
next edition of their Conference and Awards, in Kigali. This event
provides a platform for the over 1,000 private sector actors, experts, policy-makers, and thought leaders to discuss issues related to Africa’s inclusive
economic growth and to further advance women's economic empowerment and business
leadership on the continent. We look forward to delivering a successful event
and offering AWIEF guests a memorable experience in Rwanda.”
AWIEF Founder and
CEO, Irene Ochem, said: “We are honoured and delighted to partner with the
Ministry and RCB in what we believe will be our most dynamic and engaging
conference yet.
“MINICT’s mission
to address economic growth and poverty reduction through the development and
coordination of policies and programs related to information, technology,
communication, innovation, and empowerment is closely aligned with AWIEF’s
passion and purpose.
“In addition, we
are excited to be working with RCB to bring our international speakers, guest,
and delegates to Kigali, one of the most progressive cities in Africa right
now. We are looking forward to advancing our efforts in connecting and inspiring
the African entrepreneurship ecosystem in this significant hub for business,
technology, and innovation.”
