Africa Tech Festival 2024: Technology as a Bridge to the Future, Says Alderman James Vos
The Africa Tech Festival 2024 concluded on Thursday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), with Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee member for economic growth, delivering a keynote address.
As Africa’s largest tech festival, the event brought together global industry leaders to explore how technology and evolving strategies are reshaping the continent’s diverse industries. Organized with the City of Cape Town as a key sponsor, the festival highlighted the city’s role as a leading tech hub in Africa.
“Cape Town is the perfect host for this landmark event, connecting entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and stakeholders to discuss emerging trends and foster innovation. Technology is central to how our City government tackles challenges, improving our ability to serve communities,” said Vos.
He pointed to the city’s Ease of Doing Business programme as an example of technology driving positive change. By monitoring the efficiency and costs of municipal services, the initiative streamlines operations and boosts productivity. It also inspired the creation of a resident-focused mobile app, allowing citizens to submit service requests, receive real-time notifications, and stay updated on incidents and alerts.
Cape Town has extended its tech innovation efforts across borders, collaborating with municipalities across Africa to share strategies for improving government services. “This reflects our commitment to learning from each other and creating a tech-powered foundation for sustainable urban growth across the continent,” Vos noted.
Highlighting Cape Town’s robust startup ecosystem, he revealed that the city is home to 51% of South Africa’s startups and supported by over 30 incubators, accelerators, and support organizations. One notable partner, UVU Africa, has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs with skills and connections.
Vos shared a success story of a biotech entrepreneur who joined UVU Africa’s Women in Business programme in 2020. Today, she runs a thriving company, exemplifying Cape Town’s entrepreneurial spirit and the impact of its support initiatives.
“Technology is more than just a tool; it’s a bridge to the future. The City of Cape Town is committed to making our city a hub for African innovation, demonstrating how tech can drive economic growth and social change,” Vos concluded.
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