Nairobi, September 22, 2011 — Legatum, a private international
investment group, and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment
firm, today announced the launch of Convergence Africa, a high-profile
one-day conference, headlined by globally-renowned champions of
entrepreneurs Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group; and
Tony O. Elumelu MFR, former Group CEO of United Bank for Africa,
Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group and Founder of The Tony Elumelu
Foundation. Convergence Africa will take place on December 8th at the
Kenyatta International Conference Centre in Nairobi, followed by the
Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Gala Banquet. Tickets and
attendance information for both events are available at
www.ConvergenceAfrica.com.
“Entrepreneurs represent Africa’s future,” said Sir Richard Branson,
Founder of the Virgin Group. “I’m constantly inspired by the ambition,
determination and passion of entrepreneurs. Convergence Africa is a
wonderful platform to bring together entrepreneurs and investors to
accelerate growth across the continent.” He continued, ”I’m delighted
to be able to participate in this inaugural year and look forward to
meeting many of Africa’s brightest business leaders.”
Convergence Africa is the event that brings together the
entrepreneurs, investors, policy-makers and businesspeople who will
drive Africa’s growth. In addition to Sir Richard Branson and Tony
Elumelu, speakers include Fred Swaniker, Founder of the African
Leadership Academy; and prominent investors, international journalists
and seasoned entrepreneurs.
The heart of the Convergence Africa conference is a unique series of
Master Classes, conducted by experts in their fields and moderated by
well-known international journalists, covering topics most relevant to
entrepreneurs, investors and policy-makers. Master Class speakers
include, among others:
· Jacqueline Muna Musiitwa, Founder, Hoja Law Group
· Magatte Wade/Founder, Adina and Tiossano
· James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Bank
· Nik Nesbitt, Founder, KenCall
· Bame Pule, Pan-African Private Equity Investor, Actis
Convergence Africa will culminate in an exclusive session of Investor
Speed Dating, designed to match investors with a selection of the
brightest entrepreneurs and their businesses in a series of rapid-fire
pitches for funding. Fifteen venture capital and private equity firms
from across Africa and overseas, including principals from Actis,
Development Partners International, GroFin, Heirs Holdings, Springhill
Equity, and many others will each hear pitches from amongst more than
30 pre-qualified potential investee companies.
“Convergence Africa is where capital meets opportunity, bringing
investors and entrepreneurs face-to-face and creating a platform for
making connections and sharing best practice,” said Alan McCormick, a
Managing Director of Legatum. “Given the importance entrepreneurship
in fuelling Africa’s continued growth, we believe Convergence Africa
is the perfect complement to the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.”
The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, (www.AfricaAwards.com), the
continent’s most prestigious business award, immediately follows
Convergence Africa. Now in its fourth year, the Africa Awards
programme recognises and rewards business leaders who embody the
entrepreneurial spirit and qualities required to succeed in business
and who are the inspirational role models for the next generation of
African entrepreneurs. This year the Africa Awards for
Entrepreneurship expanded to include every country across the
continent and more than 3,300 businesses submitted entries from 48
countries.
A Grand Prize of US$ 100,000 and five other awards of US$ 50,000 will
go to the winning applicants, based on evaluation of company
profitability, return on investment and growth; long-term business
strategy; leadership, culture and values; investment in employees;
innovation to address market needs; and contribution to the community.
The Gala Awards ceremony will conclude by honouring the ten finalists
and winners in the presence of an international audience of leading
business people, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
The official sponsors of Convergence Africa and the Africa Awards for
Entrepreneurship are Legatum, Omidyar Network, the Coca-Cola Company,
and Kenya Airways. Additional sponsorship opportunities as well as
tickets to both events can be found online at
www.ConvergenceAfrica.com and www.AfricaAwards.com.
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