Building an African Innovation Ecosystem in New York

Building An African Innovation Ecosystem in NY is an initiative by Impact Hub New York Metropolitan Area and Impact Hub Accra, co-created with African Women in Technology and Baobab Consulting. The event is part of the Impact State of Mind Conference in partnership with Marketplace of the Future.

This UNGA side event will highlight leading Africa-focused innovators from both sides of the Atlantic, with the aim to catalyze collaborations and exchange between Africa-focused entrepreneurs, African diaspora, and others passionate about connecting to African innovation ecosystems.

The event is in collaboration with Maakola, the African Health Innovation Centre, Africa Future Summit, Global Startup Ecosystem, and Item13, and many more!

New York is the most important city for Africans outside of Africa. Leveraging our collective networks and 14 partner Impact Hubs on the continent, we believe we can help advance the sustainable rise of Africa and New York!

This year’s event will feature a vibrant discussion about the opportunities of doing business and creating an impact between New York and African markets, as well as special breakout sessions in emerging tech, remote work, sustainable fashion, startup investment, and health innovation.

The event is free to attend, with delicious African food options available for sale, as well as drinks. Those who arrive early will be gifted with free headshots via the talented Sam Popp Shoots.

Event Schedule:

• 3:00pm - Doors open, registration, free headshots
• 4:00pm - Defi & Impact in Africa, CBDC Coins and Country Markets - African Women in Technology
• 4:45pm - Focus on Women Entrepreneurs
• 5:30pm - Food and networking
• 6:00pm - Welcome and Keynote Round Table: Advancing NYC - Africa Business Opportunities for Impact
• 6:30pm - Intercultural Collaboration and the future of remote work in Africa - Baobab Consulting
• 7:00pm - Breakouts: Funding African Startups & Using the SDGs to Build Systemic Change Through Regenerative Fashion - Maakola
• 7:30pm - Breakouts: Health Innovation in West Africa in the "Post-Pandemic" World - The African Health Innovation Center
• 8:00pm - 9:00pm - Networking, Drinks, and Music

*Schedule of exact sessions may shift slightly

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Starrett-Lehigh Building, 601 West 26th Street, New York, United States