Belgian non-profit organisation, Digital for Development Belgium is teaming up with Africa based foundation, Youth for Technology Foundation’s (YTF) 3D Africa program to host Silicon Lagoon in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Silicon Lagoon initiative which is being spearheaded by Belgian based organisations, startups.be and Close the Gap, is expected to help participants explore the tech ecosystem in Nigeria and learn more about business opportunities in Africa. There will also be opportunities to meet with local business leaders and entrepreneurs and startups can pitch to local and international investors.
In a statement received by BusinessDay, YTF’s President and CEO, Njideka Harry had met with the King Phillipe of Belgium during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The King expressed interest in the work of 3D Africa and noted the potential alignment of goals with the Digital for Development initiative.
“Advances in technology have transformed industries across all sectors – from artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and 3D printing – every industry is becoming more dynamic and personalised,” Harry said. “This fourth industrial revolution is an incredible opportunity to generate economic growth and address humanitarian challenges we see in our world today.”
The Digital for Development Belgium focuses on creating knowledge –sharing ecosystem in Belgium and stimulating private-sector development.
In Lagos, the mission hopes to create opportunities for Belgian government officials and members of the press delegation to connect with the vibrant tech startup community in Lagos in order to explore the potential for partnerships and raise awareness for Digital for Development initiatives.
During the mission which begins from March 21 and 23, Youth for Technology Foundation 3D Africa students and team members will participate in hand-on activities such as co-creation workshops at CcHUB and NG_Hub, an interactive “Pow-Wow” at the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), immersion sessions at local startups like LifeBank and Blackbit Energy, and investor sessions organized by the IFC Worldbank.
