AfriLabs Strengthens Global Ties in Innovation & Tech with Paris Delegation
The upcoming AfriLabs delegation to Paris, scheduled for October 9th to 11th, 2024, represents a significant opportunity to enhance global engagement in innovation and technology. This exclusive delegation aims to connect African innovation hubs with key players in Europe’s vibrant tech ecosystem, fostering valuable partnerships and collaborations.
The three-day immersion will provide a unique chance to experience the Spotlight Nigeria event, BIG 2024 (Bpifrance Inno Génération), and a visit to Station F, the world’s largest startup campus. Through these engagements, AfriLabs aims to foster strategic collaborations, explore investment opportunities, and showcase the innovations emerging from Africa's tech landscape.
Paris Delegation Highlights:
- Spotlight Nigeria: Organized by Friends of Nigeria (FON) Europe, this event brings together top executives, investors, and business leaders from Europe and Nigeria. It serves as a platform to discuss business and investment opportunities in Nigeria, fostering critical partnerships that can drive growth and innovation across both continents.
- BIG 2024 (Bpifrance Inno Génération): BIG 2024 is Bpifrance’s flagship event, renowned as one of Europe’s largest gatherings for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators, it offers a dynamic environment to explore new ideas, forge partnerships, and celebrate innovation on a global scale. AfriLabs delegates will participate in VIP workshops, B2B engagements, and networking opportunities.
- Station F is the world’s largest startup campus, housing over 1,000 startups under one roof. It is a hub of cutting-edge innovation and entrepreneurship. AfriLabs delegates will tour the campus, engage with resident startups, and explore collaborations aimed at strengthening ties between African and European innovation ecosystems.
Delegation Agenda:
- Tuesday, October 8, 2024:
- Arrival: Delegates arrive in Paris.
- Wednesday, October 9, 2024:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Spotlight Nigeria Business Forum 2024
Location: Hôtel de l'Industrie, 4 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
The day will feature plenary/ panel sessions, networking, and B2B meetings. - 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Bpifrance Special International Cocktail & Networking
Location: Pomereu Hotel, 67 rue Lille, 75007 Paris
An exclusive VIP event connecting African institutions and French investors.
- Thursday, October 10, 2024:
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Bpifrance BIG 2024
Location: Accor Arena, Bercy, Paris
A full-day event with curated VIP workshops, B2B engagements, and networking opportunities for AfriLabs delegates.
- Friday, October 11, 2024:
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Visit to Station F
Location: Station F, 5 Parvis Alan Turing, 75013 Paris
Delegates will tour Station F, meet with resident startups, and explore potential collaborations.
- Saturday, October 12, 2024:
- Group Tour: A cultural exploration of Paris
Strengthening Global Innovation Ties
AfriLabs' goal to broaden the global narrative of African technology is reaching a critical milestone with this delegation. Through active engagement with key players in Paris, AfriLabs is creating new opportunities for investment, cooperation, and knowledge sharing. The Paris delegation reaffirms AfriLabs' dedication to making sure African innovation keeps flourishing on the international scene.
AfriLabs' Chief Operating Officer, Ajibola Odukoya, emphasized the importance of the Paris delegation, stating: “This delegation to Paris reflects AfriLabs’ commitment to building stronger bridges between African innovators and global markets. By engaging with key stakeholders in Europe, we aim to unlock new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth that will fuel Africa’s tech ecosystem. The Paris trip will be an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to place African innovation at the forefront of global conversations.”
During the visit to Station F, Odukoya will have a strategic meeting with Yves Cabanac, Director at Plug & Play, to explore further collaborations between African startups and global investors.
The delegation will include Ajibola Odukoya from AfriLabs, Roberta Orioma from The Clan Production Studios Limited, Segunfunmi Oyedele from Raiz Digital Services Technology, Henry Ogbuagu from Vencapital, as well as data science experts Temitope Baye, Aanu Oyeniran, and Oluwatoyin Adekanmbi.
If you’re in Paris and would like to explore potential partnerships or discuss AfriLabs’ mission, we would love to connect. We also welcome media representatives interested in learning more about our initiatives at AfriLabs for interviews or discussions.
For media inquiries, please contact our Strategic Communications & Public Relations Lead, Millie Abila, at [millicent@afrilabs.com].
Stay tuned for updates and insights from the AfriLabs delegation as we embark on this journey of global collaboration and innovation.