Onome Amuge
Africa is poised to experience a technological renaissance amid a rapid digital transformation, with over 400 million internet users and a thriving startup ecosystem that has raised billions of dollars in investment.
The transformation is creating new opportunities for economic growth, improved quality of life, and increased prosperity for the continent’s 1.2 billion people which according to industry experts need to be exploited to enhance economic transformation.
In light of this, the Digital Innovation & Creative Excellence (D.I.C.E) mixer,recently brought together over 250 leaders from across Africa’s technology and creative industries. The event, themed “Solve for Africa: Co-Creating a Tech-Enabled Future,” aimed to foster collaboration and spur innovation in Africa’s digital landscape.
Participants included startups, large technology firms, policymakers, NGOs, and media, all of whom engaged in productive dialogue on topics such as the role of technology in Africa’s future, the opportunities and challenges facing the continent, and how to ensure that technological progress benefits everyone.
Organised by Beyond Limits Africa, the DICE mixer featured a number of thought-provoking discussions, led by a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers from the technology and creative industries. Some of the notable speakers included Funke Opeke, CEO of MainOne, a leading West African data center operator and connectivity solutions provider; Kola Aina, founder of Ventures Platform, a leading early-stage venture capital firm; Amal Hassan Wada, head of digital banking solutions at Ecobank Group; Tomike Adeoye, a leading creative entrepreneur and media personality; Miss Techy, a creative who explored the intersections between technology and culture, who was joined by Broda Shaggi, a popular Nigerian comedian popular for using social media to comment on social issues.
In addition to these speakers, several startup leaders from across Africa shared their insights and experiences. These included Iyin Aboyeji, the co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave; Damilola Olokesusi, the CEO of Shuttlers; and Solape Akinpelu, the CEO of Astria Learning.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics and also featured interactive segments like Ask-Me-Anythings and panel discussions, fostering a space for open dialogue and forward-thinking ideas.
Juliet Ehimuan, the founder of Beyond Limits Africa and a prominent figure in the African tech industry, highlighted the importance of such platforms in bringing together diverse perspectives and unlocking the full potential of the continent.
 “In a continent brimming with talent and innovation, platforms like DICE are essential in knitting together diverse perspectives to unlock Africa’s full potential,” she noted.
Ehimuan further elaborated that DICE 2023 has set a new standard for collaboration between the tech and creative industries. She expressed confidence that insights shared at the event will play an instrumental role in shaping a unified vision for Africa’s technological advancement.
According to Ehimuan, the event is aimed at igniting meaningful connections and ideas that would last beyond the event, laying the foundation for increased collaboration and the acceleration of a tech-enabled future across the continent.
The enthusiasm and engagement of attendees at DICE 2023 was a testament to the event’s success and the strong desire of Africa’s tech community to collaborate and drive innovation. Attendees participated in lively discussions, networking sessions, and explored potential partnerships, demonstrating the value of collective action in accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.
The DICE mixer has set a strong precedent for similar events in the future, with the potential to unify, inspire, and accelerate the growth of Africa’s tech and creative industries. Interested individuals and organizations from all industries are encouraged to participate in the next edition of DICE, which is scheduled for early 2024.
