This partnership is timely as Smart Africa, an inter-governmental organization consisting of 23 countries in the African continent, vies to transform Africa into a single digital economy and a startup nation through the effective use of of ICT. The partnership agreement includes training African startup entrepreneurs in WFS D’Academy Accelerator Bootcamps to prepare them for seed funding and international business collaboration in different parts of the world, the hosting of the annual World Startup Festival in Africa in 2019, and the creation of a WSF Smart Africa Press Club, inviting respected African media agencies to help elevate the news of African businesses into and beyond Africa, through partnerships with international media houses. World Startup festival is a global entrepreneurship platform based n Carlfonia USA, that brings together startup entrepreneurs, government an corporate leaders from the 10 regions of the world, to create a global conversation on youth entrepreneurship and future businesses in the wake of the 4th industrial revolution. WSF’s unique approach of Celebrating Entrepreneurship takes place in Paris in 2018 and the event convenes annually in different parts of the world. “We are delighted to be in Rwanda and to be partnering with Smart Africa,” said Freda Miriklis, President of WSF. “We also look forward to be working with Smart Africa in the lead up to our inaugural event in Paris next month and providing African entrepreneurs access to a global platform that is creating new solutions for society through disruptive technologies and international business networking with corporations, policymakers and startups worldwide.” WSF has a specific focus on youth empowerment and gender equality and believes that these are critical in realizing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development (2030 Agenda) and the aspiration of global citizens.
