Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 86 | Page 11

NEWS

Winners of Irish Tech Challenge South Africa travel to Dublin

The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is excited to announce that the 2023 winning cohort is set to travel to Ireland for a 10-day curated immersion and networking programme with access to top industry leaders and potential for further funding .

Launched in 2022 , the Challenge is fast becoming a catalyst for innovation within the South African tech community , and serves as a model of effective inter-governmental , public , and private partnerships that stimulate the entrepreneurial ecosystem .
It builds on the historical ties between Ireland and South Africa and highlights the crucial role of both local and international stakeholders collaborating to support startups in their growth journey .
The winning five start-ups emerged from 266 applications and were unveiled on 21 November 2023 . From AgriTech to BioTech
to HealthTech , their innovations demonstrate the depth and diversity of talent in the South African tech landscape .
The winning start-ups include :
• Thato Schermer , Founder , Zoie Health , HealthTech
• Neo Hutiri , Founder , PeleBox , HealthTech
• Vuyo Pakade , Founder , Foonda Africa , HRTech
• Dr Benedicta Durcan , Founder , AfroBodies , BioTech and
• Tumelo Chiloane , Co-founder , Desert Green Africa , AgriTech
These start-ups travel to Dublin to grow their entities by leveraging Ireland ’ s growing status as a major global tech and innovation hub , drawing from the vast pool of Irish tech expertise as well as industry experts , investors , and fellow innovators . As an EUmember state , Ireland further serves as a gateway to the European market and beyond for these high-impact South African start-ups .
The Irish Tech Challenge South Africa is a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa , the Department of Science and Innovation , DSI , the Technology Innovation Agency , along with implementing partners Tshimologong Digital Precinct , South Africa and Dogpatch Labs , Ireland .
It amplifies the commitment of Ireland and South Africa to incentivise mutually beneficial partnerships between Irish tech expertise and South African entrepreneurs .

Republic of Guinea stages round table for donors to achieve its development goals

The Republic of Guinea is poised to make a significant leap towards achieving its ambitious development goals with the upcoming Round Table of Donors . Organised by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation , this event has already garnered an overwhelming response from the international community , reflecting global confidence in Guinea ’ s potential and strategic development vision .

Her Excellency Rose Pola Pricemou , Minister of Planning and International Cooperation , expressed her enthusiasm about the unprecedented international interest in Guinea ’ s development agenda . “ The enthusiastic participation from sovereign funds , development banks , financial institutions , and governments worldwide underscores the shared belief in our nation ’ s growth potential and the vital role of international collaboration in achieving it ,” she stated .
Her Excellency Rose Pola Pricemou , Republic of Guinea
The event will be graced by the presence of Bernard Goumou , Prime Minister of Guinea , highlighting the national importance of this gathering . Accompanied by a large delegation , including no less than seven ministers and senior government officials , Guinea demonstrates its unified commitment to driving forward its development strategy
as part of the Interim Reference Programme , IRP 2022 – 2025 , aligned with the Guinea 2040 Vision and global development goals .
“ This landmark event is not just a forum for discussion ; it is a platform for action , partnership , and shared vision . The overwhelming response from the international community is a powerful testament to the collective will to support Guinea on its journey towards sustainable development ,” Her Excellency Ms Rose added .
The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation leads this initiative , showcasing Guinea ’ s developmental priorities and strategic choices to the world . “ We are at a pivotal moment in our nation ’ s history , poised to transform the enthusiasm and support of the international community into tangible projects and long-lasting partnerships that will propel Guinea towards achieving its 2040 Vision ,” Her Excellency Ms Rose concluded .
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