The Pan Africa Conference 2025, organized by The Aspen Institute/ANDE, will take place from February 11 to 13, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal, under the theme “Catalyzing the Future of Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Africa.” This event will bring together pioneers and visionaries from Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to drive concrete actions toward building an inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. The focus will be on youth empowerment, digital innovation, diversity, and the promotion of cultural enterprises.
The conference aims to amplify voices from the Global South, strengthen South-South collaborations, and bring together African governments, private sector leaders, and investors for transformative discussions.
Highlights include:
- Practical workshops (90 minutes): to enhance skills within the small and medium-sized enterprise ecosystem.
- Interactive sessions (75 minutes): for in-depth discussions on complex topics.
- Dynamic Spark-Talks (5-7 minutes): showcasing innovations or impactful ideas.
- Roundtables (60 minutes): informal discussions on key sector issues.
- A “Made in Africa” exhibition: featuring investment-ready African businesses presented by ANDE members.
The final day, February 13, will be dedicated to site visits, offering participants the opportunity to explore Dakar’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape and engage with local entrepreneurs.
Practical Information
For more details about the event and registration, please visit the official website HERE.
Organizer
The Aspen Institute is an organization dedicated to dialogue, leadership, and action to address the greatest challenges of our time. Renowned for its ability to bring together experts from diverse backgrounds, it focuses on developing concrete solutions with real-world impact beyond conference discussions.
The Institute’s programs cover a wide range of themes:
- Economy and Society: Analyzing critical financial challenges and crafting inclusive policies.
- Culture and Communication: Exploring the social impact of arts and communication technologies.
- Education: Promoting sustainable and equitable education through leadership development.
- Energy and Environment: Impartial discussions on energy and climate challenges.
- Health and Sports: Global approaches to health policies and societal issues.
- Justice and Civic Identity: Reflections on balancing fundamental rights and public policies.
- Economic Development: Reducing economic inequalities for a sustainable future.
- Philanthropy and Social Enterprise: Strengthening the capacity of social sector actors.
- Security and Global Affairs: Policy strategies for domestic security and international relations.
Under the leadership of its President and CEO, Dan Porterfield, the Institute embodies a nonpartisan and collaborative vision, aiming to enhance the well-being of the greatest number of people.
In addition to its initiatives, the Aspen Institute hosts several specialized networks, including the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE). ANDE focuses on supporting and fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, which are considered essential drivers of sustainable development. This network brings together organizations from around the world, ranging from investors and foundations to incubators and nonprofit organizations. Together, they strive to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters innovation, generates economic opportunities, and reduces social inequalities. ANDE reflects the Institute’s commitment to catalyzing meaningful change through a collaborative and solution-oriented approach.
