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This past weekend was marked by a convergence of intellectual prowess and visionary leadership as the second annual Yale Africa Innovation Symposium unfolded, providing a platform for African innovators and public leaders to engage in conversations aimed at steering the continent towards a progressive future. With a meticulous year-long planning process following the inaugural event, the symposium spanned across various locations on Science Hill, featuring influential speakers such as Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed and regional Senator Amara Konneh. The event also boasted the presence of notable figures like journalist Stephanie Busari, White House Official Deniece Laurent-Mantey, and Ousman Sahko Sow, founder of the groundbreaking startup Blacktag, who guided participants through a series of YAIS-sponsored “Innovation Labs.”
The symposium commenced with a captivating panel discussion, serving as a window into the remarkable endeavors of African innovators tirelessly working to uplift economic conditions on the continent. A weekend filled with intellectual exchange and celebration culminated in a gala and talent show at the Omni Hotel, where the stage came alive with the performances of renowned Nigerian singer and producer, Young Jonn.
Ambassador Fatima Kyari Mohammed, currently serving as the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, delivered a keynote address during the opening ceremony. Her words resonated, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of African youth—their unwavering determination, boundless imagination, and relentless pursuit of a better future. Mohammed celebrated these young minds as change-makers driving innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in every corner of the continent.
The symposium welcomed a diverse array of students from schools across the country, including the first-ever international visitors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This global representation elevated the event, fostering a rich cultural exchange that unfolded over the weekend. Visiting students were graciously hosted by committee members, friends, and students from Yale University who expressed a keen interest in facilitating this cultural interchange.
Senator Amara Konneh, in his impactful opening speech, recognized African youth not merely as the leaders of tomorrow but as leaders of the present. He passionately addressed the attendees, urging them, as well as those part of the African diaspora, to contribute innovative solutions that would contribute to the continent’s growth and development. The symposium, true to its mission, showcased its commitment to tangible solutions through its Innovation Labs.
In these collaborative labs, students, irrespective of their majors and disciplines, engaged with Africa’s foremost leaders, working through intricate case studies to present group resolutions at the closing ceremony. The pinnacle of these efforts was acknowledged through the presentation of the Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong Innovation Award, named in honor of a distinguished Ghanaian entrepreneur.
The labs, intentionally open to students from diverse academic backgrounds, resonated with participants like Yohanna Mbedgue. A first-year student at American University, Mbedgue shared her experience in a lab led by Stephanie Busari titled “Unraveling the Web of Fake News and Misinformation in African Journalism.” Although not directly related to her major in public health as a pre-med student, she valued the broader perspective gained.
A panel discussion titled “Working With and Within the Continent” brought together thought leaders such as Maudo Jallow, Wagaye Johannes, Martha Phiri, Angela Kyeremanteh-Jimoh, and Kadmiel Van Der Puije, the CEO of The Voice of Africa. The dialogue explored the decision-making processes concerning Africa’s growth, touching upon the conscious choices made by individuals like Phiri and Jallow to study abroad and return to contribute to the continent’s development.
Kadmiel Van Der Puije shared insights into what The Voice of Africa (TVOA) is doing in the trade,investment, tourism, media, and education industries on the continent through TVOA Forum, Experience Africa, and Experience Africa Tours. Angela Kyeremanteh-Jimoh highlighted the possibilities of creating impactful initiatives within the corporate world, expressing hope that more individuals would return to Africa to focus on its progress. Additionally, Wagaye Johannes emphasized the importance of collaboration, while Kadmiel Van Der Puije shared insights on the paramount role partnerships play in achieving success. These contributions collectively underscored the multifaceted efforts and collaborative spirit driving progress across various sectors in Africa.
“Look for problems within the organizations and roles, the societies that you are part of. How are you making yourself visible?” posed Kyeremanteh-Jimoh during the panel discussion, inspiring attendees to proactively seek opportunities for positive change.
The closing ceremony provided a platform for Innovation Lab groups to present their resolution slideshows, showcasing practical solutions to the problems presented in their case studies. David Oyebade, a second-year student at Westmont College who participated in the “Developing a Digital Transformation Strategy for Ghana” lab, expressed his realization of the practicality of the solutions proposed during the event.
Oyebade left the symposium with a newfound understanding of the problem his group addressed, feeling challenged to draw conclusions based on the information presented. The ceremony also witnessed the announcement of the winners of the Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong Innovation Award, with the Economic Transformation Innovation Lab, led by Senator Amara Konneh, receiving the accolade. The lab presented a prototype for a monetary transaction app, offering a solution to the exchange rate difficulties faced by African countries in trading with each other.
The symposium’s grand finale unfolded with a gala at the Omni Hotel, featuring master of ceremonies MC Chiboy, DJ Tidéh, and the sensational Young Jonn. Attendees were treated to a cultural spectacle, with the highlight being the opportunity to win a free Ethiopian Airlines flight to a destination of their choice through a raffle. The proceeds from additional ticket purchases went to the Congo Children Trust, embodying the symposium’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the event.
The gala provided not only a feast for the senses through cultural performances but also an opportunity for all attendees to savor traditional African cuisine. Meg Lambert, a freshman at Hamilton College, captured the essence of the symposium’s impact, stating, “We’re solution-oriented here, and we can come with a lot of our thoughts and areas of improvement for the continent. But we’re leaving with tangible connections, we’re leaving with relationship-building skills, and potential internships.”
As the curtains closed on this year’s event, it solidified its position as a cornerstone for impactful discussions, fostering cross-cultural connections, and shaping the trajectory of Africa’s future. The inaugural Yale Africa Innovation Symposium in November 2022 laid the foundation for an annual tradition that continues to evolve, making significant strides in addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities for the continent’s growth and prosperity.
