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The Yale Africa Innovation Symposium (YAIS III), held on February 7-8, 2025, marked a transformative milestone in the ongoing conversation about Africa’s future. The symposium gathered thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss and explore solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges, with a spotlight on the power of collaboration across diverse sectors and transformative ideas.
Day 1: Friday, February 7, 2025
The event kicked off with registration at the Yale Science Building (YSB) Lobby, setting the stage for a day full of excitement and engagement. The Opening Ceremony, held at YSB Marsh Hall, introduced the symposium with Executive Director’s remarks and recognition of the event’s sponsors and partners.
The day’s highlight was the Keynote Address delivered by Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, who stated, “African entrepreneurs don’t need charity… They need an enabling environment.” This resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of creating a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurship. Somachi’s discussion on empowering entrepreneurs set the stage for the day’s collaborative discussions.
Following her address, she engaged in an insightful Q&A with Maudo Jallow, an advisor to the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, expanding on the theme of sustainable entrepreneurship in Africa.
Throughout the day, the Innovation Labs took center stage, offering practical insights into Africa’s future. Each lab focused on different sectors, driving critical conversations on key issues affecting the continent. Notable contributions included:
- Leadership & Gender Equity: Alice Malongte, Consultant, emphasized that leadership is about empowering others, not just titles.
- Gender Equity: Mariama Keïta-Thiero, Founder of MKCommunications, noted the importance of communication in bridging innovation and community.
- Entrepreneurship: Augustine Degorl II, Founder of Symposia & AWTC, urged, “Entrepreneurship is the engine of economic growth.”
- Politics & Governance: Kah Walla, the first female presidential candidate in Cameroon, called for politics to reflect the voices of the historically excluded.
- Content Creation: Grace Amaku, Social Media Influencer, spoke on how social media can drive positive change.
- Public Health & Research: Dr. Bamba Gaye, Executive Director of AMedRA, emphasized the importance of accessible health solutions.
- Agribusiness: Amanda Turner EGE of the Elea Foundation for Ethics in Globalization highlighted Africa’s potential in sustainable farming.
- Climate & Sustainability: Soraya Hosni, Yale World Fellow, underscored Africa’s leadership in sustainability with the right investments.
- Economic Transformation: Euler Bropleh, Founder of VestedWorld, emphasized entrepreneurship as the catalyst for sustainable development.
- Finance: Jamaludin Shamji, Non-Executive Director at Diamond Trust Bank, discussed the need for financial systems that support innovation in Africa.
- Fashion Innovation: Maysa Shems, Model and Co-owner of RMA Apparel, shared that “Fashion is not just about looks; it’s an expression of identity and culture that can drive societal change.” Through her session, Maysa emphasized how fashion is a potent tool for social transformation and can reflect Africa’s rich cultural heritage while promoting a global movement toward cultural identity and empowerment.
Day 2: Saturday, February 8, 2025
The second day began with a powerful session on “The Voice of Africa: Guide to Powerful Public Speaking,” led by Kadmiel Van Der Puije, CEO of The Voice of Africa. The session highlighted the power of storytelling as a transformative tool in shaping Africa’s future.
A key feature of the day was the dynamic TVOA panel, moderated by Kadmiel Van Der Puije. The panel featured leaders such as Kemuel Van Der Puije, Tony Attipoe, Victoria Shanora, and Muka Chisaka. Their discussion covered topics of innovation, leadership, and the role of storytelling in African development.
Attendees also enjoyed a fun and interactive Kahoot game focused on public speaking, with cash prizes for the top three winners.
Following The Voice of Africa’s Session, participants engaged in Innovation Lab 2: Workshop, where they worked collaboratively on innovative solutions for Africa’s challenges. The energy in the room was high as ideas were shared and developed in real-time.
Lunch in the YSB Lobby provided attendees an opportunity to network and discuss the day’s sessions, while the Panel Discussion: Echoes of Africa; Storytelling as a Vehicle for Change explored how narratives can reshape perceptions, drive social impact, and create lasting change.
In the afternoon, participants fine-tuned their ideas during Innovation Lab 1: Presentation Preparation, refining their communication strategies for the final presentations. These interactive sessions equipped attendees to present their innovative solutions confidently.
The Presentations & Closing Remarks session marked the end of the formal symposium. It was a moment for participants to share their solutions, followed by remarks from the organizers and speakers, celebrating the event’s success and the collaborative efforts of all involved.
The day culminated in the highly anticipated YAIS III Gala at the OMNI Hotel in New Haven, where global speakers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers came together to celebrate the symposium’s success. The gala was graced by a standout performance from King Promise, whose energetic set captivated the crowd, marking the evening as one of the most memorable moments of the event.
The YAIS III Afterparty at Jazzy’s Cabaret offered a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to continue building relationships and unwind after an eventful weekend. The vibrant afterparty was the perfect close to an inspiring and impactful event.
TVOA Media Team: Throughout the event, the TVOA Media team—Favour Olobor, Sandy Amaoko, and Samuel Onwubiko—played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of YAIS III through interviews with attendees and speakers, ensuring the symposium’s impact was well documented.
In conclusion, YAIS III was a resounding success, igniting new conversations, collaborations, and partnerships that will continue to shape Africa’s future. The symposium showcased the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and storytelling in addressing Africa’s challenges and unlocking its immense potential. Participants left inspired, energized, and ready to take action toward a brighter future for Africa.
