GEC 2017 Digital Pitch Competition open to entrepreneurs in Africa
During the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, this March, five entrepreneurs from Africa will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative idea on a global stage in front of fellow entrepreneurs, potential investors and others in the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Digital Pitch Competition provides a platform for entrepreneurs in Africa and their innovations to submit a three (3) minute video on the GEN South Africa Facebook page to showcase their product or service. Entries are now open and will close on February 5. The videos submitted on Facebook are open for public voting before the final selection process. The top five (5) entries selected will have an opportunity to pitch their venture at the GEC March 13-16, where representatives from entrepreneurial ecosystems around the world will be attending.
To enter in the competition, like the GEN South Africa Facebook page, and then click the “Digital Pitch Competition” tab and register by completing the form and ensuring that all required information is provided. Then, upload your pitch video directly on the page before February 5. Please first upload your video on Vimeo or YouTube, and then insert the link into the competition form. If you have any questions, please send an email to za.gec2017@gmail.com. Encourage your Facebook friends and entrepreneur network to vote for your video pitch by “liking” your video before the public voting closes on February 7. The top five winners will then be selected will be announced by February 17 on the GEN South Africa Facebook page.
The five winners will then get the opportunity to pitch their product or service at the GEC. Flights and accommodations for three nights will be covered for travel to Johannesburg. The winners will also receive recognition as a VIP guest. This will provide the winners an opportunity to network with key leaders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Anyone within the African continent with an innovative idea can participate in the competition — which includes people with ideas, those who are already operational as well as those in the prototype stage. Follow the conversation on the GEN South Africa Facebook page, and on Twitter with #GEC2017 on @GECGlobal.
WEF Africa meeting expected to bring millions to Durban
Sihle Zikalala, MEC for economic development, tourism, and environmental affairs, announced this week that the city would be hosting the World Economic Forum Africa from 3 to 5 May.
Zikalala predicted that direct revenue from hosting the event would be at least R63-million, with a total revenue of R155-million and the creation of more than 500 jobs.
The Africa forum will see regional and global leaders from business, government, and civil society discuss the creation of economic opportunities for the continent. “The reason we have lobbied for WEF Africa to come to Durban is precisely because of its immense potential to enhance the brand equity of both the city and province,” Zikalala said.
He is hopeful that the WEF Africa will become a “permanent feature” in Durban.
“The fact that it’s WEF Africa does not only mean that people from Africa will be attending. We will be expecting delegates from other major countries and so we need to promote the city and South Africa.”
Zikalala said the forum would give the province a chance to “showcase” itself to investors, particularly in the manufacturing sector. (via Bizcommunity)
