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Africa Finance and Investment Forum 2017 to be hosted in Kenya for the first time

Africa Finance and Investment Forum (AFIF) 2017 "Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Growth" will be hosted by Strathmore University. (Image source: Mkimemia/Commons)

The 11th edition of the Africa Finance and Investment Forum (AFIF) 2017 "Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Growth" will be hosted by Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya 

The PAN-African meeting of governmental representatives, investors, SME and their managers and entrepreneurs, organised by EMRC, will take place from 13 - 16 February at Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya. The conference will focus on entrepreneurship and innovation and access to finance in key sectors such as energy, water, ICT, health and agriculture. 

“Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the creators of the middle class in Africa, but access to finance remains a hurdle for entrepreneurs in the region,” explains Inês Bastos, AFIF manager. “To strengthen the private sector in Africa, AFIF offers a platform to promote new business partnerships between entrepreneurs and investors which will contribute to a sustainable development in Africa”.

AFIF 2017 will include: 2-day training “Scaling an Entrepreneurial Venture” for entrepreneurs to provide the tools to present a business plan to potential investors and access to finance on 13-14 February; Panel discussions with top experts, including speakers from several international organisations such as the International Finance Corporation (World Bank), Rabobank Foundation, Japanese Intl. Cooperation Agency, African Guarantee Fund, Strathmore University, European Investment Bank African and several Chambers of Commerce on 15-16 February; B2B pre-arranged business meetings between investors and entrepreneurs on 15-16 February. An awards Ceremony. Six African SMEs have been nominated as finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017, supported by the Rabobank Foundation. Out of the 51 projects from around the continent and following a few rounds of selection, the jury has selected these innovative projects from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania for their social, economic and ecological impact, and their potential for growth and job creation nationally and regionally. The winner will be announced during the networking dinner, on 15 February.

An awards ceremony will also take place during the event. Six African SMEs have been nominated as finalists for the AFIF Entrepreneurship Award 2017, supported by the Rabobank Foundation. Out of the 51 projects from around the continent and following a few rounds of selection, the jury has selected these innovative projects from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania for their social, economic and ecological impact, and their potential for growth and job creation nationally and regionally. The winner will be announced during the networking dinner, on 15 February.

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