Africa Tech Week Virtual Summit: Empowering Africa through Investing in Tech

Dec 4, 2020 10:39:26 AM

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Before signing up to partner with Topco Media for their annual Africa Tech Week Summit 2020, the Tech.mt team made it abundantly clear that they’re extremely passionate about tech start-ups, and giving South African talent the platform they need to excel at a global level. Hence, Day 2 of the innovative, virtual tech event included a female-led panel discussion, covering Malta and Africa’s magnetism for foreign investments, accessing funding and capital for new start-ups, and the role that tech start-ups play in supplementing Africa’s economic growth.

Top Women Lead The Way

Introduced by moderator, Zanele Morrison who is the JSE’s Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, the three panelists embarked on a truly compelling conversation. Dana Farrugia, CEO of Tech.mt, Natalie Kolbe, Partner: Private Equity at Actis, and Tanya van Lil who is the CEO at The Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (SAVCA), each contributed valuable insight on how new tech start-ups can get their feet in the door, providing professional tips for coming up with the best business strategy and pitch.

“The person who is offering you the biggest valuation and investment, is not necessarily the best choice or investor for your business”, says Natalie Kolbe, Partner: Private Equity at Actis. “The provider of the capital and the entrepreneur need to be adequately aligned to ensure the longevity of the partnership – think of it as a ‘marriage’”.

Malta – Bridging the Gap

CEO at Tech.mt, Dana Farrugia, stressed the fact that Malta has three embassies in Africa because they have a keen interest in investing in Africa. According to Dana, Malta is Europe’s bridge to Africa and this is why we are seeing more and more cross-pollination:

“South Africa has a highly skilled tech sector that can extend their skills to current big tech players, locally and globally. Emphasis must be placed on internal growth and attracting foreign investment. In South Africa, we must synergise talent that’s going to positively contribute to the economy”, Dana encourages.

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