Entrepreneurs and innovators from diverse corners of the African continent gathered on Wednesday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, to mark the commencement of Norrsken Africa Week. This annual event serves as a pivotal platform for fostering discussions on impactful investments tailored to the unique needs of Africa. The week-long initiative, spearheaded by the Norrsken Foundation, aspires to mobilize funds for African innovation by establishing crucial connections between investors and the continent’s dynamic pool of entrepreneurs.
Pascal Murasira, the Managing Director of Norrsken East Africa, articulated the fundamental objective of Norrsken Africa Week during the launch ceremony. He emphasized the importance of uniting global investors, African venture capital firms, and limited partners to facilitate meaningful connections between African founders, global business leaders, public officials, and regulators. This collaborative approach seeks to create an environment conducive to sustainable development, innovation, and the growth of impactful enterprises across Africa.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, addressing the gathering, highlighted the immense potential of the African continent as a profitable investment destination. Beyond viewing Africa solely as a vast market, Kagame urged investors to recognize the thriving societies and people that, to a large extent, rival or even surpass those found elsewhere in the world. Kagame questioned the notion of underestimating or underrating a particular geographical location and stressed that investors should acknowledge that Africa possesses everything the rest of the world has, and more.
The Norrsken Africa Week represents a comprehensive effort to bridge gaps and foster collaboration between key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By bringing together investors, venture capitalists, and limited partners with African founders, the event creates a dynamic space for dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the formation of partnerships. This collaborative approach aligns with the Norrsken Foundation’s overarching commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and driving positive impact.
Founded in 2016, the Norrsken Foundation operates as a non-profit organization with a steadfast dedication to backing entrepreneurs and fostering a global environment conducive to innovation. The Norrsken Africa Week stands as a testament to the foundation’s ongoing commitment to driving positive change by connecting, empowering, and mobilizing resources for the African entrepreneurial landscape. As the event unfolds throughout the week, it holds the promise of unlocking new opportunities, forging partnerships, and catalyzing sustainable development across the African continent.
