Hey there, Habibi!
I spent the entire day at the Dubai Harbour, one of the two venues for the well-attended GITEX conference. Over four hours, I listened to venture capitalists, founders, and policymakers from across the globe.
A government official outlined a country’s plan to ensure its citizens benefit from AI technology’s economic promises. The government is seeking international partnerships to accelerate digital transformation, offering resources and support to businesses in various sectors.
Speakers at the conference discussed challenges facing the venture capital scene in Africa, including skilled individuals leaving for more developed countries. Solutions were proposed, emphasizing the need for countries to match the pace of development to retain talent.
The discussion also touched on funding challenges, with suggestions for startups to explore alternative financing options. Educating investors on venture capital was highlighted as crucial for the growth of the tech ecosystem.
As the tech ecosystem matures, optimism and patience were emphasized as key virtues for its continued development.