High-Level Forum Africa-Europe
“Taking cooperation to the digital age”
The President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, as the current Chairperson of the African Union, and the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, Sebastian Kurz, as Austria holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, cordially invite African and European heads of state or government, CEOs of major global companies as well as innovative entrepreneurs and stakeholders to the High‑Level Forum Africa‑Europe.
The High‑Level Forum’s leitmotif “Taking cooperation to the digital age” promotes innovation and digitalisation as important enablers for our future development, so that everyone can benefit from the ongoing digital transformation. A lot of innovation is happening both in Africa and in Europe, with many creative start‑ups providing solutions for different emerging challenges, and this Forum is an opportunity to showcase them and to learn from each other.
The High‑Level Forum provides a space to reflect and act on what needs to be done to secure prosperity and competitiveness on both continents as well as to deepen the relationship between Africa and Europe in all its aspects with a specific focus on taking cooperation to the digital age. During the high‑level segment, political leaders and CEOs are invited to share their vision on the current and future cooperation between Africa and Europe regarding innovation and digitalisation. Round tables focus on key themes linked to innovation for the digital age in Africa: FinTech (Financial Technologies); Agriculture 4.0; jobs for the 21st century: skills, qualifications and the digital potential; successful private financing of start‑ups; sustainable energy access: shifting to a digitised, decarbonised and democratised energy future; and other relevant topics.
The Forum is accompanied by a business to business (B2B) platform, where entrepreneurs and innovators from both continents have the opportunity to network and to exchange their concepts and solutions for the digital age. Start‑ups and young innovators from Africa and Europe, as well as established companies, are encouraged to actively participate in the B2B platform. B2B and B2G (business to government) meetings form the core of the B2B session and are held throughout the day. Participants can pre-book via a matching platform. Online pre-registration for the B2B/B2G matching platform is for businesses only and is open until 25 November 2018. The registration link can be found here: https://wko.at/aussenwirtschaft/africaeurope2018
The High‑Level Forum is by invitation only.
