OVER 200 small and medium entrepreneurs from across Africa are set to convene in Tanzania in november for the Accelerate Africa Summit 2024 which aims to empower entrepreneurs.

Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Pendo Lema, Coordinator of Accelerate Africa Tanzania, said that the summit will take place in Arusha from november  28th to 29th.

She said that the summit aims to showcase diverse expertise across business, technology and development.

Lema said participants are expected from Botswana, Cameroon, Malawi, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and the host Tanzania.

She noted that the summit themed ‘Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth and Innovation in Africa’ will feature business leaders, policymakers and innovators from across the continent and beyond.

“During the summit, participants will collaborate and share insights to foster entrepreneurship, drive innovation and empower local businesses to succeed in the global market,” she said.

She explained why Tanzania was chosen to host the summit, citing its strategic location in East Africa, rapidly growing economy and strong commitment to supporting SMEs and innovation.

She said that Arusha in particular offers an ideal setting for fostering meaningful discussions and facilitating networking among participants.

Lema said that Tanzania is set to gain further benefits as SMEs  are expected to visit key tourist attractions, including the Ngorongoro crater, Serengeti National Park and Zanzibar.

Raphael Maganga, chief executive officer at the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation expressed strong support for the summit, highlighting its role in empowering SMEs and driving economic
transformation across the continent.

“We are excited to support the Accelerate Africa Summit 2024 in Tanzania, recognizing the crucial role SMEs play in innovation, job creation and economic growth. Our support aims to provide SMEs with
the tools and connections needed to thrive across the continent,” he said.

He mentioned that topics to be covered by various speakers and panelists include leadership, innovation and empowering SMEs for sustainable growth.

Other topics will address market expansion, access to finance and investments, women and youth empowerment and digital transformation in Africa.

He further noted that the summit aims to foster collaboration and networking among SMEs across Africa, offer valuable insights on market expansion, leadership and innovation and facilitate exchange of
knowledge on sustainable business practices.

It will also encourage partnerships that drive growth and development, highlight investment opportunities and provide practical guidance for SMEs looking to scale..

 Accelerate Africa’s mission is to act as a catalyst for economic transformation by providing strategic resources, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to funding for emerging entrepreneurs.