Africa, a reservoir of creativity and innovation to be encouraged

After the great success of the first edition, in 2023 in Paris, the organizers intend to work hard to make the meeting in the administrative capital of the Kingdom a privileged moment of giving and receiving. Because Africa Solutions Week (SAS-2024) is an international meeting which presents innovative solutions entirely dedicated to the development of this part of the world.

Indeed, as the initiators indicate, Africa is an extraordinary reservoir of initiatives, projects, creativity and innovation. These concern agricultural drones, digital applications, laptops, mobile phones, teleconsultation terminals, medical cases, connected objects, super-applications, ecological trash cans, ethical and eco-responsible swimsuits.

These initiatives also include eco-friendly reusable sanitary napkins, eco-friendly water bikes, solar panels with recycled materials, eco-friendly improved cookstoves for households, assistive robots, self-locking bricks made from plastic waste, helmets for smart life-saving motorcycles, solar backpacks, hydrogen cars, voice-activated phones (Open G), medical robot, computer software, tablets, multi-purpose and eco-friendly automatic irrigation device, digital library…

This event, initiated by the organization “Our Voice”, in partnership with the NGO WAID (World & Africa for Investment and Development), chaired by the Moroccan, Hassan Benzzine, is also intended to be a tool to honor those who shape the Africa of today and tomorrow and promote innovation and a press of solutions. In this regard, it must be said that these “Made in Africa” innovations, which contribute to the creation of an inspiring, united and sustainable society, are little known to the general public.

The choice of Morocco to host this meeting is not accidental. Indeed, “the initiatives and commitments of the Government of the Kingdom in favor of the promotion of innovative entrepreneurship and the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, have militated in favor of this choice, Morocco being a dream destination, a country of creativity and innovation. Harmoniously combining the traditional and the modern, Morocco offers an ideal setting to host SAS 2024 in Africa, in an environment rich in culture, history and flavors,” reads the press release.

This success story began when, in 2023, the “Our Voice” association launched Africa Solutions Week to reveal, promote and amplify them. The effort was a success since more than 2000 people, including notable African and international personalities and problem solvers took part.

Placed under the theme “Media and entrepreneurs, accelerators of solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”, this edition “will highlight a multitude of actors who, through their commitment, work to improve our lives, our economies, our health and our environment. It will also be about bringing together solution players at different levels around concrete initiatives. Whether economic, social, ecological, educational or health, demonstrating Africa’s creativity and inspiring a wide audience to act through inspiration.

The program will include several round tables on the themes: “Morocco, extraordinary reservoir of initiatives, projects, creativity and innovation”, “Social responsibility of African companies (CSR)”, “Media and journalists, accelerators of solutions », “SMEs, VSEs, Cooperatives: Adapted and effective solutions for international trade”, “Rural cooperatives: these women who are building the future” and “Technological solutions which are moving Africa”.

This year, Guinea is the guest country of Honor. According to Léonce Hamza Houngbadji, founding president of this major international event: “To tell Africa differently, we must bring out new positive and inspiring stories and innovative editorial and managerial methods: disseminate inspiring content; promote initiatives that provide solutions; disseminate information that gives hope, desire, inspires and pushes to concrete action. It is also about disseminating quality, meaningful content: stories of resilience and initiatives providing concrete responses to the economic, societal and ecological challenges that individuals and society face; create links between field initiatives, media and citizens, to accelerate the resolution of social, economic, ecological, educational, health problems…”. Everything is said. For the current edition, actions will be carried out. It is a 100% solutions menu, constructive, participatory and inspiring. Thus, among other things, 120 innovative solutions and constructive initiatives will be revealed and promoted, more than 200 inspiring, exemplary and visionary African and international personalities have already been mobilized.

On another level, 20 tributes will be paid to innovative entrepreneurs and inspiring journalists while 10 concrete testimonies on the fallout (impact) of SAS 2023 are planned. The highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the presentation of the prototype of Digital Africa Solutions, the world’s first 100% solutions digital museum dedicated to the promotion and enhancement of innovative solutions as well as constructive initiatives Made in Africa. Without forgetting that SAS 2024 will see the launch of the 1st practical school of solutions journalism in Africa. And the list goes on.