The Studentpreneur Africa Festival, held on March 5-6, 2025, at the Accra Digital Center, brought together over 700 students, educators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to celebrate and foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development among African youth. Themed ‘Igniting Africa’s Future: Celebrating Partnerships, Independence and Youth Empowerment,’ the event featured hackathons, pitch sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
Bekere Amassoma, Oracle Academy Program Manager for Sub Saharan Africa, served as a panelist alongside other esteemed professionals. During the discussion, she highlighted the critical role of technology and digital skills in driving innovation and sustainability in entrepreneurship. She emphasized Oracle Academy’s commitment to equipping educators and their students with the technology tools, knowledge, and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Some key points she addressed included:
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- The importance of fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving among students.
- The role of public-private collaborations in supporting student entrepreneurship.
- Strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures.
The event showcased the immense potential of African students to develop innovative solutions to local and global challenges. The quality of projects presented during the hackathon and pitch sessions was a testament to the talent and creativity of the continent’s youth.
The festival provided an excellent platform for networking and collaboration. Bekere connected with educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore potential collaborations that align with Oracle Academy’s mission of advancing technology education and fostering entrepreneurship.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the need for sustainable business practices. The students demonstrated a strong awareness of environmental and social issues, integrating sustainability into their projects and business models.
The festival highlighted the growing demand for technology and entrepreneurship education in Africa, which has made it necessary for the Oracle Academy program to reach more educators and their students in the region, particularly through collaborations with local institutions and organizations.
Later at the event, Oracle Academy was recognized with a Citation of Honor for its dedication to empowering young entrepreneurs through technology and education. This accolade underscores Oracle Academy’s impact in fostering innovation, creativity, and sustainable entrepreneurship among Africa’s next generation of changemakers. The recognition serves as a testament to Oracle Academy’s commitment to driving positive change.
Oracle Academy plays a pivotal role in supporting educators and their students by providing access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities. Initiatives such as hackathons and incubators will be explored to further empower young innovators. The event reinforced the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among African youth and highlighted the critical role of organizations like Oracle Academy in driving this agenda.
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