The 4th Industrial Revolution is underway and it presents significant opportunity as well as challenges for the global community, especially for developing economies. Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Big Data and Cloud Computing are becoming mainstay topics in government planning, media coverage and within the Africa-China relationship. Indeed, in recognition of the increasing centrality of ‘digitization’ to economic development, science, technology and innovation took on increased prominence during the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in 2018. And there is reason to believe that increased technological cooperation between China & Africa could not only drive economic growth but also enable improved people-to-people relationship and importantly act as a leveller in a relationship that is often imbalanced.

In China, the number of internet users soared from 25 million in 2000 to over 750 million in 2017. After a similar surge in Africa, the number of internet users rose from 4.5 million in 2000 to 470 million today. Catering to the new market of internet users in China, tech companies like Alibaba and Tencent became the global giants they are today; through digital partnerships with Chinese firms experienced in navigating a boom in internet literacy, African tech companies can likewise realise the potential of the new online market. This potential is already showing, as evidenced by Alibaba's partnership with M-Pesa, and the recent $20 million Chinese investment in Boomplay, now labelled “Africa’s Apple Music.” However, despite the potential that technology presents the China-Africa relationship issues, such as data ownership, remain.

• What are they key opportunities for technological partnership between China and Africa?
• What are the key challenges that the 4th industrial revolution raises for China Africa and how can they be mitigated?
• How can we build ‘sustainability’ into our digitising world?
• How can an understanding of the digital media landscape in China be leveraged to advance business in booming African industries such as Tourism?
• How can we leverage technology to enhance cross-cultural engagement and understanding?

AGENDA

 1:30 pm Registration

2:00 - 3:15pm: Panel | Leveraging Chinese Technology in Africa moderated by Eric Olander

Dr. Ding Yu, Digital Economy Expert at UN Capital Fund

Nadia Uwamahoro, Founder and CEO of Rwanda Data Systems and Alibaba E-Founder

Mercy Nantongo, Business Development Manager at C.P Group

Dr. He Wenping, Professor at The Institute of West-Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences 

 

3:30 - 5:30pm: Workshops

1. Building a Sustainable Digital Future - Facilitated by Philanthropy in Motion, Carl Hook and Miriam Saleh 
2. "Network Like A Boss" - The Do's & Dont's in China - Facilitated by Asi  
3. Myth Busing China-Africa Ties - Facilitated by Eric Olander
4. Developing Cultural Intelligence - Facilitated by Lily Kang & Timothy Karikari"
5. "African Millennials, Social Media & Influencer Marketing" - Facilitated by Heather Li 
6.  "Leveraging the power of Mini-Programs for Development"  - Facilitated by Didier Frank 

5:30pm - 6:30pm: Networking

For more information and a full agenda and speakers please visit www.chinaafricastories.com