By: Uday Brathwaite ’27
Wutiko and Pace University hosted their fourth annual Opportunities in Africa Summit. The summit fostered a massive engagement from many remarkable individuals across the globe, all coming together with the goal of creating a better and brighter future for the countries of Africa.
The three-day event displayed massive support from countless international sponsors. A select group of Pace University students who showed interest in the event were chosen to participate as volunteers, while getting to witness, firsthand, what event organization is truly all about. “We were so fortunate to have so many volunteers for the event this year…and it is a great way for all of the students to make friends and connections with entrepreneurs, technologists and international organizations.”
The event kicked off at the Pace University campus in New York City in the newly constructed building at 15 Beekman with numerous professionals pitching their initiatives for inspiring change in Africa. Individuals associated with projects related to healthcare and fintech gave their opinions about how to advance Africa into a better future. Represented nations including Nigeria, Uganda, South Sudan, Senegal, Kenya, and countless others. The presence of wireless companies, networks of incubators and established companies permitted attendees to interact with the diverse actors of the ecosystem.
The following day brought a contrasting focus to the scene of sports in the continent. This day showcased the work of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Rwanda Development Board (RDB) with a focus on sport and tourism. The BAL has already received massive financial support from the NBA and provides an immersive opportunity for a new generational community of basketball players to be able to live out their dreams of competing in the sport, professionally. As usual during its previous holdings, the conference produced an outstanding turnout with guests such as former NBA players, Charles Smith, and Joakim Noah in attendance.
The final day of the event had a central emphasis on the continent’s agriculture, youths, diaspora, and cultural industries. Thione Niang, one of the esteemed figures present, took an outstanding approach, giving his own take on how the youth can solve the issues that they see in the world and how they can be involved.
Overall, the event brought together a very accomplished and talented community filled with those who strive to, “change the face of Africa, to show that it is not war and poverty, but a land of partnerships and opportunity.”