The 11th Angel Fair Africa (AFA) event is set to bring together prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and transitioned founders in Nairobi, Kenya, for an engaging two-day event.
Hosted at OneSpace in the TRIFIC North Tower at Two Rivers, AFA will feature panels that provide insights into investing in African founders, raising capital in tough economic times, and the challenges and lessons from transitioning between ventures.
On the first day, the Angel Investors Panel, moderated by Abigail Komu of the Nairobi Business Angel Network (NaiBAN), Kenya, will include distinguished speakers: Thomas Festerling, CEO of Greentec Capital in Germany; Achumboro Ataande, CEO of Attaande and Advisors in the USA; Mia von Koschitzky-Kimani, Managing Partner of Future Africa in Nigeria; and Rodrique Msechu, CEO of Serengeti Angels in Tanzania. They will share their unique perspectives and invaluable experiences on investing in African startups.
The Entrepreneurs’ Panel will highlight the journey of founders Isidore Kpotufe of Rivia, Chisepo Chirwa of Bosso, Hilda Moraa of Pezesha, and Chidi Okpala of Asante Group. Moderated by Micheline Ntiru of Delta40, the panellists will discuss their experiences raising funds in Africa’s recent “funding winter” period and navigating financial challenges over the past three years.
For the first time, AFA will also introduce a Transitions Panel, featuring founders who have shifted from one venture to another.
They will share lessons learnt from their previous ventures—whether they were successes or failures—and how those insights are shaping their new initiatives.
The panel will address topics such as the founder’s mental health and the personal journey involved in entrepreneurial transitions.
Winnie Kimathi, AFA Lead at Chanzo Capital, expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to welcome these amazing investors and founders to AFA@11—I’m particularly looking forward to hearing the stories from the transitions panel.”
Nick Vilelle, founding member of NaiBAN, also commented on the event’s importance, saying, “The funding winter has been challenging, but AFA is reigniting opportunities, and we are proud to partner for this year’s event in Kenya’s Silicon Savannah.”
Diana Gichaga of Private Equity Support highlighted the unique value of the event, adding, “It is an honour to facilitate engagement between founders and investors through managing the deal room at AFA@11.”
This year’s Angel Fair Africa promises to be a pivotal event for African entrepreneurship, with a rich exchange of insights and opportunities for founders and investors alike.
