On Thursday, May 30th, in the serene and picturesque setting of Mayshad Hospitality near the Palmeraie just outside Marrakech, Women Choice, led by its Founder and CEO Nezha Alaoui, organised a side evening event that has set a new benchmark for inclusivity and innovation in the technology industry.
This event, held during the GITEX Africa week, brought together senior leaders, early-stage venture capital firms, key media, and government representatives, fostering a collaborative atmosphere dedicated to advancing technology and ensuring women’s equal participation in these conversations.
A confluence of thought leaders
The event was meticulously prepared in collaboration with leading industry companies, such as Midis Group, Citrix, and BotGuard OÜ. Participation from early-stage venture capital firms like Baobab Network and the presence of local and international government officials underscored the gathering’s significance.
The evening featured a series of engaging fireside chats moderated by Alaoui. The distinguished speakers included:
- Ernest Sales, President Local Office and Co-President Retail at Midis Group
- Bertil Brendeke, Chief Revenue Officer at BotGuard OÜ
- Arthur Chupeau, Managing Partner at Baobab Network
These industry leaders shared their insights on the evolving tech landscape, the importance of cybersecurity, and venture capital’s critical role in fostering innovation in Africa.
Highlights from the fireside chats
Ernest Sales began his career with 30 years at Hewlett Packard, which provided him with a solid foundation in the tech industry. He holds a significant leadership position at Midis Group, a $9 billion corporation with operations in the Middle East and Africa.
As President of the Local Office and Co-President of Retail, Ernest oversees multiple business units, including IT distribution and retail stores in Morocco. He highlighted Midis Group’s commitment to Africa, stating,
“We have a robust presence in Morocco and other African countries and aim to build strong partnerships to bring innovative solutions to the market. We aim to ensure these collaborations contribute significantly to Africa’s tech industry growth.”
Bertil Brendeke emphasised the importance of cybersecurity in the digital age. As the Chief Revenue Officer at BotGuard OÜ, a company dedicated to making the internet safer, Bertil has developed and implemented cybersecurity solutions tailored for small and mid-sized businesses. He discussed the unique challenges of protecting these businesses, noting,
“Our mission at BotGuard OÜ is to make the internet safer for everyone. We believe in educating the market about cybersecurity risks and providing affordable, enterprise-grade security solutions. This is crucial for protecting online businesses and ensuring a secure digital environment.” Brendeke also touched on the importance of automation in their services, which helps maintain cost-effectiveness while delivering high-quality protection.
Arthur Chupeau provided insights into the venture capital landscape in Africa. As Managing Partner at Baobab Network, Arthur is deeply involved in supporting early-stage tech companies. He shared his journey from a career in banking to becoming an entrepreneur and investor, explaining how this transition fuelled his passion for fostering innovation in Africa.
Chupeau elaborated on African startups’ unique challenges and opportunities, stating, “At Baobab Network, we provide the crucial first check to help de-risk startups, making them more attractive to larger investors. Understanding the local context is essential, and having teams who can navigate these nuances is key to our success.”
He highlighted the concept of leapfrogging, where African countries adopt advanced technologies directly, bypassing older technologies, thus accelerating their growth and development.
Women Choice mission and vision
Women Choice, an international organisation dedicated to advancing women’s careers and businesses, has been at the forefront of this mission for over a decade. Under the leadership of Alaoui, the organisation has launched over 100 accelerator and incubator programs globally.
The ambitious goal is to employ one million women across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) by 2030, aligning with the United Nations (UN) goals.
Alaoui passionately articulated the vision of Women Choice, stating,
“It is important for us at Women Choice to ensure that conversations about the present and the future of the technology industry and others keep the idea of diversity and inclusivity at the centre of everything. Additionally, we are proud to foster spaces that help create more opportunities for women and integrate them into concrete plans. We are honoured to see our cause’s continued support from industry leaders and our esteemed partners from various segments.”
Alaoui, a serial entrepreneur and advocate for diversity, has been a driving force behind numerous initiatives to empower women in the tech industry. Her commitment to creating inclusive spaces where women can thrive is evident in every aspect of Women Choice’s activities. The organisation supports women-led startups and provides mentorship, training, and resources to help women succeed in various industries.
A step towards a brighter future
The event was not just about discussions but also about action. Women Choice has set a precedent for future events by bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders. The focus on inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration reflects a commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for Africa and its tech industry.
As the evening concluded, it was evident that this gathering represented a significant step towards realising the vision of a tech industry where women play an equal and vital role. The insights shared, and the connections made will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to place Africa at the centre of global tech innovation.
The Women Choice event at GITEX Africa underscored the importance of diversity and collaboration in driving technological advancement. By integrating these core values into the fabric of the tech industry, the path to achieving significant employment goals for women by 2030 becomes clearer and more attainable.
Industry leaders’ and partners’ commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is crucial to shaping Africa’s dynamic and innovative tech landscape.
