Ralf Fletcher on Fostering Collaboration and Innovation for Africa’s Digital Future

Fostering Collaboration for Progress 

Fletcher emphasizes that as entrepreneurs, “we’re wanting progress, and we can understand the value in technology.” The challenge, however, lies in equipping people with the necessary skills and creating opportunities that can be leveraged across organizations. Africa Tech Week addresses this by creating an ecosystem where government, entrepreneurs, and large corporations can collaborate. Fletcher notes the importance of “everybody working together” and embracing technology rather than fearing it. 

Bridging the Gap Between Sectors 

One of the most significant opportunities identified over the past seven editions of Africa Tech Week is the realization among entrepreneurs that they can work with government. Fletcher points out the initial paradox where entrepreneurs, corporates, and policymakers often view each other with suspicion. However, by bringing them together, the event fosters understanding and collaboration, enabling them to “relate to them and…do business with them.” 

Creating a Trusted Environment 

Fletcher explains that thorough vetting of partners and speakers is crucial to ensure that participants are working with individuals and organizations that are ethical and reliable. This trust allows people to “drop your guard…be vulnerable, and then…find solutions for things.”  

Attracting Investment Through Impact 

To attract more investment into the African digital economy, Fletcher argues that it is essential to demonstrate impact. Rather than simply asking for money, organizations need to show progress and highlight the problems they are solving. Fletcher points out that Africa’s unique environment, with its “frugal innovation” and lack of regulatory constraints, makes it a “testing ground for new innovation.”  

“And I think investment will then come because we’ve got a great environment. We have great entrepreneurs. We have great skilled people. Policy-wise, you know, you cannot create innovation in Europe and the States because it’s so regulated—whereas here, it’s like a testing ground, a battleground for trying innovation. So yes, there are some challenges in terms of security and lack of funding, but you’ve got this thing called frugal innovation. And so, that lack of funding forces you to innovate frugally.” 
– Ralf Fletcher, CEO, Topco Media

 

Sharing Success Stories and Inspiring Change 

Fletcher expresses his excitement for the next edition of Africa Tech Week, emphasizing the importance of sharing success stories. By hearing how others have overcome challenges, attendees can gain hope and inspiration to try different approaches. The Africa Tech Week awards further highlight these stories of success, showcasing organizations that are competing with global players despite facing significant obstacles such as “lack of funding, lack of skills, lack of markets.”