The world’s largest assembly of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, creatives, policymakers, and industry leaders would from 22 to 24 November, 2024, converge on the Entrepreneurship Village in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The assembly, otherwise known as the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF) promises to be a formidable force against some of the planet’s most pressing issues; climate change, hunger, poverty, and inequality.
Addressing reporters at the Global Press Conference held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, a member of the GEF Board and Chairman of the Entrepreneurship Village, Dan Walkovitz, said that the festival will build upon the outcomes of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA2024) and the Summit of the future.
The news conference was streamed live across ten countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Ghana, India, Liberia, Dubai, and Benin.
The festival’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship,”, according to him, is designed to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a laser focus on eradicating poverty.
“GEF will bring together the brightest minds in business, innovation, technology, and creativity for an extraordinary convergence of ideas and inspiration.”, Walkovitz added.
Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Ondo State Government on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Project Lead for the GEF, said the programme is designed to engage, inspire, educate, and empower.
“Over three impactful days, more than 5,000 participants will converge for conferences, while 15,000 are expected to attend the closing concert on the final day.
“Among the 12 concurrent events planned are networking sessions, business pitches to investors and venture capitalists, an awards gala, an innovation and robotics expo, a hackathon, art and creative exhibitions, a trade fair, a global leadership forum, an international women’s congress, a fashion show, and a grand closing concert.
“The festival is designed to address Africa’s challenges and shift mindsets,” Dr. Francis remarked. “This event is not just about addressing poverty; it’s about transforming the way we think about entrepreneurship.”
Speaking, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Wale Akinlosotu, emphasized government’s full backing of the event.
“The theme ‘Beyond Boundaries’ resonates deeply with our mission in Ondo State.
“Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool to combat poverty globally. With our rich resources and business-friendly environment, our state is proud to host this groundbreaking event,” Akinlosotu stated.
Adding a significant punch to the festival’s line-up, the press conference also saw the announcement of the 50th Anniversary of the “Rumble in the Jungle” Boxing Bout.
The event, which will unite global champions in a celebration of Sport for Development, was heralded by Mr. Don King, represented by Anthony Jones Esq., Founding and Managing Partner of the Jones Firm in the United States.
Akure, is however, set to become the epicentre of entrepreneurial innovation this November.