In 2020, the unprecedented global pandemic forced a lot of events to reschedule, adjust mode of attendance, or worse still, cancel. Think Africa week 2020 (TAWeek20), which took place from 14th to 20th November, rose to the occasion by hosting a hybrid of physical and virtual events during the week. The week saw approximately 15 000 virtual and physical attendees and participants from well over four continents. Talk about reach and impact!
All events during the TAWeek20 were centered around the theme “The Africa We Want”. The events were generously sponsored by several embassies, governmental agencies, NGOs and businesses. Hats off to the army of Think Africa members and volunteers who worked tirelessly before, during and after the week to ensure the smooth running of the events and seamless performances. A fun filled, inspiring, enlightening, and impactful week was achieved because of this support.
Think Africa’s Chairperson, Myriam Munezero, gave the opening remarks on 14th November to kick-off the week (hear her powerful speech here). The opening event’s theme “Power of Impact” included a panel discussion that weighed in on the contribution and impact in African countries and in Finland, ways to make them better were also discussed. Present at the opening ceremony were Think Africa members, friends of Think Africa and Africa, exhibitors, representatives of government agencies and Ambassadors of African countries to Finland. Attendees were treated to great African entertainment, exhibitions and a panel discussion that brought life to the day’s theme.
The second day of TAWeek20 proved to be as impactful as the first. The day’s event focused on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems in Africa, particularly for the youth, under the theme “Realizing SDG 9: Enhancing the skills and capacity of the next generation of innovators – case of Uganda and Ethiopia”. Youth innovation projects implemented by Plan International in Uganda and Ethiopia were presented and discussed. The enlightening event organised in partnership with Finnish Development NGOs (Fingo) and Plan International Finland can be watched here.
The third day of TAWeek20 was just as enlightening, inspiring and impactful as the preceding days. It entailed an interactive workshop on understanding and managing cultural differences in order to improve trust and effective collaboration. The discussion was facilitated by Okey Okere from Hofstede Insights and left the participants wanting more. You can still get the insights from the recording here.
What better way to end TAWeek20 than a fun gathering for the youths? The week wrapped up with a film screening and discussion event for African youth aged 16 to 25 living in Finland.. In collaboration with Ubuntu Film Club and OPAD, Think Africa organized an exciting and empowering evening that wasn’t only about movies and mingling. The discussion forum afforded the youth a safe place to share their views on Africa, identity, experiences in Finland, their wishes for Africa and the roles they are willing to play in their development. Watch the discussion here.
We’d like to thank our long list of seasoned speakers and performers including: Ambassador H.E Bonny L. Haufiku (Embassy of Namibia), Pekka Haavisto (Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finland), Okey Okere (Hofstede Insights Africa), Edem Agbekey-Taylor (Inkuto Organics), Samia Mohamud (African Fashion Week Helsinki), Brigit Nevala (Finnpartnership), Evans Andrew (Maisha Nordics), Ronny Eriksson (Ambitious.Africa), Amkelwa Mbekeni-Kapanen (Iliso Films and Multimedia), Myriam Munezero (Think Africa), Christopher Palmberg (Business Finland), Saida Mäki-Penttilä (Good Hair Day), Rewina Teklai (Ubuntu Film Club), Pierre Jallow (WeBridge), Dayo Shola Iwaola (Opad Finland ry), Tichaona Dande, Aicha Manai (Suomen Yrittäjät ry), Hassene Ben Mansour (Smappy Application OY), Joshua Onyenwere, Mika Välitalo (Fingo), Eva Wissenz (Solar Fire Concentration and Sepia Agency), Irena Bakić (Plan International, Finland), Congo Afro Girls, Nodrine, Mad Ice, Mbacke, Bossina, and Godwin Otieno.
The Africa you want, the Africa I want, the Africa we want starts with you.
Watch all the videos from TAWeek20 here . Images from the week are available here
