Nokia
today confirmed participation and support as the platinum sponsor for the first
ever DEMO Africa to be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya in October this year.
ITRealmsOnline gathered that the newest addition to DEMO's Global Launch Programme,
DEMO Africa 2012 will provide the most innovative new and established companies
from across Africa the opportunity to launch their products on stage at this
high profile event. It is also a platform for companies from outside the region
to launch into the African marketplace.
Vice
President, Nokia South and East Africa, Gerard Brandjes, says Nokia has a long
and rich history on the African continent, stressing “Our core strength comes
from our local presence, deep consumer understanding and the ability to ignite
and enable the local innovation ecosystem. DEMO Africa is the perfect showcase
for this innovation, and we are extremely proud of our association with this
flagship event.”
Forty
of Africa’s most innovative technology products, he said, will be launched at
Demo Africa, even as the product categories include consumer electronics, web
applications, mobile technology, social media, life sciences, sustainable and
renewable energy.
“Only
companies that exhibit innovation, impact and the ability to scale their ideas
will be considered for this prestigious launch platform,” he hinted, pointing
out that DEMO Africa is an opportunity for Nokia to showcase its commitment to
the Liberalizing Innovation Opportunity Nations (LIONS@FRICA) partnership, as
well as the continued focus on enabling the local ecosystem and adding value to
consumers.
Also
speaking, the Executive Producer, DEMO Africa, Mr. Harry Hare, says they were
excited that Nokia has joined in the search for the next big thing out of
Africa.
“They
have been a major player in this space and they will bring unprecedented value
to the entire exercise," he said.
Nokia
and DEMO are also members of Liberalizing Innovation Opportunity Nations
(LIONS@FRICA) Partnership with the U.S. Department of State, Microsoft, African
Development Bank and USAID. This is a new public-private alliance aimed at
enhancing Africa's startup and innovation ecosystems.
Remmy Nweke
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