Denis Opudo
The first Africa House at SXSW 2018 will be jointly sponsored by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF). Other partners include U.S. public relations firm Insider and Temple Management Company.
The vision of Brenda Katwesigye who traveled from Uganda to Austin was to seek help for Wazi Vision. She founded the startup in 2016 with the aim of cutting cost on eyeglasses. The name of the company originates from Swahili word which means ‘Clear Vision’. The startup uses recycled plastic materials to make frames for eyeglasses products. The cost of these products is 80% cheaper than the current market prices.
According to Brenda Katwesigye, the company focuses on the people to sell eyeglasses in the stores and online marketing platforms. She purpose to find a solution from South by Southwest (SXSW), tech workshops and conferences held in Austin. The event is annually conducted during the Spring season attract many entrepreneurs all over the world. She landed in Africa House where African interacts themselves and with fellow diaspora members in the United States. She added that the event enabled her to meet important people who will help the company. Her trip was fully funded by the USADF.
The president of USADF, C.D. Glin, acknowledged the role of upcoming artisans the United States. He added that they make social change in the US by use of tech entrepreneurship skills. He emphasized that USADF is now looking for African entrepreneurs like Brenda Katwesigye.
Bunmi Akinyemiju is the managing director and chief executive officer of Lagos-based Venture Garden Group. She heads the company which majorly deals with data analysis and payment platform. She stressed the need for collaborations between parent startups and foreign investors in Africa. Azariah Mengistu changes the face of Africa abroad by making crafted sneaker in Ethiopia. They challenged Africans to take up entrepreneurship spirit to enable them to make high-quality products. Nigerian musician 9ice pointed out that Africa House was a good platform for networking and socialization
Gini on the other hands emphasized the need for Africans participation at the South by Southwest events.
