Afro Tech Event: Capturing Diaspora Expertise to Fuel Local Solutions
Join us for a fast-paced, collaborative design jam that brings together African diaspora experts, creatives, and educators to reimagine the future of education on the continent.
Hosted by The Beta Collective and SAID, this session is rooted in the belief that the diaspora holds deep insights and lived experience that, when paired with local realities, can spark transformative solutions.
Through guided design thinking sprints, small group ideation, and real-world problem framing, we’ll explore bold, cross-border approaches to:
Expanding access to quality education
Building tech-enabled learning systems
Creating culturally grounded and future-ready learning models
Whether you’re a designer, educator, policy thinker, or ecosystem builder, this jam is for anyone ready to co-create education solutions that are African by Design and Global in Perspective.
Let’s design what the future of learning looks like — together.
Central Challenge Statement
"How might we intentionally activate and sustain knowledge remittance between diaspora professionals and African innovators to accelerate locally driven solutions?"
Event Structure
Segment 1: Panel Discussion (40 minutes)
Unlocking Knowledge Remittance: Exploring Realities, Myths, and Opportunities
A curated panel of 2–3 experts (diaspora professional, local innovation ecosystem leader, diaspora studies expert) will share insights on:
Definitions and value of knowledge remittance
Common misconceptions about diaspora–local collaboration
Practical barriers encountered
Factors enabling effective and sustainable collaboration
Segment 2: Rapid Problem Alignment (30 minutes)
Teams unpack insights from the panel to identify and clearly define:
Key stakeholders and actors
Real-world barriers to knowledge transfer
Conditions required for effective collaborations
Teams conclude this phase with refined problem statements.
Segment 3: Ideation & Concept Development (40 minutes)
Participants quickly generate diverse solutions or concepts based on their refined problem statements.
Segment 4: Concept Pitches & Feedback (20 minutes)
Each team presents a concise pitch (2 minutes per team) to share their ideas, receive peer feedback, and identify standout solutions.
Segment 5: Closing & Next Steps (20 minutes)
A facilitated voting exercise will select top concepts for showcasing at Catalyze 2025. Participants are encouraged to commit to actionable next steps.
Desired Outcomes
Clearly defined and actionable solutions/concepts for knowledge remittance
Deepened shared understanding of diaspora–local collaboration challenges and opportunities
Media Policy:By attending this event, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media, for purposes connected to The Beta Collective’s mission and activities. You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent given by you by attending events. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please let the event photographer(s) know that you do not wish to be photographed, filmed and/or recorded.
Right to Refuse Entry Notice:The Beta Collective organizers reserve the right to refuse entry or service to any individual at our discretion, as permitted by law. Entry may be denied for reasons including but not limited to: Disruptive, inappropriate, or unlawful behavior; Failure to comply with event policies, venue rules, or staff instructions; Safety or security concerns; Any other reason deemed necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees. By attempting to enter, you acknowledge and accept these terms. If you have any questions, please contact event staff.