Durban to host the inaugural BIO Africa Convention from 27 to 29 August
South Africa is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with vast potential for a bioeconomy, making it an ideal location for Africa’s first ever bioeconomy convention.
The inaugural BIO Africa Convention is being hosted by the Department of Science and Technology, with stakeholders such as AfricaBio, the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa, the Department of Trade and Industry and BIO USA.
The convention will bring together researchers, innovators, inventors, investors, and policy makers from around the globe, providing a platform for business-to-business interaction, creating an enabling environment for partnerships with players across the continent to promote and develop Africa’s bioeconomy.
The BIO Africa Convention will be opened by the Ugandan Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Elioda Tumwesigye, on Monday, 27 August, at the Durban International Convention Centre. The South African Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, will deliver the keynote address.
Minister Kubayi-Ngubane will also open an exhibition featuring a host of local and international stakeholders, and lead an interministerial dialogue that will be broadcast live on CNBC Africa at 10:00.
Some of the topics to be covered during the two-day event include digitising agriculture in Africa, innovation for health, advancing Africa’s manufacturing capabilities and advancing artificial intelligence for health.
Speakers include Dr Siyabulela Ntutela, CEO of AfricaBio, Dr Phil Mjwara, Director-General of Science and Technology, and Dr Jaleh Daie, Chairman of American AgFood Tech.
There will be a number of breakaway sessions and workshops. See the full programme at www.bioafricaconvention.com.
The media are invited to the exhibition, opening plenary and gala dinner, as follows:
Opening plenary
Date: 27 August 2018
Time: 08:00-11:00
Venue: Durban ICC
Gala dinner
Date: 27 August 2018
Time: 19:30
Venue: Durban ICC Ballroom
Issued by the Department of Science and Technology
For more information contact Thabang Setlhare at 072 659 9690 or Zama Mthethwa at 082 808 3956.
