On December 3, 2024, Aix-Marseille-Provence, designated as the European Capital of Innovation in 2023, will host the 8th edition of EMERGING Valley at the futuristic and inspiring site of TheCamp. Organized under the High Patronage of President Emmanuel Macron, this international event is supported by the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, the Bouches-du-Rhône Departmental Council, Euroméditerranée, the City of Marseille, and the French Development Agency (AFD). It will bring together 150 speakers, over 40 sessions across 3 top-tier stages, and participants from more than 50 countries, solidifying Aix-Marseille-Provence’s status as a strategic hub for emerging technologies connecting Europe and Africa.
A Main Stage Rich in Strategic Announcements and Inspiring Discussions
The Main Stage will offer an ambitious program focused on key themes, including:
- “Connecting Europe and Africa to Invest in Tech” in partnership with the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, featuring prominent leaders such as Elisabeth Moreno (Former Minister, President of Ring Capital), Uwem Uwemakpan (Head of Investment, Launch Africa Ventures), and Sadaharu Saiki (Founder & GP, Sunny Side Venture Partners).
- An exclusive keynote by Yves Cabanac (Managing Director, Plug and Play Tech Center France), unveiling new investment opportunities.
- A roundtable on institutional financing, featuring Jean Van Wetter (CEO, ENABEL), Nejia Gharbi (Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations de Tunisie), and Corinne Brunet (Ambassador of Benin to France).
- A special session entitled “Science and Innovation: Catalysts for Entrepreneurial Development”, led by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), featuring Valérie Verdier (CEO, IRD) and Slim Khalbous (Rector of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie).
- A session on economic and intercultural ties between Marseille and the Mediterranean region through Creative and Cultural Industries, with Olivier Laouchez (CEO, TRACE), Marion Delemazure (Director of Mawahub), and Pauline Pezerat (General Director, Flying Secoya).
- A discussion on the Euromediterranean Smart City: Sharing Experiences for Regenerated and Sustainable Cities, in partnership with Euroméditerranée, featuring speakers such as Frédérique Cholé (Diplomat – Delegate for Local Authorities and Civil Society – Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs), Jérôme Vuillemin (Director of Qualitropic), and Maria Jesus Romero de Avila Torrijos (Director General of Economy, Madrid City Council).
- A Provence Africa Connect Awards Ceremony in partnership with the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis.
Impact Stage: A Space for Concrete Solutions and Impactful Collaborations
The Impact Stage will spotlight disruptive projects and strategic collaborations, including:
- The Soft Landing Provence Africa Connect program, facilitating the establishment of African startups in Provence, led by Franck Araujo (Accelerator M) and Laurence Olivier (Marseille Innovation).
- A session on Artificial Intelligence, featuring Eugénie Humeau (GSMA) and Sofiane Lesage (Riwaya Travel).
- A roundtable on digital health, with experts such as Youssef Travaly (Africa-Europe Foundation) and Dr. Doudou Tamba (Tamba Labs).
Co-Innovation Lab: A Place for Exploring and Co-Creating Tomorrow’s Solutions
The Co-Innovation Lab will offer an immersive space to explore innovation challenges. Key sessions will include:
- “Venture Capital Dynamics”, with Takuma Terakubo (Uncovered Fund), exploring the latest investment trends.
- A panel on legal strategies for fundraising, led by Emma Hanoun (DJS Avocats), Henri-Olivier Essienne (Essienne Avocats), Sonia Mavouna (Founder, African Legal Factory), and Vincent Previ (Managing Director, Chapter 54).
Record Presence of African Startups and International Delegations
This year, EMERGING Valley will host a record presence of over 100 African startups, including participants from South Africa, Nigeria (exclusively for the first time), Guinea, Morocco, Rwanda, Congo, Algeria, Tunisia, and, for the first time, Belgium. An international delegation of investors will represent countries such as Japan, Denmark, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, and Morocco, further enhancing the global scope of the event.
Focus on Financing: A Dedicated Track with 6 Sessions and 30 High-Level Investors
A special track dedicated to financing will bring together 30 high-level investors to explore cross-continental investment strategies. This track will feature 6 key sessions focused on accelerating African startups, mobilizing venture capitalists, and the pivotal role of business angels in developing tech ecosystems, with the European Business Angel Network as a summit partner.
Samir Abdelkrim, Founder of EMERGING Valley, emphasizes: “This edition marks a historic turning point, attracting a record number of African and international investors to Marseille to co-innovate and co-invest with Europe. With more than 30 renowned investors confirmed, Emerging Valley strengthens its status as a strategic hub, helping position Aix-Marseille-Provence as an emerging center for financing innovative projects connecting Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa.”
Strategic “Méditerranée Positive” Sequence Supported by the AFD
A key highlight of this year’s edition is the “Méditerranée Positive” sequence, developed in exclusive partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD). This initiative will span sessions across all three stages, focusing on sustainable innovation and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
Samir Abdelkrim further notes: “Over the years, EMERGING Valley has become a strategic meeting point connecting European, Mediterranean, and African ecosystems, offering concrete solutions to shape the future of global tech innovation.”
EMERGING Valley redefines transcontinental innovation and is not to be missed. It is open to all with registration and can also be followed remotely via a live stream on the event’s web platform.
About EMERGING Valley:
Founded in 2017, EMERGING Valley is an international summit held annually in Aix-Marseille-Provence, aiming to strengthen ties between Europe and Africa through innovation and investment. It offers a platform to promote startups and digital ecosystems while addressing global challenges.
Contact Information:
For technical or program-related inquiries: contact@emergingvalley.co