The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) was an auspicious event to boost trade in Africa. This gathering brought together many professionals this year. The IATF’s theme for 2021 focused on the newly-launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – aimed at boosting trade and investment. The trade show provided a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information as well as enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet.
The IATF YouthHack2021 challenge was aimed to achieve two key results; to enhance
the understanding of the innovation ecosystem and opportunities it presents as well as showcase South Africa’s innovative talent and resourceful nature.
Representatives of RLabs alongside the AfricanUnion, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) & AfriLabs facilitated a Design Thinking hackathon and mentored young innovators who could build incredible innovations in areas of Remittance; SME upskilling and Engagement; Health; FinTech for women; AgricTech and Capital market.
The groups had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges and the top 3 won prizes which were up for grabs: First Prize – 10,000USD and an opportunity to pitch their idea in Dubai; Second Prize – 6,000USD and Third Prize – 4,000USD.
