TEDGlobal 2017 conference opens in Tanzania
TED, the nonprofit devoted to ideas worth spreading, opened its TEDGlobal 2017 Conference last week in Arusha, Tanzania. Themed, Builders. Truth-tellers. Catalysts, the event hosted 700 attendees at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge for a program of 45 plus speakers and performers sharing ideas in TED’s signature format of short, powerful talks.
The four-day event will also feature presentations and performances from 27 TED Fellows. It marks TED’s first return to Africa since the memorable TEDGlobal 2007 conference held at the same location.
Some of the Kenyan speakers include technologist Kamau Gachigi; farmer and filmmaker Kisilu Musya; Afro-pop band Sauti Sol; mosquito scientist Fredros Okumu; and wildlife ecologist and nature photographer, Washington Wachira.
“Our event here a decade ago led to so many meaningful ideas, connections and collaborations,” said head of TED, Chris Anderson. “Now, we have a chance to reignite those sparks. The ideas emerging from Africa have the potential to create transformative impact, not just here on the continent, but worldwide.”
“This gathering couldn’t come a moment too soon,” said TEDGlobal co-curator Emeka Okafor. “Africa has experienced spectacular economic, demographic and creative growth, but both opportunity and danger are rising at an exponential rate. Our conference will gather the idea catalysts, problem-solvers and changemakers already hard at work here charting Africa’s own path to modernity.”
The speakers and performers selected for TEDGlobal 2017 offer fresh, unique perspectives and solutions on a global level. They include:
- OluTimehin Adegbeye, writer and activist
- Oshiorenoya Agabi, neurotechnology entrepreneur
- Nabila Alibhai, placemaker
- Alsarah & the Nubatones, East African retro-popsters
- Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, publisher
- Niti Bhan, founder and owner, Emerging Futures Lab
- Mahen Bonetti, film curator
- Augustus Casely-Hayford, cultural historian
- Natsai Audrey Chieza, designer
- Chika Ezeanya-Esiobu, indigenous knowledge expert
- Ameena Gurib-Fakim, president of Mauritius
- Leo Igwe, human rights activist
- Paul Kagame, president of the Republic of Rwanda
- Sethembile Msezane, Artist
- Robert Neuwirth, Author
- Ndidi Nwuneli, social innovation expert
- Dayo Ogunyemi, cultural media builder
- Nnedi Okorafor, science fiction writer
- Qudus Onikeku, Dancer, Choreographer
- Keller Rinaudo, robotics entrepreneur
- Magatte Wade, Brand creator
- Ghada Wali, Designer
Partners include: The Africa Center, Boston Consulting Group, Brightline Initiative, Gilead Sciences, Logitech, Omidyar Network, Sandstorm Kenya, Tommy Hilfiger, Westpac Banking Group and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.