This is a significant milestone in ANDE’s history. Our 2023 Annual Conference will take place in Accra, Ghana, marking the halfway point towards achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

“Accelerating Action: Small Business Solutions and the SDGs,” aims to highlight the significant progress achieved thus far and identify further requirements in supporting small and growing businesses (SGB) ecosystems to enhance their impact on the SDGs in the next seven years. Furthermore, this will explore ways in which ANDE members and other organizations can contribute to paving the way forward.

ANDE has decided to merge our Annual Conference, which is scheduled for September 12-13, with our West Africa Regional Conference. “Made in West Africa,” the regional event on September 14, will concentrate on the latest trends in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, emphasize the existing requirements, and encourage the adoption of the best approaches in developing the SGB sector of the region.

Agenda

As anticipation builds for the upcoming conference, attendees can now gain valuable insights into the much-awaited 2023 agenda. While subject to potential changes, this early glimpse offers a tantalizing preview of the promising opportunities that lie ahead.

The event will feature engaging member-led sessions that delve into cutting-edge research, reports, and best practices in support of ANDE’s mission to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems for small businesses. The agenda notably highlights the organization’s commitment to promoting decent work, economic growth, gender equality, and climate action – all crucial areas championed by ANDE members and integral to the organization’s strategic focus on ecosystem development.

Amidst the carefully curated program, participants can seize invaluable opportunities for speed networking, fostering collaboration and embarking on a continuous learning journey. Esteemed leaders, practitioners, and visionaries from the spheres of small business and impact investment will grace the event, providing a unique chance to glean insights and inspiration from some of the most influential figures in the world.

Registration

Registration for the conference has closed. If you need further assistance, please contact the ANDE Events Team.

Offsite Excursions

ANDE is working with the African Management Institute and Stanford Seed to organize two offsite side events for Friday, September 15, 2023. These excursions will provide participants with opportunities to connect with local entrepreneurs and learn more about the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Accra and, more broadly, across Ghana. Registration for the excursions, which includes transportation and a catered lunch, is free and on a first come first serve basis. Don’t miss out on these unique experiences!

The African Management Institute will host up to 20 conference attendees at the Bioko Treats Factory to learn the art of making chocolate from cocoa bean to the finished product. After making their own treats, attendees will engage in a discussion on women entrepreneurs in agriculture and their impact on food security.

Stanford Seed will host an offsite excursion in Accra, Ghana for up to 30 conference attendees. The purpose of this excursion is to get connected with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by meeting more than a dozen leaders of Ghanaian SMEs. Attendees will also gain insights into Stanford Seed’s initiatives in Ghana and have the opportunity to visit Accra’s Design & Technology Institute, which is Stanford Seed-supported.

Registration for the offsite excursions has closed. 

Sponsor the Conference

Sponsoring the Annual Conference is a great way to show your support for ANDE’s work, build awareness around your work, support members from developing economies, and have a more active role in shaping the conference. Please refer to our sponsorship brochure and contact Flora Bracco with any questions.

Visa and Vaccinations

All visitors entering Ghana must have valid entry visas or, in the case of Commonwealth nationals, entry permits issued by a Ghana diplomatic mission or consulate abroad or any other visa issuing authority mandated by the Ghana Government to act on its behalf. ECOWAS nationals and those of other countries with which the Government of Ghana has specific bilateral agreements are exempted.

All travelers coming into Ghana are required to have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least 10 days before their proposed date of departure and if already vaccinated, travelers must provide proof.

It is also recommended that travelers going to Ghana take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Please consult with your medical care providers and visit the World Health Organization for additional information. 

For further guidance on Ghana’s visa and vaccination requirements, visit Ghana’s Immigration Services website. If you require a visa letter, please designate so when registering for the conference. 

Aspen Institute COVID-19 Health & Safety Advisory

We strongly encourage all those who attend Aspen Institute events to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, as defined by the World Health Organization. Masks are welcome but not required. If you need a mask, we can provide one to you.

Community Agreement

The Aspen Institute is dedicated to advancing a free, just, and equitable society. Consistent with that mission, the Institute is committed to creating a safe and vibrant community that is respectful, inclusive, and welcoming to people from all different backgrounds and across the world. For more information, please see the following Aspen Institute resources: Community Agreement and Private Policy.