NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

The largest global peer community of brand leaders and sustainability practitioners focused on advancing brand value creation through sustainability-led innovation is heading to Detroit, Michigan in 2017.

Stemming from this year’s focus of Activating Purpose, the SB global community of over one million professionals not only understands the role that brands play in creating flourishing societies and economies, but also realizes the opportunity embedded in re-infusing businesses with sustainable purpose. Against a backdrop of stunning economic and community revitalization, the SB community has decided to convene its next flagship in Detroit for a global dialog about how to collectively Redefine the Good Life.

Together with HEC Business School and Ashoka, we are holding an Executive Education Program on inclusive business and value creation that provides a unique and comprehensive package to prepare corporate executives in charge of designing, launching or scaling inclusive business projects. Its format is based on experiential learning and immersion, cutting-edge academic content, insights from pioneers in the field and peer-to-peer learning, condensed into an intensive 4-6 day session. It is designed for corporate executives, but also welcomes social entrepreneurs, executives from large NGOs, international aid agencies and impact investors.

We offer two sessions each year to choose from. In 2017, they will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa in May 22-27; and in France (dates to be confirmed).

Africa Innovates will bring together alumni from the Leaders in Innovation Fellowships (LIF) programme from across Africa along with other entrepreneurs and innovation stakeholders. The LIF programme is part of the UK government’s Newton Fund and supports engineering entrepreneurs across 14 emerging countries who are in the process of developing a business plan for their innovation. The two-day event will commence with interactive workshops focusing on peer learning for technology entrepreneurs in the region.

The European Microfinance Award 2017 “Microfinance for Housing” is intended to highlight the role of microfinance in supporting access to better quality residential housing for low income, vulnerable and excluded groups, with no or limited access to housing finance in the mainstream sector.

The prize of €100,000 will be presented on 30th November 2017 during the European Microfinance Week in Luxembourg

Tuesday 23 May, 4.00pm – 9.00pm (open to all)

Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation 2017 – Final

The 2017 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation final will take place at a celebratory evening event on 23 May. Finalists from a group of 16 talented entrepreneurs will pitch their projects to the audience and the judging panel during the event. You will have the chance to vote for your favourite and see the winner be announced following the judges’ final decision. More opportunities to network will follow as the event draws to a close.

Talented entrepreneurs from across sub-Saharan Africa will be exhibiting their innovations and the next winner of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation will be selected on the night!

The Africa Prize is generously supported by The Shell Centenary Scholarship Fund, The UK Government’s Global Challenges Research Fund, Consolidated Contractors Company, ConcoPhillips and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Please confirm your attendance by registering for a ticket.

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