The SIEWA Initiative, UCLouvain, Université Senghor, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, in collaboration with Marketplace Simulation, UN PRME (i5), and OECD ECOLE, are proud to announce the AfRIC Real World Global Challenge (RWGC), which will take place from November 4-15, 2024, in Alexandria, Egypt.

Competition Overview

The AfRIC Real World Global Challenge is a Transdisciplinary Capstone Project that emphasizes collective learning, active stakeholder engagement, and collaborative research. This week-long program is designed for students and early-stage entrepreneurs aiming to scale their ventures and attract investment.

In addition to participants, the RWGC will host selected international experts by invitation, who will serve as facilitators and keynote speakers.

Program Highlights

The RWGC fosters the development of sustainable innovative and high-performing entrepreneurial and change agent teams by connecting participants from the Global South with sustainable innovative entrepreneurship ecosystems across the North and South. Key outcomes include:

1. 1. Enhanced capacity to build sustainable, scalable enterprises.
   2. A deeper understanding of how to identify and exploit opportunities in emerging economies with global perspectives.
   3. Skills in risk management, navigating ambiguity, and handling uncertainty.
   4. Access to funding opportunities and insights into investor requirements.

A Unique Approach

The RWGC combines experimental research with collective intelligence, addressing critical questions related to South-North relations and the African context. The program draws on:

1. 1. A culture of creativity and sustainable innovative entrepreneurship.
   2. A global network of academics, practitioners, and policymakers.
   3. A balance between academic exploration and real-world practice.

Participants will engage in the full venture creation process—from ideation to building successful global businesses. The program focuses on solving persistent global challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and social inequality through an integrated, problem-solving approach.

The leadership program provides real-world experience on how cross-disciplinary collaboration between students, entrepreneurs, and academics can address global challenges and create sustainable, competitive business models. By equipping learners with the skills to navigate local and international markets, the RWGC prepares the next generation of leaders to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.

Benefits-Tips 

The program equips participants with essential concepts, tools, and frameworks to:

• • Identify, assess, and evaluate new venture opportunities.
  • Launch and scale innovative, successful companies.
  • Navigate the complexities of starting and managing new ventures.
  • Develop a digital-first mindset for modern entrepreneurship.
  • Grow startups into globally competitive businesses.
  • Handle uncertainty and ambiguity in dynamic markets.
  • Understand the venture capital process and secure investment.
  • Receive personalized feedback on entrepreneurship skills.
  • Expand professional networks through structured activities.
  • Participate in speed networking sessions with entrepreneurs and economic development agencies.
  • Join a panel discussion with potential investors.
  • Gain the opportunity to attend the UN PRME Global Forum 2025 in New York.
  • Earn a certificate recognizing successful completion of the program.

The program integrates classroom lectures, essential readings, participant discussions, and experiential learning through intensive group projects to address real-world global challenges. Over the course of a week-long program punctuated by regular delivery of deliverables, participants will engage in three main components:

• BLOC I- The first Pan African Early Green Growth Acceleration Bootcamp.
• BLOC II Fast Track.
• Grand Jury.

Side event of the this unique program includes the faculty capacity buidling with training the trainers program.

1. BLOC I – The first Pan African Early Green Growth Acceleration Bootcamp

Participants will be placed in a realistic international business simulation namely Conscious Capitalism simulation, managing a company for two years in compressed time. Teams of students and entrepreneurs will navigate the complexities of running a global business, requiring strong leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Throughout the exercise, participants will receive feedback and guidance from instructors, who will challenge their business strategies and enhance teamwork skills. The bootcamp promotes a multicultural, interdisciplinary environment, where diverse talents collaborate with professors, experts, and coaches to mirror the journey of a “born global” business, from startup to scale-up.

2. BLOC II – Fast Track

This module features World Café, SPRINT sessions and speed networking with entrepreneurs and economic development agencies. Teams will present their projects to a board and receive constructive feedback from panelists. Participants will then revise their strategies and share insights across groups, fostering collaboration. The Fast Track focuses on identifying business opportunities that can address pressing global challenges while improving the bottom line.
The discussion on business sustainability will extend beyond environmental issues, incorporating responsible innovation, ethics, governance, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to cultivate the next generation of leaders in sustainability.

3. BLOC III – Grand Jury

In this final component, teams will present their projects through poster sessions and board presentations. The Grand Jury will evaluate their ability to communicate complex findings to broader audiences, emphasizing the transdisciplinary nature of the project and the real-world application of their skills.

Announcing the AfRIC Real World Global Challenge Awards!

We are excited to recognize and celebrate exceptional achievements in our upcoming challenge. Here’s what’s in store for outstanding participants:

1. 1. AfRIC Real World Global Challenge Award
      The top-scoring teams will be honored with this prestigious award, celebrating their exceptional performance and innovative solutions.
   2. Special Awards
      Teams finishing in second and third place will receive exclusive awards in recognition of their remarkable efforts and contributions.
   3. Certificates of Participation
      Every team will be awarded a certificate acknowledging their hard work and participation in the challenge.
   4. Best Presenter Awards
      Outstanding presenters from Bloc I and Bloc II will receive special awards for their exceptional presentation skills and insights.
   5. Additional Recognition
      • Certificates for Coaches: Recognizing the invaluable guidance provided by our team of coaches.
   6. Awards Flexibility
      Event organizers reserve the right to adjust the number and types of awards distributed to best reflect the achievements and contributions of participants.

Stay tuned for more details and prepare to shine as we celebrate the innovative leaders of tomorrow!

ELIGIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. The program is open to students, entrepreneurs, and change agents who are eager to enhance their profiles by gaining transformative skills for greater impact.
   2. Application Deadline: October 10, 2024.
   3. Selected candidates will be notified by the organizing team.

TEAM COMPOSITION

1. 1. Each team may have up to three fellows (students and or entrepreneurs), all of whom must be enrolled.
   2. All team members are expected to participate, and present during each round and Bloc of the global challenge.
   3. Teams may have 1 coach.
   4. Potential individual fellow without team may apply. They will integrate a team.

REGISTRATION FEES

1. 1. The fees for participation in AfRIC RWGC is 250 € for each coach and competitor. This fee covers the meals, transportation, and social events during the all period of AfRIC2024 events.
   2. Teams are responsible for paying for their hotel rooms, travel to the event, and optional excursions. A link to the competition hotel with special event rates will be shared with registrants.
   3. Teams are permitted to bring other guests for support. However, each additional attending member must pay the registration fee of 250 €.
   4. While the registration is team based oriented, we also consider individual based registration. The registration fees is 300 €.

MEALS

1. Meals are included in the registration fees.
2. Allergies and dietary information are requested in advance so the organizing team may accommodate participants’ needs.

TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION

1. Teams and solo participant are responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses.
2. Letter of confirmed selection and participation in AfRIC RWGC may be requested from the organizers for Egypt Visa applications.
3. Competing teams must lodge at the competitor’s hotel. Special hotel room rates will be communicated to competing teams, who will make their own reservations.

Stay tuned for updates on our Real World Global Challenge! The detailed roadmap will be available soon.

Event Schedule:

• November 4-10, 2024: First Pan-African Early Green Growth Acceleration Bootcamp
• November 6, 2024: Faculty (Coach) Training – Side Event
• November 10-12, 2024: Fast Track
• November 13, 2024: Grand Jury

For any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us.