At first glance, the name “Africa Teen Tech Festival” or ATTF might evoke images of a fun tech fair or carnival exclusively for African youth. And while ATTF is undoubtedly a vibrant celebration of technology, it is so much more than that.

What started as a vision to empower African teenagers and young adults has blossomed into one of the continent’s most anticipated annual events. Attendees flock from across Africa and beyond to be a part of the pioneering work happening under ATTF’s banner.

The Africa Teen Tech Festival serves as a platform for far more than just hands-on tech experiences. It empowers youth through skills-building, fosters a culture of innovation through challenges and exhibitions, and creates meaningful connections by convening diverse stakeholders; educators, parents, schools, NGOs, tech firms, Government, etc. Whether competing in hackathons, exploring immersive tech, or gaining career insights, ATTF attendees leave feeling equipped and inspired to shape their futures.

Origins and Vision

The birth of ATTF can be traced back to a collective vision of empowering African teenagers and young adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the digital age.

Our shared vision was to create an inclusive, continent-wide festival that would inspire individuals through hands-on learning experiences and connection-building. ATTF would provide a platform for GenZs to explore emerging technologies, gain practical skills, and connect with mentors — all while celebrating innovation and creativity.

Today, from our inaugural edition last year, that vision has blossomed into an unmissable annual event attracting thousands of young adults across Africa and beyond.

Pillars of ATTF

Our work is guided by four core pillars that define both our mission and impact:

1. Empowering African Youth through Education

One of the key ways in which we empower African youth is through education. The festival offers various workshops and training sessions covering various aspects of technology, including coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, and digital marketing. These educational opportunities enable young individuals to acquire valuable skills in high demand in today’s digital world.

2. Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship

ATTF also encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among African youth. The festival provides a platform for young individuals to showcase their innovative ideas, prototypes, and startups.

It’s a playground where teens are encouraged to experiment with new technologies, solve real-world problems, and develop early-stage solutions. Whether competing in hackathons or showcasing school projects, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking are celebrated.

3. Creating Networking Opportunities

Networking is a crucial aspect of career development, especially in the digital age. We recognize this importance and provide numerous networking opportunities for African youth. Participants can connect with industry professionals, mentors, and fellow young innovators.

These connections can lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations, enabling African youth to build a strong professional network and access resources to further empower them in their careers.

4. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

We are also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. We actively encourage the participation of young individuals from marginalized communities, including girls and individuals from low-income backgrounds. By providing equal opportunities and creating a supportive environment, we want to ensure that all African youth have a chance to participate in and benefit from the festival’s empowering initiatives.

Highlights of the Festival Experience

With our emphasis on hands-on learning and immersive activities, no two ATTFs are ever the same. However, here are things you should expect:

• Hackathon Challenge: Teams compete in coding marathons, developing working apps and digital solutions.
• Teach with Tech Challenge: Educators showcase innovative edtech projects and lessons.
• Creatives Challenge: A showcase of digital art, design, filmmaking, and more.
• School Innovation Challenge: Schools present tech-driven community initiatives.
• VR/AR exhibitions: Experiencing emerging technologies first-hand is a thrill.
• Breakout sessions: Insightful talks on trends in STEM, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
• eSports tournaments: Competitive gaming is celebrated alongside networking.
• Exhibitions: Interactive booths introduce attendees to educational and career opportunities.

More than an event, ATTF has become a pan-African movement. It brings together stakeholders committed to empowering youth and enabling Africa’s digital transformation. For attendees, it’s a life-changing few days where interests are ignited, skills are gained and like-minded are connected.

Through ATTF, the architects and innovators of tomorrow develop a belief in their ability to shape African futures through technology, creativity, and social impact. That is the true and lasting legacy of the Africa Teen Tech Festival.

Get ready for the return of Africa’s biggest teen tech festival! ATTF 2024, with the theme: Future Skills Forum: Equipping Teens for the Future Workforce and Entrepreneurship promises to be the most innovative yet as we gather once more at the iconic Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria on May 18th, 2024.

After last year’s record-breaking success, ATTF is back to inspire the next generation of African leaders with a vibrant program of challenges, exhibitions, and breakout sessions.

The future is within reach at ATTF 2024. Don’t miss the chance to be part of building it. Visit https://www.ttfafrica.com today for updates on registration, speakers, and activities. The journey to the future begins here!