Engaging youth through sports

The Africa Innovation Summit is set to kick off with a focus on investing in innovation for the continent's youth. An intriguing approach to engaging young people is through the world of sports, particularly basketball. Simon Carpenter, Chief Technology Advisor of SAP Africa, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on the role of ecosystems in driving innovation, SAP's collaboration with the NBA, and the importance of youth engagement in the tech industry. In the realm of innovation, Carpenter emphasized the significance of ecosystems in tackling large-scale challenges faced not only in Africa but globally. He highlighted the value of diverse perspectives coming together to formulate innovative solutions, underscoring the role of ecosystems in organizational strategies. Carpenter gave a practical example of SAP's approach, citing their co-innovation laboratories where startups, customers, and partners collaborate to build new data-driven systems. By leveraging synergies with companies like Cisco, IBM, and VMware, SAP creates ecosystems that deliver value to startups and innovators, driving impactful innovation. Transitioning to SAP's involvement in basketball innovation, Carpenter delved into the partnership with the NBA. The NBA's vast data landscape presented a significant challenge with 30 teams playing 82 games annually, generating copious amounts of statistics spanning over 70 years. Historically, this data was accessible to a limited audience but was opened up to a broader fan base in collaboration with SAP. By compiling and presenting NBA statistics in real-time through a user-friendly platform, fans gained deeper insights and engagement with the sport. This enhanced fan experience not only bolstered the NBA's audience but also provided valuable analytics for business growth. Carpenter elucidated on the fan engagement aspect, emphasizing the importance of real-time statistical access through both websites and mobile applications. This interactive engagement not only enriched the fan experience during games but also provided the NBA with invaluable insights into fan preferences and behaviors. By leveraging data-driven fan engagement, the NBA could tailor its offerings and marketing strategies to enhance business growth. The pivotal focus on youth empowerment in the Africa Innovation Summit was a core theme discussed by Carpenter. In his panel participation, he underscored the importance of engaging young people in innovation and technology. Initiatives like Africa Code Week aim to inspire youngsters to explore the realm of coding and data-driven solutions, empowering them to become problem solvers in their generation. Carpenter emphasized the role of passion and entrepreneurial spirit in driving innovation, noting that technology serves as a powerful enabler for creating solutions to societal challenges. As the conversation delved into the prerequisites for youth entering the tech industry, Carpenter highlighted the importance of foundational subjects like mathematics and science. While these disciplines are crucial, cultivating a drive for entrepreneurship and innovation is equally vital for aspiring young innovators. By instilling a passion for problem-solving and creativity, young individuals can harness technology to address pressing issues and drive positive change in the world. In conclusion, as the Africa Innovation Summit sets its sights on empowering the continent's youth through innovation, the intersection of technology and sports emerges as a dynamic avenue for engagement. Through collaborative ecosystems, data-driven solutions, and a focus on youth empowerment, Africa's future innovators are poised to shape a brighter tomorrow fueled by creativity and technological prowess.