PACHEDU
Connecting Continents: Unlocking Africa’s Growth Together
Crowdfunding for WEF 2026
PACHEDU had the goal to raise at least CHF 20,000 to host ‘Connecting Continents: Unlocking Africa’s Growth Together’ — an event at the World Economic Forum 2026 bringing together African and Diasporan founders, global investors and corporates, and policymakers and institutional allies who share the common aim of driving Africa’s growth and advancing impactful investments and business in Africa.
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What is PACHEDU?
PACHEDU was born from a simple but powerful observation by Maphrida Wehrli and Dorris Kirui: Africa and the African diaspora are rich with talent, capital, and vision, yet painfully disconnected. Brilliant founders, investors, creatives, policymakers, and experts are scattered across the world, often working in isolation, despite sharing the same mission of driving Africa’s growth.
PACHEDU, meaning “together, with shared purpose” in Shona, is stepping in to change that. Think of it as the matchmaker within the global ecosystem, connecting people, ideas, opportunities, and resources that should have already found each other to advance impactful investments and business in Africa.
Details about the event
'Connecting Continents: Unlocking Africa’s Growth Together' was a multi-sector side event at World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos on Wednesday 21st January, 14:30 - 18:00, convening:
- African and Diasporan founders
- Global investors and corporates
- Policymakers and institutional allies
The session moved from narrative to action. We opened by challenging outdated perceptions of Africa through media, policy, and advocacy voices. Then we showcased diaspora leaders actively building businesses on the continent—sustainable mobility, aviation fuel, fintech. And finally, we explored how capital can be mobilized to the continent across asset classes, the role of foreign and diaspora-led Venture Capital and Private Equity.
Agenda
05’ | Welcome and opening remarks
10’ | Keynote Address: Unlocking Africa’s Growth Together
An inspiring address from an African visionary celebrating the transformative power of the global African community and its crucial role in continental development.
30’ | Panel 1: From Perceived Risk to Systemic Readiness
Highlighting enabling factors such as a high-potential demographic, abundant natural resources, and the continental free trade agreement, among others. This panel is a conversation with influential Africans utilizing media, policy, and advocacy to shape constructive narratives, challenge misconceptions, and represent Africa's diverse strengths and aspirations.
30’ | Panel 2: Building Africa from Afar
Championing African diaspora-led entrepreneurship and cutting-edge innovation. This panel showcases African-diasporan entrepreneurs who are actively implementing tangible projects across sectors to foster sustainable growth and resilience on the continent.
30’ | Panel 3: Mobilizing Capital
Seeing Africa as a frontier for profit, not just a recipient of aid. The experts of this panel dive into the role of foreign and diaspora-led Venture Capital and Private Equity, and how to navigate cross-border complexities and regulatory "bridges."
45’ | Networking Apéro: Connecting for Impact & Ideation
An interactive session designed for deep, meaningful connections. Participants will engage in curated discussions to generate new ideas, explore collaboration opportunities, and identify actionable follow-up steps.
This was not just an event. It was a place of access, and the launch of a global movement.
Hosted on the unDavos platform
unDavos brings together a diverse spectrum of leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world, creating a unique space for collaborative, action-oriented dialogue. The purpose and mission of unDavos is to transform Davos into an open and accessible space where diverse voices connect, meaningful relationships flourish, and bold actions drive real-world impact on global challenges. unDavos fosters connections, amplifies diverse perspectives, and drives actionable solutions—inside Davos and beyond. By collaborating with partners across sectors, unDavos curates inclusive conversations and facilitates impactful exchanges.