The recently concluded Tech Summit 2023 brought together a diverse group of tech enthusiasts, startups, and industry experts, providing a platform for fruitful collaborations, thought-provoking discussions, and a showcase of cutting-edge technology products. The event,was nothing short of magnificent.
The summit commenced with an engaging opening ceremony, where the host warmly welcomed the esteemed panelists, startups, and guests. The keynote address, delivered by Engr. Yakubu Musa, representing the Director-General of NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency), set the tone for the event. Engr. Musa emphasized the summit’s theme, “Revolutionizing African Technology,” and urged Africans to leverage Information Technology to enhance productivity in business and encourage accountability in governance.
Drawing attention to Africa’s burgeoning population, projected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050, Engr. Musa underscored the need to harness the region’s abundant natural resources and human capital. However, he highlighted several critical issues that need resolution to actualize Africa’s digital potential. Prioritizing digital talents, fostering women’s inclusion in the tech industry, encouraging mentorship initiatives, and developing structural infrastructures were identified as essential steps for progress.
Calling on organizations to initiate hackathons and startup pitch fests, Engr. Musa emphasized NITDA’s commitment to supporting startups and rising talents, with the aim of boosting Nigeria’s digital economy. He invited willing organizations to partner with NITDA to create avenues for funding and visibility.
Following the keynote address, Mr. Prince Ogbonna, Managing Partner of Moolu Venture Capital and Co-founder of Moolu Lab, took the stage. He echoed the immense potential of the startup ecosystem and acknowledged its challenges, such as knowledge gaps, funding constraints, infrastructural limitations, and regulatory issues. Mr. Ogbonna outlined Moolu’s ambitious impact plan for 2033 and expressed a strong desire to increase female participation in the tech sector.
A panel discussion featuring three distinguished names in tech startup and business development followed. The panelists, Mr. Ogunseye Oladayo Israel, Mrs. Binta Gali Agbonika, and Mrs. Felicia Akoh, shared valuable insights on tech startup development in Africa, current tech trends, digital transformations, and other technology-related topics.
The summit also featured a gripping pitching competition by several tech startups, showcasing their innovative ideas and solutions. Startups like Campus Square, Coinazer, Foodigital, Astrae, Agrovesto, Gifty, and Eridoagro delivered impressive pitches, wowing the audience and judges alike.
Agrovesto emerged as the winner of the coveted $1000 cash prize, closely followed by Foodigital and Gifty, based on the judges’ evaluation criteria, which included Yearly Revenue Projection and Overall Presentation.
As the event concluded, participants left with a sense of optimism and determination to drive African tech innovation forward. The Tech Summit 2023 successfully laid the groundwork for collaboration and growth in the tech industry, fostering an ecosystem where startups and innovations can flourish, ultimately contributing to Africa’s digital transformation.
Source: SI Magazine
