According to Uche, this year’s theme, “Deep & Broad: Extending Frontiers of Technology and Economic Development,” reflects the organization’s ongoing mission to drive innovation and deepen economic growth in Nigeria’s frontier regions. He noted that the event promises to be the largest and most impactful edition yet, showcasing the latest trends in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship across Africa and the region in particular.
This year’s conference is designed to offer a rich and immersive experience for participants with over 50 sessions, 70 speakers, and 6 tracks. The tracks cover Policy Innovation, Technology & Business Innovation, EdTech and Talent Development, Climate Resilience, Creative Economy, and Creative Enterprise Support.
The annual Startup Awards has also received a refresh in format, as well as the introduction of new categories—particularly the Most Innovative Public Institution and Leader—both of which will spotlight outstanding public servants and institutions leveraging technology to drive public good. The Startup Awards ceremony, scheduled for October 4, 2024, is one of the most anticipated parts of the event.
Over 70 speakers, including renowned leaders such as Tomi Davies, a key player in Africa’s tech ecosystem; Seun Onigbinde (Co-founder, Budgit); Ugochukwu Aronu (Founder, Xend Finance); Yen Choi (Board Chair, ChipLab); Adebayo Adedeji (Group CEO, WakaNow); Jane Egerton-Idehen (MD/CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited); and many more.
There will be 50+ sessions across 6 content pillars, including Technology, Creative Economy, Policy, Capital, Entrepreneurship, Climate Resilience, and the Future of Work. Networking opportunities will be available with investors, founders, talents, and executives from across the globe. Additionally, the unveiling of the Ecosystem Mapping Report will provide insights into key players, sectors, and trends within the South-South and South-East startup ecosystem.
Reflecting on the history, Uche noted that “#StartupSouth started in 2015 as an ambitious initiative with the goal of inspiring and enabling the next generation of dexterous founders and innovators. Today, nine years later, I am proud to say that we have grown into the foremost community of founders, policymakers, and investors, as well as a premier platform for technology, business innovation, and networking through our events and programming. We’ve not only expanded in terms of scale and reach but also in the impact we’ve made on Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.”
The conference will also feature the unveiling of the South-South-East Angel Network (SSEAN) Impact Report, the $RWA Hackathon—offering over $4,000 in prizes to participants, plus the opportunity of up to $1 million in investment for the winner—and a Female Focused Founders Investment Conversation and Pitch Session by Rising Tide Africa and EHA Impact Ventures.
As we continue to grow, we welcome more partners and collaborators to join us in amplifying the success stories emerging from the South-South and South-East regions. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship, driving sustainable development and long-term prosperity.
Tickets for #StartupSouth9 are currently on sale, with options for individual and team passes at [9.startupsouth.org/tickets](
#StartupSouth9 is sponsored by Zoho Corporation, MainOne, Xend Finance, Cool FM, with support from Rising Tide Africa and EHA Impact Ventures, among others.
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