This year’s theme, “Experience Ignited: Fueling the Consumer Journey,” promises to explore the transformative power of technology in reshaping how brands connect with consumers.

MarkHack 4.0 is set to immerse startups in innovative solutions across immersive realities, digital storytelling, event innovation, gamification and phygital commerce, paving the way for the future of marketing and consumer engagement.

Victor Afolabi, CEO of GDM Group and Eko Innovation Centre, expressed the vision behind this event:

“MarkHack 4.0 calls on marketing professionals and innovators to embrace tech-driven evolution for impactful storytelling, elevating the consumer journey and engagement. Our platform unites brilliant minds every year to redefine how brands connect with audiences, setting new benchmarks for tech-driven marketing.”

From its early days as a growth-focused hackathon at MarkHack 1.0, this dynamic initiative has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry.

Today, MarkHack is more than just a platform for pitching ideas—it’s a full-scale conference that brings together established startups with proven products, market traction, and revenue generation, all under one roof.

The conference is set to take place on  Friday, 23rd May 2025, at the Landmark Event Center, VI, Lagos, MarkHack 4.0 will also host exhibitions showcasing the latest innovations and networking opportunities that bring together thought leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from across the industry.

MarkHack 4.0 redefines the way startups innovate and scale, offering a comprehensive platform that combines immersive education, strategic pitching, and the excitement of a hackathon—all designed to drive real-world impact in media, marketing and technology.

A stellar lineup of sponsors, jurors, and speakers, including visionary leaders in media, marketing and technology, renowned techpreneurs shaping the digital landscape, and key industry players offering expert insights into the future of marketing.

MarkHack is a conference where media, marketing & tech professionals, policymakers, investors, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and creatives, converge to shape the future of media, marketing & technology. Registration is now open! Visit markhack.tech for more information.

Be inspired. Be innovative. Be part of MarkHack 4.0.

The post MarkHack 4.0 is Back: The Ultimate Fusion of Marketing and Technology Unleashed! appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, GDM Group continues to push the envelope in marketing technology, big data management, and integrated marketing services, setting the benchmark for excellence across Nigeria and Africa.

To improve offerings and diversify its client base, GDM Group is now focusing on offering project consulting services in the areas of marketing, technology, and management.

A Legacy of Innovation and Market Disruption

Since its inception, GDM Group has been synonymous with reshaping the future of marketing, pioneering industry-defining practices that blend strategic creativity with flawless execution. The company’s journey from below-the-line field marketing to data-driven strategies exemplifies its ability to evolve and lead.

Through its bespoke service offerings, GDM has emerged as a catalyst for transformative brand experiences, delivering measurable results and setting a new standard in marketing and media innovation.

“GDM Group’s evolution into a comprehensive marketing, management, and technology firm represents a pivotal moment in our journey,” noted Victor Afolabi, founder and group CEO of Hazon Holdings, during the company’s fifteenth-anniversary celebrations. “We are empowering brands to connect, serve, and grow their audiences with unparalleled efficiency, ensuring measurable returns on investment.”

Elevating Brands Through Innovation and Strategy

GDM Group’s transformation reflects its profound understanding of modern client needs—strategic, innovative, and results-driven solutions.

By integrating digital, traditional, and field marketing strategies, GDM crafts campaigns that captivate audiences, drive authentic engagement, and deliver immersive brand experiences.

From harnessing big data insights to executing experiential marketing campaigns, GDM ensures brands maintain a strong, resonant presence in a competitive marketplace.

The company’s unique approach harmonizes creativity with analytical precision, leveraging data to optimize campaigns for maximum impact.

This data-driven methodology empowers brands to penetrate untapped markets and achieve sustained growth, even to the last mile.

Empowering Growth Through Advanced Marketing Technology

At the forefront of technological innovation, GDM Group is redefining marketing with state-of-the-art platforms and tools that enhance campaign management and tracking.

By utilizing advanced marketing technologies and consumer data analytics, the company delivers actionable insights that fuel strategic decision-making. Each technological solution is bespoke, tailored to meet the specific needs of clients, ensuring seamless integration and impactful results.

Expanding Offerings with Full-fledged Consulting Services

In its quest to provide holistic solutions, GDM Group is expanding its offerings to include project consulting services in marketing, technology, and management.

This strategic shift aims to empower businesses with expert guidance in navigating complex challenges, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and optimizing operational performance. With a deep understanding of industry dynamics, GDM’s consulting services are designed to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence for clients across various sectors.

Management Excellence

Driving Business Transformation GDM Group’s expertise extends beyond marketing into strategic management and operational excellence.

By offering management consulting services, the company enables businesses to align their marketing strategies with corporate goals, optimize performance, and navigate complex challenges. From robust project management to innovative operations management frameworks, GDM ensures scalability, efficiency, and measurable impact.

Customized consulting engagements form the cornerstone of GDM’s management offerings, unlocking long-term growth opportunities for clients while delivering strategic guidance and data-driven solutions. This multi-dimensional approach positions GDM as a trusted partner in driving organizational success.

A Pan-African Vision with Localized Precision

With operations spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya, GDM Group leverages a dynamic, localized business model to address the unique challenges and opportunities of each market.

This regional adaptability ensures the company delivers tailored value and unparalleled relevance, creating a significant competitive edge in diverse markets across Africa.

Redefining the Future of Marketing Over 15 years, GDM Group has established itself as a one-stop destination for marketing, management, and technology solutions. Its unwavering dedication to innovation and measurable results has solidified its reputation as a leader in retail, experiential, integrated, and digital marketing.

As GDM embarks on its next chapter, its vision remains crystal clear: to redefine the future of marketing in Africa.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, strategic innovation, and visionary management practices, GDM Group is shaping a future where brands thrive, audiences connect, and value creation knows no bounds.

The post The Transformational Journey of GDM – A 15-Year Odyssey appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Bosun, make the remark, virtually, on Thursday 14th November, 2024, at the grand finale of Lagos State Agrinnovation Summit which took place at Marcelina House, Ikeja.

The Minister noted that innovation is a fundamental aspect of sustainable development.

“When we talk about innovation and Technology, sometimes, many people think it is just another fancy set of tools that is now trending.

“However the reality about innovation and technology is that it is the part to sustainability and development”, he said.

The minister said that the agricultural sector ranks high to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and commended Mr. Babajide Sanwolu, the Lagos State Governor for always been at vanguard of innovations and Technology.

Agrinnovation, was the first of its kind, and bold step which organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, in conjunction with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), and the Eko Innovation Centre.

It was designed to foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and groundbreaking innovations within the agricultural sector.

Some of the successful young startup agriprenuer who benefitted from the Lagos State government grant include; Farmcraft Foods limited, Rehoboth 910, Foodie world, Hommal foods, Ofadahub Nigeria limited,  Dharkag Empire limited, D-olivette Renewable Energy and Green Mall.

Others are; Dehydrator hub, Agricfood Technology limited, Corporate farmers international limited, Ultra Farms Integrated Ventures limited, Eti Farms Global limited, Hairat Ajao & Co (Fisherwoman, Happy Coffee, Ecotutu Limited, Ofadaboy Company, Leky Mills Limited.

Yellow fish limited, Ufarmy Ecoedu-Tech Solution Limited, Fauzziyah’s Honey Limited, Green Republic Limited, Price Pally Limited among others.

In his address, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor, represented by Mr. Tayo Ayinde, his Chief of Staff, stated that the state will not stop until she achieves food security and production serving as an example to other parts of the nation and Africa.

He also said that the gesture is a symbol of what the state can achieve when it trusts the youth to lead and supports them in doing so.

His words, “We gather here with the purpose to build sustainable agriculture and food system for the next generation and to ensure that Lagos not only sustains itself but leads Nigeria and Africa towards food security and agricultural excellence.

“As a government, we understand that agriculture development depends on more than just traditional practices. It requires us to embrace technology, foster collaboration and create sustainable practices that endure.

“I want to commend particularly the creation of the Lagos Agrinnovation Club. This club is not just an initiative,  it has become a community of young agriprenuers, a hub of creativity and a platform for those who dare to reimagine agriculture.

“This year’s Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture and build sustainable solutions.

The 26 finalists we honour today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is brought. With access to mentorship, network and share of the N100 million Agrinnovation Fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise’s solutions further”.

Accordingly, the young entrepreneurs will be monitored to ensure that they use the grant well. “To our Agrithon finalists I urge you to put this funding to excellent use, as you’ve demonstrated through your impressive and innovative ideas”, he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos State deputy governor, who also was at the event said Nigeria cannot afford to be a nation of complainer without taking necessary and corresponding action for a desire change.

He also charged the beneficiaries to make the best of the grant, whilst making the opportunities known in the society.

“We cannot afford to be a nation of complainer and that is why we are very happy that we see people like you who are ready to take the advantage and opportunity of the prevailing challenges to succeed.

“But I want you to also be an evangelist, make good money but I think it is important that you tell your colleagues and many young people out there that this opportunity exists.

“The Lagos State Government will support you and do everything possible to succeed. Just like the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture has said “that you have not waited for everybody, this is something you actually engage yourself in, this is what you want to do and so we must encourage you. But let others also know, because think about it, how is it possible that we are having the problem of food scarcity and it will interest you that we have been having this problem for a long time.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Abisola Olusanya, the commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Lagos state, expressed her appreciation to all in attendance and especially to the jurors who worked tirelessly in the selection process of the 26 finalists.

“We would like to thank everyone for being here, especially our jurors, who worked throughout the rigorous process on the Agrithon programme, helping us with the selection process from 316 business entries to 26.

“We are here to celebrate young entrepreneurs who have not waited for the government to give them opportunities but have looked within themselves and others for inspiration.

They have made themselves and their enterprises something to be proud of and we are proud to be associated with them.

“They have shown that agriculture is indeed a pathway towards being prosperous as a nation, they have shown passion and connectivity. We are proud to celebrate them, to encourage other people to come into the state.

Also speaking at event and charging  beneficiaries of the grants was Mr Victor Afolabi, the founder of Eko Innovation Centre, according to him, it was important that entrepreneurs understand that investments should be meant for businesses and not for personal upliftment.

His words;

“It’s very important for founders to understand that you are not a celebrity, when you raise funds use it for the business that it was meant for.”

Afolabi, a serial entrepreneur, noted that it was necessary for young founders to embody discipline when it came to work, adding that this was contributing to the demise of many young start-ups in the country.

Corroborating his thoughts, Aisha Raheem, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Farmz2u, noted the importance of plan and vision.

According to her, many startups lose this vision when they become profitable at the first instance.

This was also echoed by Jummai Abalaka, founder and chief operating officer (COO) who noted that it was necessary to have a positive attitude towards work.

She said that this works hand in hand to ensure the success of enterprises in the country. They pressed on the matter of separating work from personal wants.

Also speaking at the event, was Prince SJ Samuel, the chairman of Origin Tech Group who noted that innovation was facing a lot of challenges in the Nigerian landscape.

He pointed out that the average farmer earns about two thousand dollars and takes home about 40%, with more than half of the earnings going into logistics and other expenses.

He also noted that inflation is very high in the Nigerian economy and food inflation makes up about 38% of that which serves as a major concern in the country.

The entrepreneur stated that the agricultural space contributes about 37% to the country’s GDP, although he applauded the current administration for its investment in the agricultural sector compared to the predecessors.

While giving his charge, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, the special adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, urged the Agrithon finalists to make good use of the opportunities provided by the state.

The post 26 Beneficiaries of Lagos State N100million Agrinnovation Grant Unveiled appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The event brought together key players from across sectors to deliberate on the proposed Lagos Innovation Policy Bill, a groundbreaking legislation that promises to catalyze innovation and foster an enabling environment for technological advancement.

The event, chaired by Mr. Olatubosun Alake, the commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, was an avenue for co-creation and collaboration, a move that has been variously been described as Lagos State Government’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory approach to policymaking.

Among the stakeholders present at the occasion are Adaora Ikenze – Director, Public Policy, Meta; Prof. Peter Bamkole – COO, Pan Atlantic University and LASRIC Member; Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho – founder, Futuresoft; LASRIC and Alex-Adedipe Adeleke – DOA Law, among others.

In his opening remarks, the honourable commissioner emphasized the important role of Lagos State in driving innovation investment in Nigeria and indeed, Africa, noting that approximately 70 to 80 percent of innovation funding flows into the state.

He stressed the urgency of establishing a robust policy framework that encourages continuous innovation investment and drives Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution.

“This is because it can encourage or discourage continuous innovation investment in the state. Today’s engagement is in line with driving an innovation policy framework,” he said.

The commissioner also took his time to inundate all present with some of the initiatives of Ministry, as well as projects aimed at driving Lagos to the forefront of the digital revolution.

This includes the MetroFibre Project, a massive digital infrastructure undertaking that will deploy 3,000 kilometers of optic fiber and optic fiber ducts across the state.

He also highlighted the Safe City Project, which leverages intelligent video cameras to enhance security and create a safer environment for businesses to thrive.

Furthermore, the commissioner shed light on the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art Tier 3 data center in partnership with the private sector, the digitization of government services to enhance efficiency and transparency, and the state’s unwavering commitment to cybersecurity through the establishment of a Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) and capacity-building initiatives for local IT professionals.

Victor Afolabi, Chief Executive Officer of the Eko Innovation Centre, in his welcome address, emphasized the significance of the stakeholder engagement as a co-creation event, where collective deliberation would shape the regulatory incentives and create an inclusive innovation ecosystem.

He commended the commissioner’s vision and commitment to advancing innovation in Lagos State, describing the state as the innovation engine room of the country and a globally recognized hub for innovation.

The highly engaging and robust stakeholder engagement witnessed active participation from government agencies, the private sector, development agencies, and other key stakeholders.

The event featured five breakout sessions, where participants made actionable recommendations and proffered realistic solutions to contribute to the framework of the proposed Lagos Innovation Bill.

The post Lagos Government Engages Stakeholders on Proposed New Innovation Bill appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

MarkHack 3.0 is tagged “BEYOND LIMITS – Unleashing Creativity with Emerging Tech”.

MarkHack 3.0 will bring together the brightest minds in deep tech, artificial intelligence, blockchain and e-commerce industries to develop innovative solutions to real-time marketing and media challenges.

Victor Afolabi, CEO and Founder of GDM Group and Eko Innovation Centre and Curator of MarkHack stated that Deep Technology is the next big thing in marketing and media due to the constant evolvement of the industries.

He said, “The marketing and media landscape is in a perpetual state of evolution, marked by the continuous emergence of novel technologies and strategies; As such, businesses and organizations face the imperative of staying at the forefront, comprehending the intricacies of effectively reaching and engaging their target audience with deep tech”.

The MarkHack curator further emphasized that recognizing this need for adaptability and innovation was the bane for debuting MarkHack, to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, marketing professionals, disruptors and corporate bodies to create solutions to real-life marketing challenges in an intense period of 3 months, using creativity, technology, mentoring, resulting in prototypes, fresh new concepts, and innovative usages of tech for marketing and media.

Markhack 3.0. will run for 3 months and feature a launch event, pitch sessions, workshops, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions to help participants develop their skills and provide them with the resources they need to turn their ideas into market-ready products.

Finalists will have a chance to join an accelerator program with up to $10,000 equity investment and a chance to be mentored by industry experts for 3 months.

Visit the website for more information, click here.

The post GDM Group, Eko Innovation Centre Launch $10,000 MarkHack 3.0 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Victor Afolabi, the curator of MarkHack and Founder of Eko Innovation Center and Art of Technology Lagos, disclosed this at the grand finale of the event in Lagos, Nigeria, where the three months of innovative pitch sessions, workshops, masterclasses and mentorship sessions aimed at helping participants develop skills and provide them with the resources needed to transform their ideas into market-ready products, climaxed with the emergence of Aremu as the winner of MarkHack 2.0.

Mentorship and free working space at the Eko Innovation Center and other consolation prizes also await the other finalists. 

Aremu, a robo-marketing tool that helps businesses run experiments to improve their product metric and conversion rate, beat nine (9) other startups to clinch the grand prize of $5,000 at the grand finale of the event in Lagos, Nigeria.

Ozi, a web application that helps businesses acquire, engage and manage customer conversions all from one place emerged as the first runner-up, carting away the sum of $3000 while Zander, a web-enabled and user-customized response AI tool for automating social media marketing/management and all brand campaign processes emerged as the second runner-up with a prize of $2000.

Tosin Adelowo, co-founder of Aremu stated that the win serves as a validation of the enormous potential in Nigeria’s creative sector, and commended Eko Innovation Center for the MarkHack platform.

“Indeed, this win is a validation that team Aremu can bring this great idea and vision to life with the potential of becoming a global brand in a few years”,

Mr. Adelowo remarked.

He further expressed appreciation to the organizers of MarkHack for creating the platform that provides an opportunity for new ideas to be birthed in the creative space. 

Azeez Adejumo, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ozi.ng, the second prize winner lauded the Eko Innovation Centre for promoting a culture of excellence in the discovery of new talents and ideas that will shape the future.

“Getting into incubator programs has not been easy for us as entrepreneurs in Nigeria; however, MarkHack has set a pace by opening the doors of opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas on a level playing field and get mentorship on how to scale their businesses”,  

Adejumo said. 

Themed ‘Unlocking the Power of the Creative Economy’, with focus areas on Immersive Experience (XR), Content Creation and Robo Marketing, MarkHack 2.0 is the second edition of Nigeria’s first and biggest marketing and media hackathon, MarkHack, curated by GDM Group and Eko Innovation Center. It climaxed on a disruptive note with 10 startups engaging in an innovative pitch contest of ideas before industry experts.

The top 10 startups that spiced up the evening with their innovative pitch sessions were Aremu; Ozi; Zander; Weeshr; Markett AI; VirtualX; Contenting; Shopalz; ShopXR and GetSeen.

The event gathered innovators, techies, entrepreneurs, policymakers, media mavens, marketing professionals and corporate moguls who collaborated to create innovative solutions to real-time marketing and media challenges.

It was characterized by igniting imaginations, unleashing tech’s potential, crafting creative marvels, illuminating the media sphere and revolutionizing innovation.

It was an unforgettable evening of discovery, collaboration and boundless excitement. The event’s second edition recorded over 1,365 applications from 92 locations across Europe, Asia and Africa, all of which were judged by 22 industry experts.

GDM Group, the curator of MarkHack is a leading marketing and media technology company renowned for bespoke service offerings ranging from marketing tech solutions, big data management and 360 integrated marketing services.

With MarkHack 2.0, GDM Group and Eko Innovation Center have yet again reaffirmed their purpose of supporting enterprises by leveraging innovation and technology at the heart of businesses.

The post MarkHack 2.0 – Top Five Finalists to Undergo 3-months Incubation Programme, Receive $50,000 Seed Capital appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

A startup, according to the Act, is “a firm that has been in operation for no more than ten (10) years and whose aims include the invention, innovation, production, development, or adoption of a new digital technology creative product, service, or method.”

Interpretatively, the act aims to provide a legal and institutional framework for Nigerian startups, as well as an enabling environment for their establishment, development, and operation.

The Lagos State Government has organized a policy review workshop in an effort to implement the Act’s policies for the state’s growth.

The workshop, which was held on Friday, October 11, 2022, at Eko Innovation Centre, brought together startup founders, tech experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to join the state government in domesticating the policies in the Nigerian Startup Act.

The event led to the establishment of Knowledge, Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (KITE) Project which will equitably localise the Act.

The KITE project is expected to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic development and position Lagos State as the hub for innovation in Nigeria. Also, as the state is becoming a popular location for technology investors and entrepreneurs, it will enable the state to further push its technology and innovation agenda.

It will begin in Yaba, which will serve as a medium for the government and private sector to create an ICT cluster. Yaba is known as the bedrock of internet-enabled businesses, with over 60 startups and active venture capital firms in residence. It is also a thriving centre for innovation in Nigeria.

By 2030, the Yaba KITE cluster is expected to be Africa’s main source of transformational solutions, propelling the continent’s socio-economic progress via technological leadership, disruptive innovation, and high-quality stem talent. Access to financing, advocacy and marketing, research and development, network and cooperation, talent, skills, education, infrastructure, policy, regulation, and governance are also goals of the KITE initiative.

According to the workshop anchor, Mr Wale Adelaja, the workshop was organised to allow the private sector and government agencies to review the policies established in the KITE project. “For an ICT business, cluster, or ecosystem to be sustainable, policies to support its longevity are required,” he said.

Hon. Olanrewaju Suleiman Afinni, Head of the House Committee on Science and Technology, at the event, urged the private sector stakeholders to look over the law and make it as complete as possible so that it doesn’t need to be changed often.

On her part, Tracy Okoro, one of the private stakeholders who championed the Nigerian Startup Act movement, acknowledged that the NSA2022 is the result of people’s desire for change and it succeeded because a group of young people came together to champion the move.

Her words, “We have a volunteer group of over 800 people who drove this from beginning to end without demanding payment. The Act is significant for connecting the government with the business sector.”

During the workshop, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Innovation and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, said the NSA2022 regulations will assist startups in registering quicker, and obtaining permits faster, thereby boosting the ease of doing business.

“To drive the ecosystem and boost innovation, each state throughout the federation needs to adopt distinct legislation that will help foster and deepen startup activity.

“Lagos’ startup policy structure has been in development for some time before the Act. The regulations will assist startups in registering quicker, obtaining permits faster, and easing business for commercial organisations classified as startups.

“It is critical for entrepreneurs in the ecosystem to participate in the workshop review to have an impact on the state legislation being drafted. The KITE project is like Silicon Valley in that it will be a state-wide initiative that will create ICT clusters, which will promote innovation throughout the state and benefit the nation’s economy,” Alake enthused.

Startup founders, innovators, and other workshop attendees participated in a break-out session to share their thoughts on the policies discussed as a government representative listened in and took notes and feedback.

The session was interactive, as the workshop served as a forum for attendees to voice concerns and receive answers to pressing issues.

The post Nigeria Startup Act: Eko Innovation Centre Domesticates Policies through KITE Project appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.