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By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
StartupSouth, a startup ecosystem development and advocacy organization has announced that it continues to aim at creating an ecosystem to enhance a virile economy for Nigeria as it prepares for the 9th edition of its Business Innovation Conference.
Though the organization said the conference is for the South South and South East regions of the country, participants are expected to join virtually from outside the region and beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The theme of the conference is ‘Deep & Broad: Extending Frontiers of Technology and Economic Development,’ and it is slated for October 3 and 4 in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Announcing the programme during a media parley, convener and co-founder of #StartupSouth, Uche Aniche, described the theme of this year’s conference as “a reflection of the organization’s ongoing mission to drive innovation and deepen economic growth in Nigeria’s frontier regions”.
He noted that the event is sponsored by Zoho Corporations, MainOne, Xend Finance, Cool FM with support from Rising Tide Africa and Eha Impact Ventures and many others, adding that it “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”.
Aniche listed key features of the conference to include; 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 more.
He added that over 50 sessions across 6 content pillars including Technology, Creative Economy, Policy, Capital, Entrepreneurship, Climate Resilience and the Future of Work Networking opportunities with investors, founders, talents, and executives from across the globe would also be disscussed.
Others are; The unveiling of the Ecosystem Mapping Report, which will provide insights into key players, sectors, and trends within the South-South and South-East startup ecosystem; Unveiling of South-South-East Angel Network (SSEAN) Impact Report; $RWA Hackathon – that will give $4000+ in prizes to participants plus the opportunity of upto $1million in investment for the winner; and Female Focused Founders Investment Conversation and Pitch Session by Rising Tide Africa and EHA Impact Ventures.
He said; “#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, policy makers 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”.
“This year’s conference is designed to offer a rich and immersive experience for participants with over 50+ session, 70+ speakers in 6 tracks. The tracks cover areas like 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”.
He called for more sponsors to support the annual programme saying; “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”.
