AITP: Marking Milestones in Technology Development in Abeokuta – Event Recap
The Abeokuta Innovation & Tech Party (AITP) was a groundbreaking two-day event held in the ancient city of Abeokuta, Nigeria’s emerging technology hub. It showcased the city’s potential as a technological powerhouse and brought together visionaries, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. With the theme “Innovation Knows No Bounds,” the AITP aimed to propel Abeokuta onto the global stage.
The event featured the unveiling of the “Olatomiwa Williams Hall” in honor of Mrs. Olatomiwa Williams, the first female Country Manager for Microsoft in West Africa, along with captivating panel sessions, exhibitions, and a cultural tour of Abeokuta. The AITP redefined the narrative of technology in Africa and unleashed the boundless potential of innovation.
Our Sponsors
The event received generous support from various sponsors and ecosystem partners, demonstrating their commitment to fostering technological innovation.
Among the esteemed sponsors were:
The pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria. Home to high-quality brands, ethically sourced raw materials, and consumer satisfaction.
Unity Bank is one of Nigeria’s leading retail banks. Unity bank boast of 219 business offices spread across the country and are continuously increasing this number.
Lotus Beta Analytics pioneers Africa’s tech ecosystem, driving business success with premier digital transformation solutions.
Sterling Bank Plc is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria.
VFD Tech is a digital first company that provides financial technological services, as well as technology solutions.
FBN Quest is a leading investment banking and asset management firm within the FBN Holdings Plc group, providing robust financial services and solutions in Africa.
Guinness Nigeria is a prominent beverage company, renowned for its iconic Guinness stout and a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Airtel Nigeria is a leading telecommunications company, offering mobile network services, internet connectivity, and innovative digital solutions to customers across Nigeria.
Welcome to Zenith Bank Plc. A leading multinational financial service provider based in Nigeria. Its secure and user-friendly digital experience on Mobile Banking, Internet Banking among services.
So Fresh is Nigeria’s pioneer and leading healthy food chain for a wide range of fresh, nutritious and healthy meals.
Access Bank is a Nigerian multinational commercial bank that provides a wide range of personal and corporate banking products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers.
The Midlothian Angel Network (MAN) connects accredited minority angel investors in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with early stage startups in North America and Africa. MAN plays a crucial role in boosting the North Texas economy through its investments in startups.
Microsoft is a multinational technology company that is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading software manufacturers.
The Bulb Africa is a platform that connects innovation from Africa to global opportunities.
Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies.
FCMB Group is a Nigerian financial services conglomerate that offers commercial banking, investment banking, and asset management services.
PNN is a pan-African technology service provider that began operations out of Nigeria in 1998, playing a significant role in the communications and power sectors of the economy.
Wema Bank is a Nigerian commercial bank that provides retail and commercial banking services.
Eco-System Partners
The Africa Fintech Summit is a globally recognized ecosystem-building initiative that convenes thought leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers to drive collaboration, investment, and knowledge sharing in the African fintech industry.
Ripples Nigeria is a trusted news source in Nigeria, committed to uncovering the truth and delivering comprehensive coverage of politics and business.
Top Africa News is a Rwandan-based publication providing reliable news stories and features covering various topics like environment, agriculture, tourism, sports, culture, health, and business, showcasing the real Africa.
The Startup Place Ltd is a Busibess Consulting firm with key focus on Startup Development, Digital Marketing and Business Growth.
JCI (Junior Chamber International) is a global non-profit organization that empowers young individuals to become active citizens and create positive change in their communities and the world.
Aurora Media Group is a media holding company focused on providing premium streaming services.
Ed-tek provides interactive Smart Boards for Teaching, Learning and Businesses
Their collective involvement contributed to the success and impact of the AITP, reinforcing the collaborative spirit and dedication to advancing technology in Abeokuta.
The event took place in various destinations in the prestigious Ogun Technology Hub.
Empowering Abeokuta’s Future
The event started with guest registration. The opening keynote highlighted uplifting and accelerating Africa. The Ogun State Governor representative, Mr Dayo Abiodun (The Special Adviser to the governor on Technology) delivered the inaugural note, He welcomed the attendees on behalf of the governor and highlighted the role of technology professionals in transforming the economy and community.
According to him, the government aims to foster economic growth and community development through public-private partnerships, and the Ogun state government has partnered with GetfundedAfrica to establish a technology hub in Abeokuta. The strategic alliance with the Ogun State Government, Nigeria’s industrial base is to establish a technology ecosystem in Abeokuta and enable 400 African startups.
“Part of our mission and vision in Ogun state mainly the public, private partnership, to grow the economy, to transform the community, and to also build on the resources that we have. That was what lead us to partner with GetfundedAfrica, the goal is to make Abeokuta one of the best technology hub in Africa and the globe. The Hub is intended to bring in policy makers, companies, NGO’s and other international organizations to support technology as an engine of coming prove in Ogun state.”
Mr Dayo Abiodun, The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Technology
Also gracing the stage was, Mr. Debo Omololu, the CEO of GetFundedAfrica. He emphasized the vision for Ogun State and highlighted the suitability of Abeokuta as the ideal location for GetFundedAfrica. He highlighted that it is common to find innovation hubs situated in cities adjacent to the main city, and Abeokuta, being a sister city to Lagos, follows this successful model. Mr. Omololu drew parallels with renowned examples such as New York and New Jersey, LA and Silicon Valley, London and Milton Keynes, or Shanghai and Suzhou.
“Nigeria has produced 4 of Africa’s 7 unicorns, which was one of the reasons we sited the GetFundedAfrica office in Nigeria. Not only did we site our startup in Nigeria, but we also set things up in Abeokuta, a city in Nigeria with proximity to Nigeria’s financial centre, Lagos. Abeokuta offers startups the opportunity to focus and grow.”
Adebola Omololu, CEO, Co-Founder GetFundedAfrica
After the unveiling, discussions took place, the discussions covered supporting private sectors, big data, and AI in banking, open banking and open finance, and technology solutions for startups.
“Open banking is an API (Application Programming Interface). It forms the core of what we do today by providing access to customer history. It ensures that there is no impact or loss of data. The concept aims to differentiate the service and distinguish your product.”
Mustapha Otaru, Chief Product officer, sterling bank
Other topics included financial inclusion, the venture capital ecosystem in Africa, optimizing the customer experience, and harnessing the potential of Ogun Tech Hub. Various speakers from different organizations shared their insights throughout the event.
Notably, the speakers who contributed to these discussions in this hall included:
- Debo Omololu -CEO/Co-Founder, GetFundedAfrica,
- Olaniji Aisida -Senior Special Assistant Energy, Ogun State Govt
- Tunji Oke-CCO/Co-Founder GetFundedAfrica
- Gbenga Omolokun-Managing Director, VBank
- Ayodele Olojede-Group head, Access Bank
- Fatai Tella-Chief Data Officer, Sterling Bank
- Timileyin Idowu-Investment Analyst
- Temitayo Omotere-Lead, Research & Business Development Unity Bank
Just to name a few.
Igniting Fintech Horizons: Building a Digital Africa
There were exhibitions by fintech startups throughout the day. The discussions covered topics such as building a unique fintech ecosystem, during the discussion one of the attendees said:
“Embracing innovation and collaboration, we are crafting a fintech ecosystem that not only revolutionizes financial services but also empowers individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital era in Africa, GFA is giving us the platform to do that with this event, and I am very happy to be here to meet like mind .”
Other topics discussed is the impact of fintech in the banking industry, blockchain regulation, DeFi trends, pioneering a sustainable future, and money lending licensing in Ogun State. These sessions were interspersed with more startup exhibitions, allowing attendees to explore innovative products and services.
The following speakers were present:
- Abimbola Shopeju – Managing Director, Fundall
- Ebenezer Akachukwu-Product Lead, Savefi
- Timileyin Idowu -Investment Analyst
- Obiajulu Anayo – Head of Design, NerdBurg
- Linda Obi – CEO, Afri Health Ltd.
Other speakers included Adedeji Damilare, Diana Teoh, Jerry lgwilo, William Phelps, Jude Chikezie, and Olanrewaju Oyinbooke.
Exploring the Future with GFA Max & GFA Live TV
In Hall Three, dedicated to Ola Williams, the hall started with exhibitions by startups, followed by a keynote speech by Debo Omololu, the CEO of a company, where he presented the VOD Platform: GFA Max & GFA Live TV.
The proclamation follows series of start-ups storytelling with brands like, Talarayce , Lotus analytics, Hash greed amongst others.
GFAMAX enables startups to pitch their brands and reveal live video behind the secret of their brands. The platform includes features such as product highlights, clear analytics to help consumers and customers better understand their brand of choice, preferences and behaviors’.
“We, the Media team, are thrilled to announce the launch of our new online Video on Demand platform, GFAMAX. We believe that this platform will revolutionize the way people shop online by connecting you with your preferred brands, leading to increased engagement and sales.
In addition to business-related content, we will also provide a variety of videos, movies, and other activities in real-time on the platform. We are excited to explore collaborations, sponsorships, and partnerships with startups, investors, corporations, and the government.”
Nichole Manhire, the Media head.
Later, a panel session was titled “Unlocking the Potential of the African Economy Through Media.” During this session, speakers discussed various topics related to media and its impact on the African economy.
Also, the Olatomiwa Williams Hall was unveiled, Mrs. Olaoluwa Williams is an indigene of Abeokuta and the first female dual Country Director for Microsoft in Africa.
The hall was named in recognition of her outstanding achievement in the technology space in Africa. During the unveiling, the Director in her speech, said :
” GetfundedAfrica, what you’re doing here is not just about dedicating a hall, it’s about inspiring so many people. This hall will not just be a hall but a better place for greater people who would come out from Abeokuta, Ogun state and would do Africa proud, and someday they will look back and say if this hadn’t happened probably, I won’t be where I am today.”
Mrs. Olatomiwa Williams,Country Manager for Microsoft in West Africa
Olatomiwa appreciates GetfundedAfrica and Ogun state government for the honor as it is an inspiration to continue to do more and a gear to contribute her little quota in a way that would drive a lot of impact.
A signing ceremony with media partners was held, which marked a significant milestone in their collaboration. The hall also featured more exhibitions by startups. Finally, the event concluded with closing remarks and further exhibitions by startups.
The speakers at this event included.
- Chidi Chinedu-Editor of Ripples Nigeria
- Edirin Etaghene-Editor of Ripples Nigeria
- Buki Azaria Osunkeye– a Marketing Strategist
- Afolasade Samagbeyi-a Multimedia Personality
- Ayoola Ogunyomi-Head of Media at Patricia Technologies
- Temitope Moronkeji-Business Manager at Startup Lagos
- Shina Memud-Founder of YourNotify
- Moagi Onkabet-Group CEO of Aurora Media Group.
Join us at the Abeokuta Innovation & Tech Party (AITP) next year to experience the immense potential of Abeokuta as a technological powerhouse. Connect with visionaries, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from around the world, celebrating innovation and creativity. Immerse yourself in groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and forge meaningful connections. Discover limitless opportunities, expand your network, and be part of Abeokuta’s journey to becoming a global tech hub. Don’t miss out on this electrifying event! #AITP2024
About GetFundedAfrica
GetFundedAfrica is a cloud-based technology platform that specializes in developing software that helps businesses with growth, storytelling and funding. Whether you want to raise funds ranging from $100k to $50m or you simply want to grow your business, sign up for free at www.gefundedafrica.com.
