GTA 2024 conference unites over 6,000 participants to drive tech innovation in Africa

Onome Amuge

L-R: Aminu Abdullahi, Rep, NITDA; Inya Lawal, Convener, Global Tech Africa Conference; Julie McKay, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer; Ahmadu Galadima, COO, Future Map Foundation, at the GTA 2024 conference held in Lagos, recently.

The Global Tech Africa (GTA) Conference, one of Africa’s most prominent technology gatherings, held its second edition in Lagos from July 24th to 26th at the Landmark Event Center, attracting over 6,000 participants,including key industry players, entrepreneurs, and more than 100 expert speakers. The conference, themed "Global Collaborations, Local Transformations", encompassed over 85 sessions, with a focus on the increasingly significant role of international partnerships in driving local economic growth and technological innovation across the African continent. The conference's three dynamic stages and The Deal Room each played a distinct role in fostering dialogue and interaction. At the core of the conference, the Epicenter Stage provided a platform for the intersection of industry innovation, with government representatives, corporations, and high-profile delegates exploring opportunities and addressing the challenges facing Africa's technology landscape. On the Startup Stage, tech leaders and founders discussed diverse themes such as AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and more, sharing their perspectives and experiences in interactive panel discussions and workshops. Meanwhile, the Outsource Factory Stage featured GFA Technology, Kryptr, and Jobberman, collaborating in a unique partnership to provide training workshops and outsourcing career connections for Africa's budding tech talent. Adding to the wealth of opportunities and activities at the conference, the Deal Room showcased the first edition of the Global Tech Africa initiative in partnership with One Africa, offering a dynamic marketplace for innovative startups and promising tech enterprises to pitch their ideas and initiate connections with potential investors. The Deal Room saw over 10 investors focusing on over 150 selected investees represented across 16 industries such as technology & solutions, energy & environment, food & agriculture, gaming, fashion & retail, and many others. Some of the investors include:

USADF: which specialises in solar and climate sector companies.
DFS Africa: Focusing on startups and post-revenue stage companies.
Mainbridge UK: Concentrating on early-stage tech startups.
Endeavor Nigeria: Targeting early-stage startups.
Alithea Nigeria: Focusing on post-revenue stage companies.
Twelve Vest: Specializing in post-revenue stage companies.
Genius Hub Global: Investing in the creative industry.
Solar Centric: Investing in fintech and energy sectors.
Plug Platform: Interested in sustainable and social impact investments.
Cocoa Ventures LLC: with an interest in startups

Among the keynote speakers at the 3-day event, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),reiterated the government's strong dedication to promoting technological innovation as a key driver of economic diversification. Ralph Simon, founder of softwar company Mobilium, shared his unique insights on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to drive local transformation across Africa. Kenise Hill,acting political and economic chief of the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, offered a perspective on US-Africa partnerships in AI development, highlighting the potential for cross-continental collaboration in unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, commissioner of the Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment in Lagos State, introduced the "Empower Lagos Project", aimed at equipping the youth and small-scale entrepreneurs with the skills and resources necessary for success. Anna Sophie Herkin, managing director of the German Development Agency (GIZ), discussed the importance of bridging the financing gap for women entrepreneurs, advocating for innovative and inclusive solutions to empower female founders and entrepreneurs across Africa. The conference's sessions featured a vast range of topics, offering a holistic view of the African tech and innovation landscape. Notable sessions included: - “Unlocking Liquidity: Catalyzing Growth Through Strategic Investments and Innovation”, featuring industry leaders from Venture Garden Group, SEC Nigeria, NITDA, MoFI, Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Group, and Deloitte. - “Empowering the Workforce: Addressing Africa’s Talent Crises (Tech Roles)” featuring experts from Career Buddy, Helium Health, Semicolon, and Alajo. - Cosmetics meets Tech - Big Data and Analytics: Customer Insights Drive Product and Marketing featuring experts from MINCE/ XPT. - Adapting global best practices - Shaping Nigeria’s AI policy for Africa: A legislative tracker from American Business Council, designed to give developing organisations an overview of policies and how they can contribute to it. This was presented by representatives of the American Business Council, Lagos Business School, PwC, and NCAIR (National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics). - AI Training for Women in Business & Tech featuring leaders from NITDA, Simplify Synergy, Sh’Emerge, Nextwear Technologies, and Yudimy. - Edutech Roundtable, featuring experts discussing the future of learning in Africa and intellectual property rights. In addition, masterclasses covered topics such as machine learning, business transformation, mobile app development, data analytics, and operations management, led by professionals from Sterling Bank, GFA Technologies, Clane-Payments, Wema Bank, and Autogirl. Tech companies and startups also displayed their innovative products including Emerging Innovators, Chibby Dangana, founder, Data Factory, Ayomide Onasanya, co-founder, Kryptr, Oma Are, convener, AI Africa summit, and Caroline Moore, founder, Ideasmarketplace, complemented by refreshments from local brands such as Best Nigeria, Chow Noodles. The National Creativity Competition spotlighted university students’ innovative ideas, with standout projects like reusable pads from Gbemisola of the College of Nursing, Oyo. The GTA 2024 Conference proved to be a milestone event, uniting the brightest minds and key stakeholders in technology. Spearheaded by key partners such as the Future Map Foundation, NITDA, the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, Ascend Studios Foundation, and Venture Garden Group, the conference captured the spirit of collaboration and underscored the immense potential of Africa's digital economy, as well as the collective dedication to its growth and development.