I'm still buzzing from last week's Abuja Tech Converge Conference in Abuja!
Last year, I attended as a regular participant, but this year, as an Ambassador, I had a unique behind-the-scenes role.
While the responsibilities were stressful, seeing everything come together and experiencing the incredible energy and insights shared was rewarding.
I enjoyed connecting with companies like Fida, Leadway, Edusproute, Crust Microfinance Bank, and ThriveAgric.
The sessions were packed with valuable takeaways:
Co-Creation: Understanding local context and collaborating with stakeholders is key to solving real problems.
Scalable Business Models: To succeed, startups should aim for scalability. If you succeed in Nigeria, you can conquer the African market and, from there, the world.
Viewing Problems as Opportunities: Challenges are opportunities for meaningful solutions.
Innovation Doesn't Always Have to Be Disruptive: Sometimes, improving existing systems is just as valuable.
Naming Your Startup: Your startup's name is its first impression. A great name makes it memorable, attracts the right audience, and shapes how people perceive your brand.
The student pitch competition, organized by the TAP (Tech Acceleration Program) and Edusproute, was another highlight, with startups competing for 1 million Naira.
I was impressed by Wasteflip's solution, which connects users to recycling services, schedules pickups, and offers drop-off locations. What stood out most was how they align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, tapping into a recycling industry with over ₦500 billion potential.
Being an Ambassador gave me a deeper appreciation for the effort that goes into organizing such an impactful event. If you want to connect, learn, and grow in the tech ecosystem, don't miss next year's #Abujatechconverge Conference. See you there!