The Builders Summit 2024: A Convergence of Tech Innovators in Lagos

On May 25, 2024, over 1,000 technology builders, operators, investors, and talents gathered at the Queens Park Event Center for The Builders Summit, an event organized by Founders Connect. The day-long summit provided a platform for Nigeria's tech ecosystem to connect, exchange insights, and explore opportunities for advancement and creativity.

The Builders Summit acknowledged the collaborative effort of founders, operators, problem-solvers, investors, and talents in nurturing ideas into reality. Peace Itimi, the Chief Storyteller of Founders Connect, emphasized the role of every individual as a builder, setting the tone for the event.

Keynote speaker, Adia Sowho, the Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, shared her professional journey, highlighting adaptability and self-awareness as crucial traits for success in building ventures. In a panel discussion, entrepreneurs Tosin Olaseinde and Ife Durosinmi Etti reflected on their experiences in community-driven businesses and offered advice on accessing grants and fellowships.

A significant moment of the summit was an interview with Sim Shagaya, the Founder & Group CEO of uLesson and Chancellor at Miva Open University, who shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Various speakers including Joe Kinvi, Lexi Novitske, Bunmi Akinyemiju, Adebowale Banjo, Babajide Duroshola, and Oji Udezue added value with their perspectives.

The event also featured interactive sessions, notably an AMA (ask me anything) with Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner of Future Africa, where leadership and startup development insights were shared. Another AMA session included Feyikemi Abudu, co-host of ISWIS Podcast, and Steven Ndukwu, a travel content creator, who provided guidance on pursuing successful careers as content creators.

Among the event highlights was the 'Startup Innovation Challenge' where four semi-finalists competed for prizes including $1,000, a ticket to the Wema Bank Hackaholics pitch, and perks from prominent companies. API Sentry emerged as the winner of the challenge.

The Builders Summit 2024 successfully united a diverse community of builders and operators, fostering knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborative learning focused on community, innovation, and growth.

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners like Africhange, Zoho, Paystack, Raenest, MyCoverAI, Paga, Miva Open University, Yellow Card, Zedi Africa, Wiicreate, Benjamin Dada, TechCabal, Technext, The Guardian, Pulse Nigeria, Business Day, Business Elites Africa, The Cable, and Dabar.