News
#StartupSouth to Hold 9th Conference on October 3-4 in Port Harcourt

#StartupSouth, the premier Technology and Business Innovation Conference in the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria will take place on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 in Port Harcourt.
Announcing this in a media parley, Uche Aniche, Convener and Cofounder of #StartupSouth said this year’s theme, “Deep & Broad: Extending Frontiers of Technology and Economic Development,” is a reflection of the organization’s ongoing mission to drive innovation and deepen economic growth in Nigeria’s frontier regions.
Nothing that the event 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.
“#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.
Key Features of #StartupSouth9:
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 many more.
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.
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
Female Focused Founders Investment Conversation and Pitch Session by Rising Tide Africa and EHA Impact Ventures
Partners and Sponsors:
#StartupSouth9 is sponsored by Zoho Corporations, MainOne, Xend Finance, Cool FM with support from Rising Tide Africa and Eha Impact Ventures and many others.
Call to Collaborators:
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.
Tickets for #StartupSouth9 is currently on sale, with options for individual and team passes at 9.startupsouth.org/tickets.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
News
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