Nigeria is set to host, for the second year running, Africa’s largest event for startups, DEMO Africa. This year, the events would be holding on 24th and 25th of September at the Eko Hotel and Suites.
At DEMO Africa, 40 startups from across Africa will showcase their innovations to investors, potential partners and international media. To ensure that Lagos state of Nigeria got the hosting right, Nigeria’s communication technology ministry has reportedly connected with the alumni who have participated in various technology competitions with the aim of assessing their needs and providing various interventions.
Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication Technology, said: “We are pleased that DEMO Africa will be hosted in Nigeria for the second time. DEMO Africa provides a veritable platform for young Nigerian and African youths to showcase their creativity and innovation and push Africa’s frontier in the global space.”
In his remark, Harry Hare, Executive Producer of DEMO Africa, said Nigeria’s actions should be emulated by governments across Africa to ignite the already fizzing innovation energy by youths in Africa.
“Efforts by young entrepreneurs are the sustainability upon which the future of generations in Africa rests,” he said.
Application platform is expected to open in late February. And out of the 40 startups that participated last year, more than ten have already gotten investment opportunities. They are Nerve, Chura, Paysail, Spacepointe, Irofit, Hutbay, and Cube.
Yele Okeremi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee said: “This presents another chance to bring together Africa’s most innovative minds and I promise the committee’s commitment to the success.”
The 2015 edition would feature side activities including an investor roundtable forum, LIONS@FRICA Summit and a bootcamp.