Lagos Startup Week was launched in 2015 by Olumide Olayinka of Prime Startups to ignite innovation and drive Africa’s entrepreneurial future. Over the past decade, Lagos has evolved from a burgeoning startup scene into a leading hub, actively shaping the global startup landscape and fostering a vibrant ecosystem that attracts significant venture capital and produces several unicorn companies.
Lagos Startup Week: A Platform for Growth and Innovation
Described by Olumide Olayinka as more than just an event, Lagos Startup Week represents a strong commitment to fostering African innovation and entrepreneurship. It provides founders with a vital platform where they can breathe, build, and belong within a supportive ecosystem. The 10th edition will bring together over 5,000 attendees at the iconic Civic Centre for two days filled with inspiration. The event will feature four stages buzzing with ideas, electrifying Demo Days showcasing emerging technologies, and opportunities to network with top tech experts, industry leaders, regulators, and investors.
Theme and Focus for 2025: Disrupting the Next Decade (DND)
The 2025 theme, "Disrupting the Next Decade," delves into the challenges and opportunities of building and thriving in complex African markets. It spotlights how startups grow from humble beginnings to become impactful businesses. The focus is on founders who are not only creating innovative products but also rewriting narratives through resilience and disruptive thinking, shaping the future of entrepreneurship on the continent.
Speaker Lineup and Past Highlights
- Initial speakers for 2025 include:
- Jason Njoku (IROKO)
- Ngozi Dozie (Carbon)
- Tosin Faniro-Dada (Breega)
- Ireayo Oladunjoye (Endeavour Nigeria)
- Satoshi Shinada (Verod Kepple Africa Ventures)
- Wole Ayodele (Fincra)
- Tito Cookey-Gam (Partech)
- Aniedi Udo-Obong (Google)
- Kayode Adeyinka (Gigmile)
- Oladunni Fanibe (Google)
- Akinbola Asalu (Aktivate)
- Previous editions featured renowned figures like Steve Case (AOL/Revolution VC), Michael Seibel (Y Combinator), and Shola Akinlade (Paystack).
- Early-stage startups showcased have grown into major players, including Flutterwave, Moniepoint, and Paystack (acquired by Stripe).
Prime Startups’ Role
Prime Startups is the driving force behind Lagos Startup Week, acting as an ecosystem builder that supports founders throughout the year. The organization facilitates cross-border partnerships, engages with policymakers, and helps lay the groundwork for Africa’s next wave of high-growth ventures, ensuring the startup ecosystem continues to thrive and expand.
Lagos Startup Week serves as a key indicator of Africa’s growing influence in the future of commerce, connectivity, and capital. It acts as a global stage where African innovation is nurtured and celebrated. The 2025 edition promises to be a landmark event in the continent’s entrepreneurial journey, inviting entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to join the movement in Lagos this July. The future of African innovation is not just anticipated—it is actively being built at Lagos Startup Week.