GEN Nigeria, the pioneering organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and cultivating the next generation of innovative leaders, has announced its participation in the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) event to be held in Cape Town, South Africa. In an effort to showcase Nigeria’s entrepreneurial prowess, GEN Nigeria will be sending a delegation of 150 ambitious entrepreneurs to the prestigious gathering.
The exciting revelation took place at the GEC+Africa Lead Up event, aptly themed ‘Connecting Africa: Strides in the Nigeria Entrepreneurship Ecosystem,’ held in Lagos. Esteemed attendees at the event included Mr. Obaru Osah, representing the Managing Director/CEO of Bank of Industry, and officials from Providus Bank and Bank of Industry (BOI). Furthermore, several Nigerian entrepreneurs graced the occasion.
The 150 Nigerian delegates will join entrepreneurs from various African countries to participate in GEC+Africa. An exhilarating opportunity awaits, as fifteen entrepreneurs will pitch for a seed fund of $100,000.
Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director at GEN Nigeria, lauded the significance of the GEC+Africa Lead Up Event, stating, “It serves as a dynamic platform that showcases the finest elements of successful entrepreneurial ecosystems on the continent. It aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities, propelling African entrepreneurs to new heights of success.”
As a strategic partner for GEC+Africa 2024, GEN Nigeria plays a pivotal role in empowering and enriching the entrepreneurial landscape in Nigeria. Anifowose emphasized its vision to provide Nigerian entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive globally, putting Nigeria’s entrepreneurial community on the world stage.
The project Lead of GEC+Africa, Mrs. Carmen Rossouw, stressed the importance of building stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems in Africa, promoting idea sharing, addressing common issues, and facilitating networking. The event is set to gather 1,500 delegates, including over 30 ministers of trade and investments, to discuss critical topics surrounding entrepreneurship and trade in Africa. Startups from 46 African countries will have the opportunity to network, while investors and corporate organizations explore potential partnerships with these SMEs.
Adding to the excitement, 17 Nigerian startups and SMMEs showcased their innovative solutions, competing for a chance to pitch on the GEC+ Africa stage. Wano, Strich Inc, and Schrödinger Technologies emerged as the triumphant winners, earning spots in the prestigious Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan Atlantic University and GEN Nigeria Venture Builder program. These outstanding startups will represent Nigeria at the global stage of GEC+Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.
GEN Nigeria’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and driving impactful change in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape remains steadfast. As the nation’s leading organization, GEN Nigeria endeavors to empower and propel Nigerian entrepreneurs toward a future of global success.
