Fast forward to 2025: Lagos isn’t merely participating in the global startup conversation; it’s at the forefront, actively shaping it. Consistently ranked among Africa’s most vibrant startup cities by platforms like Dealroom and Partech, Lagos is a magnet for founders, venture capitalists, and innovative technologists from around the world. Isn’t it fascinating how one city can encapsulate a continent’s entrepreneurial spirit?
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Born out of a visionary initiative by Prime Startups in 2015, Lagos Startup Week set out on a mission to ignite a movement—one that aimed to do more than just showcase burgeoning startups. It sought to sculpt the very fabric of innovation across Africa, and today, that dream is becoming a remarkable reality.
As we celebrate the 10th edition of Lagos Startup Week in 2025, the numbers tell an inspiring story. Nigerian startups have collectively attracted a staggering amount of venture capital funding, launching globally relevant solutions and nurturing a new wave of digital pioneers. According to recent reports, Lagos’ ecosystem valuation has skyrocketed 11.6 times since 2017, remarkably outpacing larger economies. With five unicorns—including Interswitch, Flutterwave, Jumia, OPay, and Moniepoint—Lagos has firmly established its place on the global map, particularly highlighted by Stripe’s acquisition of Paystack for over $200 million. What does it take for a city to evolve into a breeding ground for such extraordinary success?
The event organizers have meticulously crafted an engaging agenda for over 5,000 attendees. Participants will have the chance to absorb knowledge from tech trailblazers and business veterans, receive invaluable insights on initiating or scaling a business, and network with high-profile entrepreneurs, regulators, and investors. Lagos Startup Week is not just a gathering; it is a pivotal destination for anyone eager to cultivate connections within the global tech landscape.
“This is more than an event. This is where Africa’s future gets prototyped,” says Olumide Olayinka, Partner at Prime Startups and the Convener of Lagos Startup Week. From its humble beginnings as a grassroots gathering, the event has burgeoned into one of the continent’s most consequential platforms for innovation and ecosystem development. Have you ever wondered how some grassroots ideas blossom into global phenomena?
The 10th edition of Lagos Startup Week isn’t merely a milestone; it marks the dawn of a new era. Under the audacious theme “DND – Disrupting the Next Decade,” this year’s event will delve deep into what it takes to thrive in challenging markets, elevate African-led innovation on the world stage, and carve out the next decade of entrepreneurial impact. It’s an exciting time—how will the discussions here redefine our understanding of innovation?
From fostering resilience to encouraging radical thinking, this year’s event will shine a spotlight on founders who are not just creating products but are rewriting the very narratives of their industries.
POWERED BY PRIME STARTUPS: THE VISION BEHIND THE MOVEMENT
Lagos Startup Week is proudly powered by Prime Startups, an ecosystem builder devoted to supporting African founders beyond the confines of the event. Through year-round initiatives, cross-border collaborations, and proactive policy engagement, Prime Startups is diligently laying the groundwork for Africa’s next wave of high-growth enterprises. Isn’t it inspiring to see organizations committed to nurturing local talent?
According to Olumide Olayinka, co-organiser and partner at Prime Startups, “Lagos Startup Week was never just an event; it was always a declaration.” He recounts, “The city needed a platform where founders could breathe, build, and belong. Ten years down the line, we’re still achieving that on a grand scale, garnering global attention.”
THE LSW EXPERIENCE – 2025 AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Dates: July 7–12, 2025
Venue: Civic Centre, Lagos, Nigeria
Theme: DND – Disrupting the Next Decade
This landmark edition will unfold across seven floors of the iconic Civic Centre over three unforgettable days. It promises to be more than just a conference, with four dynamic stages and Demo Days designed to showcase the groundbreaking technology poised to redefine our collective future.
- Keynotes: Hear from founders, investors, and policymakers who are shaping frontier markets.
- Startup Showcases: Witness the next-generation products emerging from across Africa.
- Investor Roundtables: Facilitate connections between capital and innovative ideas.
- Featured Tracks: Engage with themes like Women Who Launch, DevJam, Retail & Ecommerce, Creative Summit, Ecosystem & Policy, Proptech, and more.
Previous editions have hosted renowned figures such as:
- Steve Case (AOL / Revolution VC)
- Michael Seibel (Y Combinator)
- Shola Akinlade (Co-founder, Paystack)
- Arun Venkataraman (U.S. Assistant Secretary for Global Markets)
- Petra Wolkenstein (Startup Wise Guys)
- … plus startup showcases from Paystack, Flutterwave, Moniepoint, Indrive, Kora, Vendor Credit, Pressone, Vesti, Omnibiz, Gigmile, Fincra, and Africa’s Talking.
In a world increasingly characterized by digital acceleration and global realignment, Lagos Startup Week stands as more than a mere timestamp; it’s a bellwether for how emerging markets will transform the realms of commerce, connectivity, and capital. Here, Africa builds, and the world watches intently. What future trends could emerge from this vibrant crucible of innovation?
Join us in Lagos this July. The future isn’t simply coming; it’s actively being constructed right here.
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned industry leader, or an innovation enthusiast eager to stay ahead, Lagos Startup Week offers the ultimate opportunity to witness the cutting edge of technology and creativity. We look forward to seeing you there!
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
