This year’s Lagos Startup Week was a vibrant tapestry woven with rich insights and fruitful dialogues, featuring key figures who are pivotal to the startup ecosystem. Among the attendees were Her Excellency Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State—who was capably represented by Oyinkan Osiyemi—and Olatubosun Alake, the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology. Their presence was complemented by international dignitaries like Michel Deelen, the Consular General of the Netherlands, and Carlos Roja-Arbulu, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria. Additionally, we had Peju Adebajo, Acting Board Chairman of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Emmanuel Emefienem, MD/CEO of Premium Trust Bank, and Francis Sani O., Program Director of 3MTT Nigeria. Each of them contributed invaluable perspectives that resonated throughout the event.
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Over the past decade, Lagos has emerged as a dynamic hub, transforming the startup landscape. This city, often characterized by its robust and buoyant spirit, has attracted significant investments and cultivated an environment that leads the charge on the global stage. It is remarkable to see how this landscape has evolved, birthing several startups with valuations that rival their global counterparts. Organizations like Prime Startups have played an instrumental role in laying the groundwork for this vibrant ecosystem, turning fragmented ideas into a structured innovation pipeline. The joy in witnessing the growth of these companies is palpable, reflective of a collective dream coming to fruition.
“Our journey over the last ten years has been about more than just finding promising startups; it’s about moulding them into resilient, market-leading companies,” shared Olumide Olayinka, Partner at Prime Startups. His words resonated deeply: “We get excited about the innovative idea, but we are passionate about the commercial success that follows because that’s where true, sustainable impact lies. Every job created, every market expanded, every dollar raised is a powerful indicator of African entrepreneurship’s potential and our unwavering commitment to helping it thrive.”
As we look to the future, Prime Startups is charting a course to cultivate a next generation of global growth companies that will uplift Africa’s global presence. Their vision is ambitious yet attainable, focusing on deepening the innovation pipeline. This involves nurturing diverse founders from their conception stages, investing in foundational skills, and reinforcing connections between universities and the startup landscape. Have you ever thought about how crucial it is to catch the entrepreneurial spark the moment it ignites? Prime Startups recognizes this urgency.
Concurrently, the organization is directing its efforts toward next-generation technologies. They aim to ensure that African founders lead the way in frontier areas such as AI, blockchain, climate tech, biotech, and advanced manufacturing. This is achieved through specialized programs and expert guidance, making sure that our innovators are equipped for a rapidly changing world.
But it doesn’t stop there. Prime Startups is deeply committed to scaling with a purpose. This involves not only achieving commercial success but also creating sustainable job opportunities, fostering economic stability within communities, and delivering significant social and environmental impact. How often do we hear successful businesses mention their dedication to positively affecting the community? It’s a refreshing aspect of entrepreneurship that Prime Startups embodies.
Furthermore, they envision strengthening intra-African ecosystems, building robust connections between Lagos and emerging tech hubs across Africa. This will facilitate cross-border investments, support founder mobility, and cultivate a truly pan-African innovation network where ideas and talent flow freely between nations. The Lagos Startup Week 2025 provided a dynamic glimpse into this future, underscoring vital discussions centered on fortifying resilient ventures and spotlighting the innovators already leading the way.
Prime Startups remains steadfast in its commitment to our next generation of founders, empowering them through expanded access to capital, enhanced mentorship, and practical training. The next decade promises to accelerate the export of African innovation, showcasing the excellence of African tech on a global stage. Major players in this year’s conference included Carbon Business, Presmit, Suregift, Paystack, Vesti, Indrive, and many others, all of whom recognize the value of collaboration.
Reflecting on the journey thus far, Olayinka reminded us: “The spark we saw ten years ago has ignited a fire, and now, it’s time to direct that flame strategically. The next decade will be about unlocking the full, undeniable power of African ingenuity and taking our innovations from local brilliance to global leadership. We are building the infrastructure, nurturing the talent, and forging the partnerships to make that possible.” It’s an invitation to be part of something bigger—a movement that is brimming with potential.
Prime Startups is crafting the blueprint for Africa’s next chapter of innovation, ensuring it’s not just a possibility but a reality. For more information on Prime Startups’ vision, or to get involved, visit www.lagosstartupweek.com.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
