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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
Nigeria’s entrepreneurial revolution took off on a very promising note when 800 entrepreneurs, top business leaders, and international investors, gathered in Lagos for the groundbreaking global business mixer, intended to ignite a wave of ambition that will redefine the country’s place on the global business map and rev up African ingenuity.
Speaking on the spectacular business mixer hosted for the first time in Africa in the run up to the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF), the Project Lead of the initiative, Dr. Summy Smart-Francis, said: “This isn’t just a gathering; it’s a movement. We’re bringing together the brightest minds from Atlanta to Johannesburg, and now Nigeria, to create a powerhouse of innovation and collaboration.”
As part of a global tour spanning New York, Durban, and Accra, Nigeria’s debut has already set the stage for the November festival in Ghana, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s rising entrepreneurial force.
The atmosphere was electric, with the venue buzzing as Nigeria demonstrated why it is emerging as Africa’s top economic hub.
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Dr Francis who spoke with Sunday Sun on the sidelines of the event emphasised that “entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of any economy,” declaring that the successful hosting of the business mixer was a clear proof of Nigeria’s readiness “to lead Africa’s charge into the future of global trade and innovation.”
A key highlight was the focus on artificial intelligence. World-renowned AI CEOs shared insights on how the game-changing technology c turbocharge Nigerian businesses. Industry experts urged entrepreneurs to embrace AI to boost productivity, profits, and sustainable growth, dismissing fears that technology is out of reach.
Nigeria’s leadership took centre stage as Board Chairman, Mr Jubril Arogundade, called on delegates to forge cross-border partnerships. “Our presence here shows our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of international trade,” he said, adding, “Collaboration is the key to unlocking unprecedented growth.”
Networking was hailed as the event’s most valuable currency, with leaders emphasizing that deals, partnerships, and fresh ideas are born from connections. “Networking is the most valuable currency here,” said industry insiders. “This is where the future is made.”
The mixer also tackled Nigeria’s challenges head-on, with calls for resilience, soft skills, and mentorship to propel entrepreneurs forward. Nancy Taiye Aragbaye, Global Head of the US Global Entrepreneur Festival, stressed, “Entrepreneurship is tough — resilience, mindset, and strong relationships are vital for success. Mentorship and soft skills are crucial to overcoming obstacles.”
As Nigeria gears up for the upcoming global festival, the message is clear: Africa’s entrepreneurs are not just participants—they are catalysts for the continent’s economic renaissance. With the GEF in sight, Nigeria’s bold steps signal a new era of innovation, collaboration, and global leadership.
