Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 in Nigeria was a vibrant celebration of innovation, resilience, and community. It provided entrepreneurs with invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. With a diverse range of activities and events, GEW 2024 helped foster a culture of entrepreneurship that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on Nigeria's business ecosystem and beyond. As we look ahead to the future, the lessons and insights gained from GEW 2024 will continue to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and contribute to the global economy.
GEW Walk (November 16, 2024)
The GEW 2024 celebrations began with the GEW Walk, a nationwide event held across 28 states in Nigeria, including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, and Cross River. With over 8,000 participants, the walk symbolized Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. It featured warm-up exercises, music, and refreshments, creating an energetic atmosphere that encouraged widespread entrepreneurial engagement across the country.Social Enterprise Dialogue (November 18, 2024)
This virtual event focused on “Solving Sustainability Crisis: From Impact to Sustainability” and featured keynote speaker Osayi Alile Founder of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation. It attracted 77 participants and discussed how social enterprises can address societal challenges while maintaining long-term sustainability. Panelists included Nwando Okonkwo Ajene, founder of Roots2Market, and Crystal Chigbu, founder of IREDE Foundation, who shared their expertise in sectors like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.Youth Entrepreneurial Dialogue (November 19, 2024)
Held in Lagos, this event brought together 580 participants (82 in-person, 498 virtual) under the theme “Entrepreneurship For Everyone: Empowering Youth to Shape a Sustainable Future.” The event featured keynote addresses from Tomi Davies and Dr. Peter Bamkole, alongside two vital panel discussions:
1. Resilient Entrepreneurship: Navigating Uncertainties and Building Sustainable Enterprises”
2. The Future of Work: Upskilling and Intrapreneurship
Additionally, the Youth Entrepreneurial Pitch Competition awarded N500,000 and mentorship to Theophilus Venn, founder of Venn Biscuit, for his innovative concept of an edible cup.
Panelist:
David Adefunmilayo, Founder and Director of Efico
Chinenye Adeleye, Gender and Youth Engagement, Del-York Group
Amanda Jaiyeola, Founder of Acheo Koncept
Damilola Soyombo, Founder of SKOOQs
Jokotade Shonowo, Founder and Creative Director of Poshclick Portraiture
Olayiwola Fasuyi, Co-founder/CEO of Layitech Africa
Olasunkanmi Adenuga, Managing Director of Workforce Consulting
Women Enterprise Day (November 20, 2024)
This event, held at Providus Bank in Lagos, celebrated the vital role of women entrepreneurs in driving economic change. Themed “Building Resilient Communities: Women Entrepreneurs as Change Makers,” the event featured keynote addresses from Will Steven, Consul General of the United States Embassy in Nigeria, and Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation. Two panels focused on Women at the Forefront: Strategies for Building Resilient and Sustainable Communities and the role of policy and regulatory bodies in supporting women entrepreneurs.
Panelist:
Sola Adesakin, Founder and Lead Coach, Smart Stewards
Rukayat Bello, CEO, Regxta
Joy Shittu Igbodike, Founder, Jaybee Furnitures
Oyindamola Egbeyemi, Director of Programmes and Coordination, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund
Temitayo Adeoye, Director, NAFDAC (Lagos)
Bukunmi Adefulire Nwankwo, Programme Associate, UNDP NigeriaCreative Economy Summit (November 21, 2024)
With over 250 attendees, this summit explored the intersection of creativity and technology under the theme “The Future of Creative Work: Adapting to New Norms.” The event included discussions on how new technologies are shaping the future of creative industries with Rasmus Wiinstedt Tscherning, Founder of the Creative Business Network, delivering a special welcome address.The summit's panel discussion centered on the intersection of technology and creativity with the panel session topic “Tech and Creativity:the Future of Creative BusinessPanelist
Hannah Bere, CEO of Baritex Investment Ltd
Abayomi Semudara, Product Designer and Storyteller
Queen Uwabofu, CEO of Clove Kids
Dr. Charles Odii, Director General of SMEDAN, discussed the growth of creative enterprises, while our guest speaker Nkechi Idimachi, an entrepreneurship specialist at ALX Nigeria, shared valuable insights.