Omobola Johnson, Nigeria’s communication technology minister. CC image courtesy of the World Economic Forum, on Flickr.
Nigeria’s communication technology minister, Omobola Johnson has been confirmed to speak at DEMO Africa 2014 holding later this month in Lagos, Nigeria.
Organisers also announced other confirmed guests include Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation; Baybars Altuntas, Vice president of The European trade Association for Business Angels (EBAN); Fernando de Sousa, General Manager, Microsoft for Africa initiative; Jason Njoku founder of IROKO, and John. Momoh, chief executive officer (CEO) of Channels TV, Nigeria.
Organisers said Johnson and the permanent secretary in the ministry Dr Tunji Olaopa would fuel discussions geared towards making critical adjustments that will allow Africa to create a better environment for business.
Yele Okeremi, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, said they are confident on the outcome of the event.
“We feel honored to be able to host some of Africa’s biggest minds. We are positive that the ideas shared at this forum will be implemented to make Africa realize the dream of self-sufficiency,” said Okeremi.
This year would be the first time the startup event would be holding outside Kenya. The choice of Nigeria, DEMO Africa executive producer Harry Hare told HumanIPO is because the country cannot be ignored.
Sponsored by Microsoft and supported by US agencies, DEMO Africa 2014 would feature 12 new categories, Swell Innovation Awards and Angel Network Summit.
Organisers recently told HumanIPO they are not worried about Ebola virus disease
SpacePointe’s founder Sayu Abend is one of the finalists expected to pitch at DEMO Africa 2014. He expressed optimism in the event stating that the unique mix of mentors and role models expected at the event is a rich source of important lessons for young entrepreneurs and the start-up businesses in Africa.
“I am positive that SpacePointe and other participating start-ups are bound to grow from this experience,” said Abend.
