Lagos Startup Week kicked off yesterday, 7th of July 2025. This marks a decade of driving African innovation forward. The week-long celebration brings together over 5,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders at Nigeria’s most influential startup gathering.
The 10th anniversary edition runs from July 7-12, 2025, with the main conference taking place July 10-11 at Lagos Civic Centre. This year’s theme “Disrupting the Next Decade” reflects the event’s focus on transforming Africa’s tech future.
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem continues to attract global attention. The country secured $400 million in startup funding in 2024, with Lagos leading as Africa’s fastest-growing tech hub according to the Global Tech Ecosystem Index 2025.
Lagos now hosts over 2,000 startups and boasts five unicorn companies: Moniepoint, Flutterwave, OPay, Interswitch, and Jumia.
The city’s startup ecosystem valuation has grown 11.6 times since 2017, positioning Lagos ahead of global tech centers like Istanbul and Pune.
Tech Leaders Gather to Shape Africa’s Next Innovation Wave
This year’s speaker lineup includes industry pioneers who have built Africa’s leading tech companies. Jason Njoku, founder and CEO of IROKO, will share insights from building one of Africa’s first major streaming platforms.
Ngozi Dozie, co-founder of Carbon, brings expertise in fintech innovation that has helped millions access digital banking services.
Other confirmed speakers include:
- Tosin Faniro-Dada, Partner at Breega
- Ireayo Oladunjoye, MD & CEO at Endeavour Nigeria
- Satoshi Shinada, Partner/Co-Founder at Verod Kepple Africa Ventures
- Wole Ayodele, CEO of Fincra
- Tito Cookey-Gam, Principal at Partech
Four Demo Days Showcase Next Generation of African Startups
The conference features four demo days across multiple stages, giving early-stage startups direct access to investors and potential partners. Previous editions have showcased companies that later became household names, including Flutterwave, Moniepoint, and Paystack before Stripe’s $200 million acquisition.
Prime Startups organizes the event as part of their year-round ecosystem building efforts. They provide ongoing support to African founders, forge cross-border partnerships, and engage with policymakers to create favorable conditions for startup growth.
Building Connections Across Africa’s Innovation Network
The event connects founders from across Africa with global investors, creating partnerships that extend far beyond the week itself.
Government officials participate alongside entrepreneurs, fostering dialogue between policymakers and the private sector. This collaboration has helped create more supportive regulatory frameworks for startups across Nigeria.
The event’s influence extends throughout the year, with many partnerships and investments originating from connections made during the conference. Attendees return to their home countries with new relationships, funding opportunities, and strategic insights.
Registration Still Open for Main Conference Days
Tickets remain available for the July 10-11 main conference at Lagos Civic Centre. The event features networking opportunities, masterclasses, and exhibitions alongside the main speaking program.
City-wide activities throughout the week include community meetups, pitch competitions, and specialized workshops for different startup sectors. These events ensure the entire Lagos innovation ecosystem can participate, regardless of experience level or company stage.
The 2025 edition represents a milestone moment for African tech, celebrating a decade of progress while setting the stage for the next ten years of innovation. This week will likely prove pivotal in attracting even more international attention and investment to African startups.
