By Yemisi Suleiman

The Global Tech Africa (GTA) Conference 2024, held from July 24th-26th at the Landmark Event Center in Lagos, Nigeria, has concluded after bringing together over 6,000 participants, 85+ sessions, 100+ speakers, and numerous exhibitors and startups.

Themed Global Collaborations, Local Transformations, the event highlighted opportunities and challenges in Africa’s tech landscape, with a focus on AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and more.

The conference featured four dynamic stages:

1. Epicenter Stage: Government representatives, corporations, and VVIP delegations discussed Africa’s tech ecosystem.
2. Startup Stage: Thought leaders and tech founders engaged in panels and workshops.
3. Outsource Factory Stage: Training workshops and career connections for young African talent.
4. The Deal Room: A platform connecting startups with potential investors and supporting tech enterprises in Africa.

Keynote highlights included Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (NITDA Director General) emphasizing the government’s commitment to technological innovation for economic diversification, and Kenise Hill (U.S. Consulate General Lagos) discussing US-Africa partnerships in AI development.

Panel sessions and masterclasses covered topics such as women empowerment, AI, fintech, agriculture, edtech, health tech, and cybersecurity, with participants from Venture Garden Group, SEC Nigeria, NITDA, MoFI, Flying Doctors Healthcare Investment Group, Deloitte, Career Buddy, Helium Health, Semicolon, Alajo, American Business Council, Lagos Business School, PwC, NCAIR, NITDA, Simplify Synergy, Sh’Emerge, Nextwear Technologies, Yudimy, and others.

The Deal Room showcased over 10 investors focusing on over 150 selected investees across 16 industries such as technology & solutions, energy & environment, food & agriculture, gaming, fashion & retail, and many others.

Tech companies and startups displayed innovative products, and the National Creativity Competition highlighted university students’ innovative ideas.

The GTA 2024 Conference concluded as a vibrant gathering of Africa’s tech leaders and stakeholders, emphasizing the continent’s digital economy’s potential and commitment to its growth and development.