Lagos tech summit shifts Africa's innovation debate from ideas to impact

At a time when Africa's technology narrative is often dominated by bold promises, this year's Tech Revolution Africa summit in Lagos, Nigeria, set out to prove something simpler: that innovation on the continent is already at work.

The second edition of the summit, one of the largest technology gatherings in Africa, drew founders, investors and technology firms from across the world, with a clear emphasis on solutions that are operational rather than aspirational. From artificial intelligence and energy systems to data analytics platforms, companies used the exhibition floor to demonstrate products already being deployed to tackle everyday business and social challenges.

Organizers themed the event “The Big Bold Step,” but much of the momentum unfolded not on the main stage, but among live demonstrations by startups showing how their technologies function in real-world environments.

Among them was Subify, a Nigerian-founded platform designed to lower the cost of accessing digital tools by allowing users to share subscription services. The company says its model addresses affordability and accessibility barriers that keep many Africans on the margins of the digital economy.

“So the way it works is that I sign up on usesubify.com,” said Ladi Ogunseye, Subify's founder. “When you sign up on usesubify.com, you see the marketplace where all subscription services are available, irrespective of the service you want. When you click on one, you can join a subscription that is available to you.”

Looking ahead, Ogunseye outlined an ambitious expansion plan.

“By the next five years, I expect us to be in 20 African countries, with a strong presence in francophone, Arabic and Anglophone regions as well,” he said.

Energy solutions were another focal point, reflecting persistent power challenges across the continent. Aile Power showcased smart energy products aimed at easing daily life, including a mobile power bank rental system designed for users on the move.

“We have our latest invention, which is called the Outcharge Power Bank Rental Station,” said Faith Jerry, the company's chief executive. “Basically, it’s a station that holds power banks. You can go there and rent a power bank on the go when you're outside your home. Each power bank has GPS tracking, and users pay a refundable deposit, which serves as insurance. Once the power bank is returned, the deposit is automatically refunded in less than five minutes.”

Data and artificial intelligence also featured prominently. Ligadata, a global data analytics firm with a decade-long presence in Africa, highlighted its work transforming large volumes of complex data into actionable insights for governments and major corporations.

“We are a global data and AI company, and we take very complex data, in large volumes, and turn it into executable insights using AI technology,” said Khaled Jaouni, Ligadata's chief operating officer. “We operate in about 35 countries and have proudly been operating in the African market for the last decade.”

For many participants, the Lagos summit was less about unveiling new concepts and more about visibility — a platform to show that African-built technologies are already solving African problems, incrementally but decisively, across industries and borders.

Edited by CGTN Africa reporter Marion Gachuhi