On May 14, 2024, the bustling city of Lagos played host to a landmark event—the Green Startup Nigeria (GSN) Conference and Expo. This event, organized by the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC) in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland, brought together innovators, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Nigeria and Switzerland. The venue, Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos, was abuzz with energy and excitement as stakeholders gathered to discuss, showcase, and advance green innovation.
Setting the Stage: Planning and Preparation
The journey to this impactful event began months earlier with meticulous planning and collaboration. The primary objectives were clear:
- Facilitate collaboration between green startups and investors.
- Showcase innovative solutions in Cleantech, Circular Economy, Smart Agriculture, and other sectors in the green economy.
- Provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
To achieve these goals, the NCIC and the Swiss Embassy pooled their resources and expertise. Invitations were sent to innovators, investors, and policymakers, ensuring a diverse mix of participants. The event’s marketing campaign reached over 5,000 people through social media, newsletters, and press releases, generating significant buzz and anticipation.
The Big Day: Conference Highlights
1. Opening Session
The conference kicked off with a warm welcome from Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of NCIC, who emphasized the importance of green innovation in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges. Frank Eggmann, Consul General, Switzerland, delivered the keynote address, setting an inspirational tone for the day’s discussions.
2. Panel Discussions
The heart of the conference lay in its two-panel sessions, which featured a stellar lineup of speakers.
Panel Session 1: Financing and Scaling Green Startups
Moderated by Oluwatosin Ajide of NCIC, this session delved into the financial aspects of green startups. The panelists, including Amaka Okechukwu Opara (WEAV Capital), Emmanuel Etaderhi (FC4S), Roland Wissekerke (Huprotec), and Dozie Igweilo (QuadLoop), shared insights on securing finance, scaling ventures, and navigating the unique challenges faced by green startups. Key outcomes included the identification of new funding sources and commitments from investors to explore funding opportunities for participating startups.
Panel Session 2: Building a Stronger Green Ecosystem
This session, moderated by Adamu Garba the COO of NCIC, focused on the broader ecosystem needed to support green startups. Panelists included Titilayo Oshodi (Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Climate Change & Circular Economy), Oluwadamilola Feyide (Providus Bank), Anthony Sawyerr (Breeze Energy), and Olu Adeosun (AaraGo). Discussions centered on policy, partnerships, and research, with advocacy for green policies and the initiation of new partnerships between startups and research institutions.
3. Product Showcases and Exhibitions
The exhibition area was a hub of activity, with 15startups, including Quadloop, Katadyn, EcoFeet, and AaraGo, showcasing their innovative products and services. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the exhibitors, learn about cutting-edge solutions, and explore potential collaborations.
4. Elevator Pitch Session
One of the most exciting segments of the conference was the Elevator Pitch Session. Three startups had the opportunity to present their business ideas to investors and industry experts. This session not only provided valuable feedback to the startups.
5. Networking and Cocktail Reception
The day concluded with a networking session and cocktail reception, where participants could unwind and engage in informal discussions. This setting fostered new connections and collaborations, paving the way for future partnerships.
6. Future Prospects: Building on the Momentum
Exchange Programs
To sustain the momentum generated by the conference, the NCIC and the Swiss Embassy are exploring exchange programs for Nigerian innovators. Selected startups from the GSN network will have the opportunity to visit Switzerland, observe best practices, and gain exposure to advanced green technologies and business models. Planned activities include visits to Swiss innovation hubs, workshops with Swiss experts, and networking events with Swiss investors and entrepreneurs.
Ongoing Collaboration
The NCIC and the Swiss Embassy are committed to ongoing collaboration to support green startups. Future initiatives include regular workshops and training sessions, efforts to secure international funding, and advocacy for policies that support the green economy. The goal is to increase the number of green startups by 30% within two years and double the amount of investment in green startups within five years.
Monitoring and Evaluation
A robust monitoring and evaluation framework will be implemented to track the progress of these initiatives and measure their impact on the green startup ecosystem. Key performance indicators include the number of new partnerships formed, the amount of funding secured by startups, the increase in the number of green startups, and the implementation of new policies supporting green innovation.
7. Conclusion
The Green Startup Nigeria Conference and Expo was a significant milestone in promoting sustainable development and green entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCIC and the Embassy of Switzerland, the event successfully fostered dialogue, showcased innovation, and built partnerships that will drive future growth in the green economy. The planned exchange programs and ongoing initiatives will further enhance the capabilities of Nigerian green startups and contribute to a more sustainable future.
As we look ahead, the vision is clear: to become Nigeria’s foremost and largest green startup ecosystem, bridging the access-to-finance gap and fostering seamless private sector investment and collaboration with green ventures. The journey has only just begun, and the future holds immense promise for green startups in Nigeria.
