My Experience from Moonshot by TechCabal 2024

It was a lot bigger, packed to the brim, with very high energy, and dense intelligence all in one space for two days! TechCabal pulled this one off nicely!

Over 4,000 attendees and 90+ speakers converged at the Eko Convention Centre to discuss Africa's evolving role in the global tech landscape. As someone passionate about AI’s potential in Africa, I found the event both energising and challenging (like a moonshot-type of challenge 😜 ). 

I obviously could not attend every session but here are some titbits. 

What Can Chukwudi, Kudi or Hassan do with AI Literacy?

What more would Chukwudi a spare part dealer from Alaba market be able to do if he learns how to upload his catalogue on his AI-generated website?

This was the captivating idea shared by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Assistant Director at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). 

His strategic roadmap for Nigeria’s digital transformation stood out to me. The most compelling aspect was NITDA’s goal to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027. By integrating digital literacy into formal and nonformal education through initiatives like the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), Nigeria aims to cultivate a workforce capable of excelling in both basic digital skills and advanced technological fields.

Another session that left a lasting impression was the panel titled “AI in Action: Current and Near Future Use Cases” moderated by Ganiu Oloruntade of TechCabal. Among the panellists, Ayo Alaran, CEO of PBR Life Sciences, posed four powerful questions for anyone developing tech products:

1. Does it help users make money?

2. Does it help users save money?

3. Does it help users reduce time?

4. Does it unlock new value?

These questions are pivotal for Africa’s growing tech startups, many of which are focused on solving real-world challenges. The emphasis on AI’s ability to create local solutions—whether in healthcare, agriculture, or financial services—stood out as a core theme. 

Building World-Class Teams in Africa:

The conversation on building world-class teams, moderated by Seni Sulyman of Talstack, was another highlight. Speakers from top African companies such as Flutterwave and M-KOPA discussed the need for ownership and adaptability. 

One point echoed by all the speakers was the value of a learning mindset. As Moyosola Okoye, Chief Commercial Officer at Sabi, put it, a hustler’s mentality and continuous learning are essential. In Africa’s fast-evolving tech space, adaptability is key to staying ahead. Dayo Okesola, VP of Product Engineering at Flutterwave, also touched on the importance of situational excellence—the ability to adapt to every need and excel, regardless.

For me, this panel reinforced the idea that Africa’s tech ecosystem is maturing. Our teams are becoming more sophisticated, and those who are excellent in their craft have the potential to not just compete but thrive on the global stage.

Creating and Monetising African Content

On the second day, I attended several insightful pitches and panel sessions, but one of the standout panels was on “Creating and Monetising Content that Travels the World.” With panellists like Layi Wasabi, a content creator, and Adetutu Laditan, a creative economy strategist, the conversation centred on Africa’s potential to be a global player in the creative economy.

The African narrative is rapidly evolving, and as digital content crosses borders, there’s an increasing appetite for African stories, music, and creativity. What struck me was the emphasis on authenticity—African creators don’t need to conform to global standards but rather leverage their uniqueness to stand out.

KINI BIG DEAL (Why Does this matter)

The 2024 Moonshot event was a testament to Africa’s growing role in shaping the global tech ecosystem. From fostering digital literacy to building world-class teams and leveraging AI to solve local problems, the opportunities are immense. As AI continues to develop, Africa’s influence will only grow—driven by our unique challenges and innovative solutions.

As AI reshapes industries globally, Africa has a unique opportunity to position itself as a hub for innovation. I am eager to see what the next year holds, and Kini AI will be an active contributor to this exciting journey.

At Kini AI, we are excited to be part of this movement. As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to supporting and amplifying the voices of Africa’s AI tech innovators.

Africa’s moonshot moment is here—let’s seize it.