All is set for the 2023 Techpreneurs Summit (2.0) of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN).
The summit aims to equip technology startups with knowledge on how to access patient capital, reliable credit and efficiently utilise funds and improve their business structure to ensure attractiveness to the market.
Scheduled to hold tomorrow, the summit promises to redefine the future of Nigeria’s tech landscape, connecting startups with the resources, mentorship and partnerships needed to thrive in a competitive market.
The event will be hosted and chaired by Dr Tony Okpanachi, the MD/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria.
Olu Akanmu, the president and co-CEO of OPay, a SoftBank-backed fintech startup, will deliver a keynote speech on revolutionising Nigeria’s digital payment landscape, paving the way for financial inclusion and driving innovation.
Akanmu is notable for leading Opay to help Nigerians cope with the recent cash crunch as one of the biggest fintech companies in Africa, with more than 30 million users, over 500,000 agents and 300,000 merchants.
Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is bursting with untapped potential, but it faces significant challenges, including limited access to debt finance and a scarcity of mentorship opportunities.
Recognising these obstacles, the second edition of the DBN Techpreneurs Summit with the theme, “Promoting Innovation and Sustainability Partnerships,” reflects the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s tech industry and drive economic transformation.
The summit will feature enlightening panel discussions where industry experts, successful tech entrepreneurs and renowned investors will share their insights on accessing debt finance, leveraging mentorship programmes and navigating the complexities of growth in the tech sector.
These engaging conversations will inspire new ideas and provide actionable strategies that startups can implement to overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth.
The DBN Techpreneurs Summit will also forge meaningful connections and build high-level networks that can change the trajectory of startups. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers, influential investors, representatives from leading financial institutions and key government stakeholders.
These networking interactions hold the key to unlocking partnerships and funding opportunities to scale startup to new heights.
The summit will also feature startup showcases where the brightest minds in Nigeria’s tech scene will demonstrate their groundbreaking solutions. This exhibition of innovation will showcase the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies and disruptive ideas that are reshaping industries and driving the country’s tech revolution.
The DBN Techpreneurs Summit is a must-attend event for startup founders and executives in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. It is an opportunity to immerse in a transformative gathering that equips attendees with the knowledge, resources and connections needed to thrive in the competitive tech landscape.
By attending, participants gain access to invaluable insights, mentorship and potential partnerships that can help them overcome barriers and unlock their startup’s full potential.
Okpanachi had earlier stated that the bank has provided long-term finance to over 60 Primary Financial Institutions (PFIs) since its inception. This is to address challenges confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
The Managing Director said that the bank, as at December 2022, had provided N631 billion as financing support to the PFIs, while over 313,000 MSMEs had benefited from the support which led to the creation of more than 900,000 jobs.
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