Empowering Africa’s Creative Ecosystem, Entertainment Week Lagos 2024 is more than just an event; it’s a pledge to nurture businesses shaping Africa’s future.
Empowering Africa’s Creative Ecosystem, in December 2024, Entertainment Week Lagos (EWL) reinforced its position as a leading platform for Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founded by Deola Art Alade, EWL brought together visionaries, innovators, and entrepreneurs. This event emphasized fostering collaboration and driving sustainable growth in Africa’s creative industries.
The Deal Room showcased promising African startups. After mentorship, entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to industry leaders, mentors, and a jury.
The Startups
The finalists represented diverse industries, tackling unique challenges while seizing emerging opportunities.
Esosa (by Ebenezer Tope)
Esosa streamlines travel and itinerary planning for diasporas visiting Nigeria and other African countries. With 1.2 million diasporas visiting Nigeria in 2023 alone, the market potential is clear. Esosa generated $11,000 in revenue and seeks $67,000 in funding to expand to five countries within five years.
Libran (by Bukunola Bolajoko)
Libran helps industries reduce and monetize their carbon footprint. The global carbon reduction market, reaching $6 billion by 2030, presents a lucrative opportunity. Libran aims to capture 7.5% of this market share.
PayDues (by Edgar Odey)
PayDues simplifies payment procedures for students. Initially serving 2,000 Nigerian students, it plans to expand regionally. The platform enables students to receive receipts and schools to access transaction statements without visiting banks. With Unilag and Yaba College of Technology onboard, the business model thrives.
Synewave (by Joshua Oyenekan)
Synewave connects artists and fans while ensuring fair revenue sharing. Charging 20 cents per song, Synewave allows artists to earn from every track. This platform empowers artists and aims to evolve into a full app, offering better data control. Each pitch demonstrated innovation and scalable impact, with jury feedback strengthening their models.
Taghub (by Debbie Adebowale)
Taghub connects international brands with African influencers, specializing in nano and micro-influencers across the continent. The platform uses AI to match influencers with brands, earning 40% from each transaction. Taghub is currently focused on the music industry and is web-based. It pays influencers in their local currencies while brands pay in dollars. The platform’s unique focus on micro-influencers sets it apart in the influencer marketing industry.
Each pitch demonstrated not only innovation but the potential for scalable impact, with the jury providing feedback to refine and strengthen their business models.
Beyond the Deal Room, EWL 2024 featured masterclasses, panels, and screenings on sustainability, African cinema, and the tech-entertainment intersection.
Key to EWL’s long-term vision is LabSpot, a mentorship hub. This initiative equips entrepreneurs with tools to scale their businesses sustainably and impact Africa’s economy.
Entertainment Week Lagos is committed to supporting the creative ecosystem and fostering businesses that shape Africa’s future.
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