As the digital economy accelerates, the Afriscale 2025 Conference in Kaduna has marked a significant milestone, training over 15,000 entrepreneurs from Nigeria and the diaspora. The event served as a critical forum for discussing how artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven systems can move African businesses from survival mode to global competitiveness.
Themed “Scaling with Intelligence: How AI Is Powering Africa’s Next-Generation Businesses,” the conference shifted the focus from basic skills to high-level organizational optimization.
Moving Beyond the Basics: Systems and Structure
Convener Emmanuel Odeh Adikpe emphasized that the 2025 initiative was specifically designed to help established business owners refine their existing operations. Rather than teaching entry-level entrepreneurship, the program focused on:
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Systematization: Helping owners build robust internal structures that allow businesses to run efficiently without constant manual oversight.
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Product Optimization: Enhancing current services and products to better meet market demands.
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Network Access: Connecting local entrepreneurs with investors and experts from the US, UK, and across Africa.
AI: A Tool for Productivity, Not Replacement
A major highlight of the conference was the practical demystification of Artificial Intelligence. Participants were shown how to integrate AI into their daily workflows to drive data-driven results:
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Customer Analysis: Using AI to understand buying patterns and predict market trends.
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Automation: Implementing tools to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up time for strategic growth.
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Digital Advertising: Leveraging AI-powered platforms to reach highly targeted audiences more affordably.
Musa Bello, Special Assistant on IT to the Kaduna State Governor, reassured attendees that AI should be viewed as a “productivity booster” rather than a threat to human jobs, noting that those who embrace these tools will lead the next generation of industry.
Comprehensive Support and Mentorship
Beyond classroom learning, Afriscale provided tangible resources for growth. Selected participants received:
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Digital Infrastructure: Assistance with e-commerce setup and digital branding.
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Financial Access: Opportunities for early-stage funding.
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Policy Advocacy: Speakers like Mrs. Eugenia Ndukwe used the platform to call for government interventions, such as tax breaks and easier access to capital, to support scalable ventures.
The conference concluded with a call for African enterprises to use technology not just for local survival, but to build brands that can compete effectively in the international marketplace.
