At a time when Africa’s entrepreneurial and creative ecosystems are gaining global attention, Nnamdi Ekeh, Chief Executive Officer of Konga Group, has urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to cultivate a global mindset and anchor their growth strategies on innovation, structure, and collaboration.
Speaking at The Atinuda Experience 5.0 in Lagos—an annual gathering themed “From Local to Global Creative Transformations”—Ekeh emphasized that the path to building world-class African enterprises lies in embracing global standards while leveraging local ingenuity.
Africa’s Moment on the Global Stage
Ekeh noted that Africa’s business and creative sectors stand at a defining crossroads. With technology democratizing access and global interest in African talent at an all-time high, he argued that the continent’s entrepreneurs must move beyond survival-driven models to structured, scalable, and internationally relevant enterprises.
“For Nigerian entrepreneurs to thrive beyond our borders, we must start thinking like global citizens,” Ekeh said. “The world is open to African innovation—but success will depend on how well we build systems, adopt technology, and collaborate to turn ideas into lasting impact.”
Lagos: The Creative Capital of Africa
The event also drew the attention of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who reaffirmed the state’s position as the epicenter of Africa’s creative economy. He highlighted ongoing government efforts to support innovation hubs, digital infrastructure, and private-sector partnerships aimed at empowering creators and entrepreneurs.
“Lagos will continue to nurture creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” the governor declared, noting that the synergy between government policies and private innovation remains crucial for sustainable economic growth.
Thought Leaders Chart Africa’s Next Frontier
The conference featured insights from Charles Odii, Director-General of SMEDAN; Jennifer Odufuwa, prominent tech and business leader; and Diann Valentine, globally recognized event designer and creative entrepreneur.
Each speaker shared transformative perspectives on entrepreneurship, creativity, and Africa’s readiness to compete globally, emphasizing that the continent’s youthful population and digital growth offer unprecedented opportunities for economic leadership.
A Platform for Visionary Collaboration
Over its three-day run, The Atinuda Experience 5.0 offered immersive sessions, practical masterclasses, and high-impact networking experiences designed to help participants reimagine what’s possible for African enterprises.
The discussions collectively underscored a new reality: to shape the future, Nigerian entrepreneurs must merge creativity with strategy, think globally while acting locally, and build alliances that amplify their influence beyond the continent.
The Bigger Picture
Ekeh’s message captures a growing sentiment among Africa’s emerging business leaders—that the continent’s next wave of success will come not from imitation but from innovation rooted in identity and scaled with global vision.
As the world looks increasingly to Africa for cultural and creative inspiration, Nigeria’s entrepreneurs have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure that their innovations not only tell local stories but also compete, collaborate, and thrive on the world stage.
