Peace Itimi’s “Innovating Africa” documentary meticulously chronicles the remarkable ascent of Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The film delves into the humble origins of this dynamic sector, spotlighting the visionaries who laid its foundation. What was once a nascent space, attracting a mere few million dollars annually, has now exploded into a multi-billion dollar industry.
Itimi, the driving force behind “Founders Connect,” a popular YouTube channel showcasing interviews with African startup founders, has cultivated a thriving community around her work. The inaugural “Founders Connect” event, held in July 2023, further solidified her influence.
In a candid conversation with Techpoint Africa, Itimi shared her motivation behind the documentary, describing it as a testament to evolution. The seed for this project was sown in 2021, when Itimi envisioned a comprehensive narrative capturing the key milestones and influential figures that shaped this vibrant ecosystem.
Armed with this vision, Itimi embarked on a meticulous research phase, reaching out to individuals whose insights would illuminate the journey. Drawing from her own six-year immersion in the Nigerian tech scene, Itimi recognized the profound transformation that had transpired. Reminiscing about her early days, she recalled embarking on road trips with her friend Joyce Imiegha from Benin City and Ibadan to attend tech events in Lagos.
“Between 2017 and 2022, the landscape underwent a dramatic shift,” Itimi observed. “I was driven to understand the trajectory of this evolution, particularly the period between 2012 and 2017.” This compelling question served as the catalyst for the “Innovating Africa” Documentary, and the answers she uncovered were nothing short of illuminating.
Paying Tribute to the Pioneers
The documentary vividly portrays the sentiments of early pioneers. Tayo Oviosu, Founder and CEO of Paga, poignantly remarked, “In 2009, when I founded Paga, a robust tech ecosystem in Nigeria was virtually non-existent.” Jason Njoku, the visionary behind iROKOtv, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the nascent state of the Nigerian tech landscape 13 years ago.
Kola Aina, General Partner at Ventures Platform, underscored the scarcity of investment opportunities during those early days. Adia Sowho, CMO of MTN Nigeria, described the venture capital landscape as exclusive and inaccessible.
Adewale Yusuf, co-founder of AltSchool, Techpoint Africa, and TalentQL, acknowledged the presence of skilled builders and coders within the ecosystem, but highlighted the nascent stage of the business side.
However, the seeds of innovation were being sown.
Institutions like CcHub, MEST, and esteemed academic institutions such as Covenant University and Pan Atlantic University were nurturing a new generation of tech talent. These burgeoning talents began to converge, fostering a sense of community.
CcHub, now occupying five floors in Yaba, has become a hub of innovation, recently incorporating the new American Spaces facility.
Tomi Davies, Collaborator-in-Chief at TVC Labs, emphasized the pivotal role of these institutions in cultivating the minds that are now driving the tech revolution.
While academia provided the intellectual foundation, platforms like CcHub and vibrant tech events served as catalysts for collaboration.
Oo Nowoye, the Founder of TechCircle, a tech advisory firm, spearheaded arguably the first startup meetup in October 2010. These gatherings facilitated invaluable connections among founders, fostering the exchange of ideas and nurturing partnerships crucial for navigating the complexities of the Nigerian market, as highlighted by Sowho.
A Testament to Progress
Today, the remarkable achievements of startups like Paystack and Flutterwave serve as a testament to the Nigerian tech ecosystem’s immense potential. These trailblazers have demonstrated to the world the ingenuity and capabilities of Nigerian tech talent.
While Paystack and Flutterwave have garnered global acclaim, their success builds upon the foundations laid by earlier pioneers. Nwoye identified Interswitch as a key player, while Oviosu pointed to SecureID, a smartcard manufacturing company, as a significant contributor. Other notable early players include SimplePay and Voguepay, which emerged during a time when online payments were virtually non-existent in Nigeria.
However, the transformative impact of telecommunications companies cannot be overstated.
“I often say that telcos are the original tech bros,” remarked Sowho of MTN. The widespread availability of internet connectivity, facilitated by telecommunications giants like MainOne, MTN, and Etisalat, empowered Nigerians to access global knowledge and resources. Online platforms like YouTube became invaluable tools for learning to code, fueling a wave of innovation.
A Rich Tapestry of Stories
From the pivotal role of MainOne to the genesis of Nwoye’s tech meetups, Itimi believes there are still many untold stories within the Nigerian tech ecosystem. Numerous lesser-known startups have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape, paving the way for the thriving industry we witness today.
Itimi also emphasized the sheer scale and collaborative spirit of the Nigerian tech community.
“The documentary featured a cast of approximately 30 individuals, and when you include the crew, it truly took an entire village to bring this project to life,” she shared.
As the Nigerian startup ecosystem continues to evolve, with new ventures emerging, encountering setbacks, and achieving remarkable success, it is imperative to document these journeys. These narratives serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation within the Nigerian tech landscape
