Moonshot 2025” />
Lagos is preparing to host Moonshot 2025 on October 15-16, an influential gathering that will bring together Africa’s foremost innovators and global trailblazers who are spearheading breakthroughs in technology, entrepreneurship, and the creative economy.
The event’s lineup boasts a distinguished group of thought leaders specializing in artificial intelligence, venture capital, policy formulation, and digital transformation-individuals actively redefining Africa’s story of innovation and growth.
Ikemesit Effiong, Partner at SBM Intelligence
Ikemesit Effiong, a seasoned legal expert and Partner at SBM Intelligence, manages the firm’s expansive research network across Africa. He partners with clients navigating Nigeria’s complex political, economic, and social environments. His proficiency spans judicial systems, geopolitics, corporate communications, and political consultancy, including advisory roles in four gubernatorial campaigns and compliance guidance for multinational firms.
Since 2021, Ikemesit has led efforts to counter COVID-19 misinformation, influenced post-pandemic education reforms, championed press freedom, and promoted democratic participation among underserved populations. Beyond his professional endeavors, he mentors over 1,300 finance professionals, chairs the Nigerian Bar Association’s Technology Committee in the Business Law Section, and contributes to West Africa’s first civil society self-regulatory framework.
Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi, PhD – CEO and Founder of DSN
Dr. Olubayo Adekanmbi leads the Data Scientists Network (formerly Data Science Nigeria), a nonprofit dedicated to building a world-class AI ecosystem that emphasizes impactful research, AI startups, employability, and social impact. He also co-founded EqualyzAI, which develops inclusive, context-sensitive AI solutions tailored for emerging economies.
With over 24 years of experience in leadership and technical roles, Dr. Adekanmbi is a prominent figure in Africa’s AI landscape. His pioneering work on inclusive innovation earned the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Grand Challenge Award for creating large language models that advance financial inclusion.
He contributed significantly to Nigeria’s National AI Policy and collaborates with global tech leaders such as Google, Meta, Microsoft, and GSMA. As a published academic and highly ranked data scientist, Dr. Adekanmbi is dedicated to nurturing Africa’s AI talent and driving the continent’s digital evolution.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CPPPS, CDPO, FIIM – National Commissioner and CEO, NDPC
Dr. Vincent Olatunji earned his doctorate in Geography and Planning from the University of Lagos, complemented by an Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies and certifications in Public-Private Partnerships and Data Protection.
With over 34 years in public service, he joined the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2002, rising to Director in 2014 and Acting Director-General in 2016. He spearheaded the creation of critical national digital policies, including the Nigeria Inter-Operability Framework, Cloud First Policy, and Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
Rosy Fynn, Country Director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria
Rosy Fynn leads the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works program in Nigeria, which aims to generate dignified employment for ten million young Nigerians by 2030. In 2024, she was recognized among the Top 50 Women of Impact for her unwavering commitment to youth empowerment through job creation initiatives.
Mr. Carlos Rojas-Arbulú, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada
Carlos Rojas-Arbulú brings over 20 years of diplomatic service across nine countries on four continents. Currently Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, he has held senior diplomatic and commercial roles in Chile, India, and Haiti.
At Global Affairs Canada, he advised two Ministers of International Cooperation and led the Environment Division. Fluent in four languages, Carlos holds degrees from Concordia and McGill Universities and serves on various community and business boards.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa
Iyinoluwa “E” Aboyeji, OON, is the founding partner of Future Africa, the continent’s largest seed-stage investment fund, backing over 100 startups with significant capital.
Internationally celebrated, he has been named a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, among other prestigious honors.
Malik Afegbua, CEO, Slickcity Media
Malik Afegbua is a Nigerian contemporary artist, filmmaker, and creative technologist who explores the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence. His viral project, The Elder Series, reimagined seniors in vibrant fashion settings using AI, challenging age-related stereotypes and earning him the 2023 Game Changer Award.
His groundbreaking work has been recognized by the World Health Organization for reshaping global perceptions of aging and fostering inclusivity through art.
Emmanuel Sohe (E.S.), CEO, The Tonic Technologies
Emmanuel Sohe heads The Tonic Technologies, the parent company of Cardtonic, revolutionizing cross-border digital payments between Nigeria and Ghana. With expertise in big data and strategic growth, E.S. leverages cryptocurrency and digital assets to solve payment challenges across Africa.
He graduated with first-class honors in Demography & Statistics from Obafemi Awolowo University and completed an MBA Essentials program at the London School of Economics.
Tomi Oduyemi, Growth Leader, The Tonic Technologies
Tomi Oduyemi is a dynamic marketer and growth strategist who has led campaigns in fintech, SaaS, and healthtech across multiple countries. She is passionate about building scalable growth frameworks and mentoring emerging marketing talent.
Holding an MSc in Marketing and a BSc in Mass Communication, Tomi blends analytical rigor with creative insight to help African brands thrive.
Dayo Fagade, Director of Global Sales, Business Development & Partnerships, Cedar Money
Dayo Fagade directs global business development at Cedar Money, a fintech innovating cross-border business payments. With nearly 20 years at Oracle, SAP, and Finastra, he has led digital transformation initiatives that generated multimillion-dollar growth across Africa and Europe.
Chimene Chinah, CEO, Dantown
Chimene Chinah leads Dantown, a fintech advancing financial inclusion through innovative solutions. With over eight years of experience, he combines strategic vision with operational expertise, holding advanced certifications in product management and financial modeling.
His leadership centers on empowering individuals and building high-performing teams to drive organizational success.
Ayotunde Alabi, CEO, Luno Nigeria
Ayotunde Alabi heads Luno Nigeria, focusing on secure digital asset access and expanding financial inclusion. With a decade of experience in finance and technology, he has held leadership roles at ARM HoldCo, FBNQuest, and Spektra.
Chinedu Obidiegwu, Business Development Lead, Luno Nigeria
Chinedu Obidiegwu drives retail growth at Luno Nigeria, working to democratize cryptocurrency access. With over ten years in fintech and financial services, he develops strategies that empower Nigerians to manage their finances effectively.
Bolakale Mallick, CEO, Startbutton
Bolakale Mallick combines legal, compliance, and fintech expertise to lead Startbutton’s cross-border payment infrastructure. His background includes roles at Paystack, Interswitch, and Chipper Cash, equipping him with strong regulatory and operational leadership skills.
Raphael Dana, Co-Founder, Gozem
Swiss entrepreneur Raphael Dana co-founded Gozem after launching multiple ventures across Asia and Europe. Named “Most Promising Entrepreneur of the New Millennium” by Bilan Magazine at age 26, he now mentors startups in Singapore and Africa.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Nigeria
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, driving economic growth and innovation. A transformative leader, she has held key roles in both Buhari and Tinubu administrations, implementing reforms that improve Nigeria’s business climate and attract investment.
Her career spans academia, corporate governance, and public service. As a Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and Governance Advisor at MIT, she brings a global perspective to governance innovation. She holds degrees from the University of Lagos, Cambridge, and Stanford Law School.
Freda Isingoma, Senior Fund Manager, Octopus Investments
Freda Isingoma is an investment specialist and founder of KIISA, focused on growing Africa’s creative industries. At Octopus Investments, the UK’s largest venture capital firm, she manages the Octopus AIM Venture Capital Trusts, investing in small-cap UK companies.
Uwem Uwemakpan – Head of Investments, Seed Fund II at Launch Africa
Uwem Uwemakpan leads investment strategies at Launch Africa VC, concentrating on early-stage African startups. Combining deep local market insight with global investment experience, he shares founders’ stories and practical advice through The Grinders Table Podcast. Uwem has managed over $200 million in funds and facilitated hundreds of successful deals, helping startups scale into industry leaders.
Tito Cookey-Gam – Principal, Partech Africa
Tito Cookey-Gam is a Principal at Partech Africa, a premier technology venture capital fund. Based in Lagos, he drives investment strategy, sourcing and supporting promising startups in fintech, logistics, mobility, and future-of-work sectors. Tito is also an active angel investor and mentor to early-stage founders.
Roosevelt Elias – Founder & CEO, Payble
Roosevelt Elias is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Payble, a fintech innovating financial solutions for micro and small businesses across Africa and beyond. With over ten years of experience in product design, payments, and creative technology, Roosevelt is transforming fintech into an ecosystem that empowers local businesses to compete globally.
Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder and General Partner, FirstCheck Africa
Odunayo Eweniyi co-founded FirstCheck Africa, a pre-seed and seed fund investing in high-growth tech startups with at least one female founder. She is also COO and co-founder of PiggyVest, Nigeria’s largest digital savings and micro-investment platform.
Uyoyo Edosio – Chief ICT and Innovation Expert, African Development Bank
Uyoyo Edosio leads ICT and innovation at the African Development Bank, bringing 14 years of experience in infrastructure finance, human capital, and ICT development. She directs the Bank’s Digital Transformation Action Plan and ICT investment strategy, managing large-scale sovereign projects and shaping digital policies for governments and regional organizations.
Uyoyo also spearheads AI policy initiatives at global forums like the G20 and previously managed the Bank’s Coding for Employment program, which trained over 200,000 youth in digital skills. She has fostered academic innovation hubs in partnership with the African Union and East African Community.
Habiba Ali – CEO, Sosai Renewable Energies
Habiba Ali is a pioneer in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector with nearly two decades of experience promoting clean energy access. She co-founded the Developmental Association for Renewable Energies in 2005, leading projects such as efficient cookstoves, solar lamp assembly, and solar dryers for food preservation.
As CEO of Sosai Renewable Energies, she manages a national improved cookstove program in partnership with C-Quest LLC. Her leadership has earned international recognition through fellowships and accelerator programs including the Cherie Blair Foundation and World Bank WomenX.
Deepankar Rustagi – CEO, Omnibiz
Deepankar Rustagi co-founded Omnibiz Africa (Mplify Limited), a B2B FMCG e-commerce platform transforming supply chains across Africa. With over 23 years of experience, he has focused on small business solutions, innovation, and strategic planning.
He began in sales and marketing leadership roles before founding VConnect in 2010, one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s first SME tech platforms. Omnibiz and Mplify now offer digital distribution and sales force automation tools that empower businesses with data-driven insights. Deepankar is a Stanford SEED alumnus known for his motivational leadership and team-building skills.
Ebi Atawodi – Director of Product Management, YouTube Studio
Ebi Atawodi leads product management for YouTube Studio at Google, supporting millions of creators worldwide. Her career bridges technology, design, and business, focusing on sustainable product development.
Previously, she was Director of Product at Netflix for EMEA payments and Head of Product at Uber, where she scaled operations across West Africa. She also held communications leadership roles at Etisalat, creating Africa’s premier literary prize, and began her career as a full-stack engineer for global brands including Nokia and GlaxoSmithKline.
Bernard Ghartey – Principal, Norrsken22
Bernard Ghartey is Principal at Norrsken22, leading West Africa investments for the African tech growth fund. With over ten years in venture capital, investment banking, and telecom strategy, he has been instrumental in Africa’s VC ecosystem since 2019. Bernard previously led investments at Acuity Venture Partners and worked at Vodafone and IC Securities. He graduated Cum Laude in Management Information Systems from Ashesi University.
Jade Abbott – Co-founder, Masakhane
Jade Abbott, CTO and co-founder of Masakhane, has over a decade of experience spanning banking, NGOs, and startups. Masakhane is a grassroots initiative advancing Natural Language Processing research for African languages.
Jade holds an MSc from the University of Pretoria and has been recognized by InspiringFifty, Mail & Guardian’s ‘200 Young South Africans,’ and MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 list in 2024.
Ire Aderinokun – Limited Partner and Angel Investor
Ire Aderinokun is an investor, entrepreneur, and software engineer with ten years of experience building and supporting tech ventures in emerging markets. A Google Expert in Web Technologies, she has authored influential technical content and spoken globally. She co-founded Helicarrier, a Y Combinator-backed blockchain startup, and is passionate about technology’s role in financial inclusion, advising and investing in startups throughout their lifecycle.
Andrew Alli – Chairman, FirstBank UK
Andrew Alli is a seasoned business leader and investor with over 35 years of experience, including 25 years focused on African markets. Trained as an engineer and investment banker, he has been involved in investments exceeding $10 billion across the continent.
He began in UK management consulting and investment banking before joining the International Finance Corporation in 1996, where he gained expertise in energy and telecoms. He served as President and CEO of Africa Finance Corporation for a decade, overseeing $4.5 billion in infrastructure projects across 30 countries. Later, he led SouthBridge Group, a pan-African investment bank, and has been an active angel investor since 2009.
Victor Fatanmi – Director of Strategy, FourthCanvas
Victor Fatanmi, also known as Fá, is a visionary business leader heading strategy at FourthCanvas and Fullgap. He co-founded FourthCanvas, Nigeria’s leading brand identity design agency, and Fullgap, a tech startup offering client management tools for service providers and small businesses.
Victor received The Future Awards Prize for Technology in 2023 and was honored by The Ooni of Ife with the Royal African Awards in 2024. He is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their potential and create lasting value.
Salem King
Salem King is a creator, educator, and social media influencer rapidly gaining recognition in new media and communications. Passionate about empowering emerging creatives, he has trained over 3,000 aspiring creators and built a community exceeding 350,000 members. His efforts have earned a TFAA nomination and collaborations with Spotify, YouTube, HP, MTN, Stanbic IBTC, and the South African Government.
Through his digital platforms, Salem inspires collective action and fosters growth, shaping the future of African creativity and driving positive change.
Femi Aluko
Femi Aluko is the co-founder and CEO of Chowdeck. He began his career as the fifth engineer and first Core Payments Engineer at Paystack, an African payments company acquired by Stripe in 2020.
In 2021, he co-founded Chowdeck, a rapidly growing on-demand food delivery platform. Within six months, Chowdeck completed over 80,000 deliveries and has since expanded to 11 cities across Nigeria and Ghana, serving 1.5 million customers and partnering with over 3,000 businesses. With a network of more than 20,000 riders, Chowdeck has facilitated over ₦30 billion in deliveries, establishing itself as a leading player in the regional food delivery market.