The Deal Room
Live pitches to active investors, with over $5 million in funding targeted.
For: Selected startups seeking investment.
Innovation Display
A world-class stage for West Africa’s brightest founders, innovators, and emerging technologies.
For: Student, builders, researchers, and startups.
Customer Traction
Curated breakout sessions that put your solution in front of your ideal customers.
For: Founders ready to meet buyers.
NOVEMBER 18 – 20, 2026.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER, ENUGU NIGERIA
1
k
Founders & INNOVATORS
1
ESTEEMED SPEAKERS
$
1
K
Startup Pitch POOL
₦
1
m
SME Grant Pool
₦
1
m
Tertiary Grant Pool
1st DAY
9am
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Preamble Stage Performance
Preamble Stage Performance
9:40am
9:40 AM
National Anthem
9:50am
9:50 AM
Opening Prayer
10am
10:00 AM
Welcome Address (incl. Exhibition Commencement Announcement)
Founders Smith
10:30am
10:30 AM
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks by His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Executive Governor of Enugu State
11:20am
11:20 AM
Recognition of Dignitaries
11:50am
11:50 AM
1st Keynote Address by Chika Nwosu, MD Palmpay
1st Keynote Address by Chika Nwosu, MD Palmpay
12:40pm
12:40 PM
2nd Keynote Address by Belinda Idinmachi, Regional Ambassador, Startup World Cup
2nd Keynote Address by Belinda Idinmachi, Regional Ambassador, Startup World Cup
1:30pm
1:30 PM
Introduction of the Investor Panel
1:50pm
1:50 PM
The Pitch – 7 Founders × 18 Minutes Each
4:30pm
4:30 PM
Masterclass on Branding
5:30pm
5:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Closing Prayer
6pm
6:00 PM
National Anthem
2nd DAY
9am
9:00 AM
Preamble Stage Performance
9:40am
9:40 AM
National Anthem
9:50am
9:50 AM
Opening Prayer
10am
10:00 AM
Opening Remarks by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Opening Remarks by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enugu State
10:30am
10:30 AM
Keynote Address by Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, CON
11:10am
11:10 AM
Introduction of the Investor Panel
2pm
2:00 PM
Executive Panel hosting Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, SSG to the Enugu State Government. AMA session with the Entrepreneurs/Innovators community on Government policies on business
Executive Panel hosting Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, SSG to the Enugu State
Government. AMA session with the Entrepreneurs/Innovators
community on Government policies on business
2:40pm
2:40 PM
Investors Panel
3:30pm
3:30 PM
Unicorn Panel
4:30pm
4:30 PM
The Government & Chamber of Commerce Panel
5:30pm
5:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Closing Prayer
6pm
6:00 PM
National Anthem
8pm
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Founders VIP Lounge
11:20pm
11:20PM
The Pitch – 7 Founders
3rd DAY
9am
9:00 AM
Preamble Stage Performance
9:40am
9:40 AM
National Anthem
9:50am
9:50 AM
Opening Prayer
10am
10:00 AM
Opening Remarks by Maazi Sam Ohuabunwa
10:30am
10:30 AM
Introduction of the Investor Panel
1:20pm
1:20 PM
The Icons Panel
2pm
2:00 PM
Founders Panel
2:40pm
2:40 PM
Innovation Showcase/Competitions
5:30pm
5:30 PM
Closing Remarks & Closing Prayer
6pm
6:00 PM
National Anthem
10:40pm
10:40 PM
The Pitch – 7 Founders
Prof Chidi Onyia
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Enugu State
Dr. Uche Ogah
CON – Founder and President, Masters Energy Group
Chika Nwosu
Managing Director, Palmpay
Uwem Uwemakpan
Head of Investment, Launch Africa Ventures
Hon. Monday Diamond Ani
GM/CEO, Enugu State (CSDA)
Dr. Solomon King
Executive Director, Lagos Angel Network
Samuel Kemeshi
Co-founding Partner and CMO, FirstFounders Inc.
Ndu Ekwomadu
Founder, BrandDrive
Hon. Sandra George
SSA to Enugu State Government
Emmanuel Nnamani
Hon. Commissioner, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS)
Uju Uzo-Ojinnaka
Founder and CEO, Traders of Africa (ToFA)
Mark Okoye
MD, South east development commision
Udoka riches Otubelu
co-founder, founders smith
Dr peter Ndubuisi
Executive Governor of Enugu state
Carl D White
MD, Black Solution Group LLC
Uwem uwemakpan
Head of Investment, launch Africa investment
Solomon King
Director, Lagos Angel Network
chief obinna iyiegbu
Chairman, cubana group
Uju Uzo-ojinnaka
Founder, Traders of Africa
Ndu ekwomadu
Co-Founder, Branddrive
Hosts
Sponsors
