Reimagine Africa

Africa loses an estimated US$4 billion worth of food annually to post-harvest losses before it even reaches consumers, highlighting a critical challenge to the continent’s food security (UN Sustainable Development Goals Report, based on FAO data). In Nigeria, the situation is particularly severe, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimating post-harvest losses for grains and tubers can reach 40%, causing devastating economic losses for farmers and national economies. At the last Reimagine Africa Conference in Port Harcourt this March, one exhibition stand attracted attention for tackling this problem head-on. Wider Netfarms Digital Innovation Hub (DIH), a new player in Nigeria’s innovation landscape, is working to transform how farmers grow, process, and sell their crops in the Niger Delta. The hub showcased its vision at The Candy Store of Disruption, the conference’s exhibition arena where Africa’s boldest ideas are displayed. For Wider Netfarms, the message was clear: agriculture can no longer afford to remain analogue in a digital age.Wider Netfarms is one of five DIHs established under the Digital Transformation Center (DTC Nigeria), a programme co-funded by the European Union and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ. Its mission is to empower Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and agritech startups with digital tools, financial access, and market connections.The Digital Innovation Hub model has been successfully implemented across Europe and is now expanding into Africa. The European Commission’s Digital Innovation Hub network, for example, includes hundreds of hubs fostering collaboration. Wider Netfarms is adapting this proven framework to meet the specific needs of Nigerian agriculture. As a sector-focused hub, Wider Netfarms is working along the cassava, palm oil, and cocoa value chains, delivering digital solutions to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance access to finance, and strengthen market links. It plays a role in building a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem by empowering agritech startups and helping farmers scale their operations. The potential is vast. As the world’s largest producer of cassava, Nigeria harvested over 63 million tonnes in 2022 (FAO). However, a significant portion of this harvest is lost or undervalued. Through creating digital pathways that connect farmers to better resources and markets, hubs like Wider Netfarms can play a crucial role in unlocking economic potential and strengthening food security. Though still in its early stages, Wider Netfarms’ presence at the last Reimagine Africa Conference held under the theme Generation Africa: Redefining Global Narratives and Opportunities, highlighted how global models can be thoughtfully adapted to create powerful, local solutions for Africa’s future. In the interest of transparency, it is worth noting that Netopps, the organizers of Reimagine Africa Conference, are also partners of Wider Netfarms.

In many African countries, the process of collecting census data has long been slow, expensive, and riddled with inefficiencies. According to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), as of 2022, 21 African countries had not conducted a census in the last 10 years. Traditional paper-based methods can lead to data delays of over five years from collection to publication. At the Reimagine Africa 2023 Hackathon, a group of students from Bereton School in Port Harcourt set out to change that. Their solution, CenData, is a user-friendly platform designed to simplify the process of collecting and collating census data. As the students explain, “Our goal is to streamline the data collection process, making it efficient and accessible for everyone.” They showcased CenData at the Reimagine Africa Conference in March 2025, in the exhibition arena tagged The Candy Store of Disruption. Their stand became a focal point within the space, attracting the interest of key delegates and demonstrating a vital bridge between innovative technology and real governance needs. The innovation is exceptionally timely. Nigeria’s planned 2023 census was estimated to have a budget of nearly ₦169 billion (approximately $212 million at the time), underscoring the immense costs of traditional systems. The potential for efficiency gains is continent-wide; the World Bank has highlighted that digital identification and data systems can reduce the cost of government-to-person payments by up to 90%, illustrating the profound savings possible with digitization. Furthermore, a study published in the ‘Statistical Journal of the IAOS’ found that digital data collection can improve data quality and reduce the time between collection and availability of results by more than 60% compared to paper-based methods. CenData points to a future where the census process can be faster, cheaper, and more inclusive. The Bereton team – Usman Wunti Maimunah, Bryan Chigozirim Victor-Okahia, Chimezunema Victor Wodi, Eke Henry Ugochukwu Jackson, and Richard David – may still be students, but their work is already sparking conversations about how African nations can harness digital solutions to tackle long-standing governance challenges. From a hackathon idea to a platform captivating industry leaders at The Candy Store of Disruption, CenData reflects the promise of Africa’s next generation: a generation determined to transform challenges into opportunities for the continent.

Amaranthine Media made a striking appearance at The Candy Store of Disruption, the exhibition arena of the Reimagine Africa Conference where the continent’s boldest ideas are put on display. Their pitch was simple yet ambitious: to create an African Nickelodeon, rooted in culture, values, and fun, tapping into Africa’s massive and rapidly growing youth demographic where an estimated 70% of the sub-Saharan African population is under the age of 30 (World Economic Forum, based on UN data, 2023). Founded in 2019 by Jennifer Nkem Eneanya, the Port Harcourt-based studio aims to become a premier hub for African storytelling. Its flagship animated series, Kiliwe the Timebender, has blossomed into a full-fledged franchise, complete with a spinoff (Kobi’s Kicks), comic books, illustrated novels, and interactive games like the Timebender Playcards. This multi-platform approach is key in the global animation market, which is projected to grow from $391.2 billion in 2021 to $587.3 billion by 2030 (Precedence Research, “Animation Market Report 2023-2032”). At the heart of this universe is a fast-growing community of young fans: the Timebender Tribe. Yet Amaranthine’s vision extends far beyond the screen. Through events like the Timebender Fest Children’s Day Fiesta, the Spread Joy Spoken Word Competition, and book club sessions, the studio is building tangible experiences where children can physically immerse themselves in the stories they love. This strategy captures value across the entire content ecosystem, a model that has proven immensely successful globally. Their presence at Reimagine Africa highlighted how homegrown media companies are now telling Africa’s stories on their own terms. Aligning with the conference theme, Generation Africa: Redefining Global Narratives and Opportunities, Amaranthine’s vision represents a new wave of creative entrepreneurship dedicated to reshaping how the next generation of Africans, and the world, sees the continent. The broader African media and entertainment market is poised for significant growth, with PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook forecasting the total E&M market in Nigeria to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2023 to 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing markets globally. The journey is still in its early days. But with a clear brand, a growing franchise, and a strategy tailored to the world’s youngest population, Eneanya’s dream is poised to tap into a lucrative and underserved market. Once fully realized, Africa’s children may soon have a homegrown Nickelodeon of their own, one that is vibrant, relatable, and unmistakably African.

At the Reimagine Africa 2023 Hackathon, a team of students from Charles Dale Memorial International School developed an Automated Student Exam Score Tracking System, a platform designed to revolutionize how schools manage exam results. In Nigeria, where administrative overload is a recognized barrier to educational quality, the potential for efficiency is immense. The team’s solution directly addresses this by providing real-time updates, robust security, detailed analytics, and improved communication between educators, students, and parents. The team – Abilogun-Wole Mercy Oluwanifemi, George-Hart Arnold Tamunofiri, Nwokonta Chimdiebube Anita, Nnadi Ediva Chisom, and Okeke Joseph, developed their functional prototype in just 24 hours. At the last Reimagine Africa Conference in March 2025, they showcased a refined version at The Candy Store of Disruption, the conference’s premier exhibition hub for groundbreaking innovations. Their project powerfully resonated with the conference theme, “Generation Africa: Redefining Global Narratives and Opportunities.” By addressing a core educational challenge with a homegrown solution, they embodied the spirit of young Africans shaping their own narratives. The timing is critical; the global EdTech market, valued at $123.4 billion in 2022, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2023 to 2030 (Source: Grand View Research, “Education Technology Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report,” 2023), highlighting the massive global demand for educational technology. The team demonstrated that Africa’s youth are not just consumers of technology, but proactive creators of solutions with worldwide applicability. During the exhibition at The Candy Store of Disruption, the team engaged with key delegates, including representatives from the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB). The delegation, led by Esueme Dan-Kikile, Esq., GM of Corporate Communications/Zonal Coordination, expressed admiration for the students’ clarity of thought, technical competence, and innovative drive. This recognition underscores the growing confidence in Africa’s next generation to design tools that can reshape critical sectors like education. This is a vital need in Sub-Saharan Africa, where, according to the World Bank’s most recent data, 89% of 10-year-olds cannot read and understand a simple text (Source: World Bank, “The State of Global Learning Poverty: 2022 Update”). The Charles Dale team’s journey from a hackathon idea to an exhibition before investors, policymakers, and industry leaders at The Candy Store of Disruption highlights the core mission of Reimagine Africa: to empower young innovators to turn ideas into real-world impact and, in doing so, redefine Africa’s place in the global innovation landscape.

Renowned Nollywood actress and advocate Hilda Dokubo has announced plans to host a soft launch for Tikiri – Campus for Creativity and Innovation at the upcoming Reimagine Africa Conference, scheduled for March 10–15, 2025, in Port Harcourt. This initiative aims to foster artistic expression, learning, and collaboration among creatives in the region. In a video announcement released today, Dokubo encouraged interested partners and stakeholders to attend the conference and explore opportunities for collaboration. Derived from the Ijaw word for “playground,” Tikiri is designed to be a hub for Africa’s creative industry. The campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including an auditorium, music, dance, and film studios, a library, co-working spaces, training rooms, a café, lodging, a gym, and more. Addressing a crucial gap in the creative sector, the campus is expected to significantly boost the local and regional creative economy. The soft launch event will include the formal unveiling of Tikiri, an interactive session, and an exhibition at the designated gallery, offering guests insight into the project’s vision and impact. Tikiri is the latest initiative by the Center for Creative Arts and Education, where Dokubo serves as Executive Director. The center is dedicated to nurturing creativity, developing skills, and empowering vulnerable talents to achieve sustainable wealth, leadership, and socio-political change. The campus aims to equip young and emerging talents with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the global creative economy, ensuring they are not only participants but key contributors to Africa’s cultural and entertainment landscape. With Tikiri, Hilda Dokubo is paving the way for the next generation of creatives, providing them with the tools, resources, and space needed to succeed in an ever-evolving global industry.

Prof. Bell Ihua Donates Groundbreaking Book on Nigeria’s Skit Economy to Participants at the Reimagine Africa Conference 2024 We are excited to announce that Prof. Bell Ihua, a respected academic and author of ‘Skit Economy: How Nigeria’s Comedy Skit-Makers Are Redefining Africa’s Digital Content Landscape’, has generously donated copies of his groundbreaking book to participants of the Unlocking Africa’s Pop Culture Leveraging Tech Bootcamp at the upcoming Reimagine Africa Conference 2024. Prof. Bell Ihua Prof. Ihua, who serves as the Executive Director of Africa Polling Institute, Abuja, and Adjunct Professor at Quincy College, Boston, USA, will also discuss his book during The Chat Show, a fireside session at the conference. His book shines a light on Nigeria’s comedy skit-makers and the vital role they play in shaping Africa’s digital and creative economies. The book offers an in-depth look into Nigeria’s booming skit-making industry, exploring how these content creators, despite facing limited institutional support, have become major contributors to economic growth, social influence, and job creation. As Africa’s creative sector becomes increasingly important to its economies, Skit Economy shows how this industry is transforming lives and reshaping Africa’s image globally. Prof. Ihua’s contribution to the conference aligns perfectly with the theme: Generation Africa: Redefining Global Narratives and Opportunities. As African countries aim to reshape global perceptions and create opportunities for their young populations, platforms like Nigeria’s skit-making industry are at the forefront. These creatives are not only telling authentic African stories but are also creating content that resonates worldwide, positioning themselves as digital entrepreneurs and influencers. The rise of the skit economy is part of a larger trend in Africa’s creative sector. With millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, skit-makers use humor to address social issues, promote brands, and influence political conversations, all while making significant income. This is not just a cultural shift—it’s a thriving digital economy that sets an example for other African creatives. However, sustaining growth in Africa’s digital creative industries requires more than just talent. It calls for a supportive ecosystem where government, industry, and academia work together—a model known as the Triple Helix. Prof. Ihua’s contribution is therefore a welcome development and a glimmer of hope in the drive to inculcate this culture of collaboration across these sectors to create the necessary infrastructure, policies, and academic research to support and expand this emerging economy. The Unlocking Africa’s Pop Culture Leveraging Tech Bootcamp, to which Prof. Ihua has donated his books, perfectly aligns with this vision. This five-day intensive bootcamp will equip participants with modern techniques for maximizing the economic potential of their creative work, from music and film to literature and visual arts. Through the integration of technology, participants will be empowered to reach global markets and redefine the image of Africa through their own unique lenses. At a time when Africa’s creative economy contributes less than 1% to the $2.2 trillion global creative industry, this bootcamp aims to help bridge that gap. For participants eager to learn how to tap into Africa’s burgeoning creative potential, the bootcamp offers a hands-on, transformative experience. Interested participants can enroll by purchasing an UBANGI-UELE ticket from the Reimagine Africa Conference website, participants will have access to the bootcamp and a variety of conference events, including mentoring and high level networking sessions. As Africa enters a new era of digital and creative growth, Prof. Ihua’s work and the Reimagine Africa Conference come at a crucial time. They offer a roadmap for how Africa’s creative industries can not only thrive but also lead the way in changing the world’s view of the continent. This collaboration will empower young African creatives to seize new opportunities, use digital platforms to their advantage, and shape a brighter future for themselves and for Africa.

Amazing Aerial to Host Stock Photos Bootcamp for Aspiring Photographers at Reimagine Africa Conference 2024 We’re excited to announce that Amazing Aerial, one of the world’s leading stock photography agencies, will be hosting a special Stock Photos Bootcamp at the Reimagine Africa Conference 2024 in Port Harcourt!  This six-day bootcamp is designed for aspiring photographers and creatives who want to develop their skills, learn from industry leaders, and become part of a global community. This collaboration between Amazing Aerial and Reimagine Africa is part of a larger vision of equipping the next generation to unlock the continent’s potentials and beauty. The theme of this year’s conference, Generation Africa: Redefining Global Narratives and Opportunities, aligns perfectly with the power of photography to tell authentic African stories. Through capturing vibrant landscapes, rich cultures, and everyday life through a lens, photographers can help reshape the continent’s global narrative. Stock photography is one way to share these stories globally, and it also offers new career opportunities for African photographers. With the growing demand for diverse content, photographers from Africa are in a prime position to contribute and thrive in this industry. This bootcamp will not only teach participants how to create beautiful and compelling images but also how to turn those images into a profitable business. Photography has the power to change perceptions and open doors to careers that were previously out of reach. This collaboration is about giving photographers the tools they need to succeed and redefine the visual narrative of Africa. Speaking on the bootcamp Co-founder of Amazing Aerial, Paul Prescott, emphasized the bootcamp’s broader goals. Beyond technical skills, the program is designed to help photographers understand the growing opportunities in the stock photography industry and how they can turn their creative talents into a viable career. Limited to just 50 participants, the bootcamp provides hands-on training in capturing stunning visuals, editing them to professional standards, and learning the secrets of creating sellable content for stock photography markets. Participants will also have the opportunity to join the Amazing Aerial community, where they can continue learning, receive mentoring, and connect with global organizations to showcase their work. The bootcamp will cover a range of essential skills, from drone operation and photography techniques to video editing and how to navigate the stock photography industry. Participants will be guided by leading photographers both in person and virtually, who will offer practical sessions. The focus will be on real-world skills, enabling photographers to create high-quality content that stands out in the competitive world of stock photography. One of the biggest benefits of attending this bootcamp is becoming part of the Amazing Aerial community. This community offers continuous learning and networking opportunities, and chances to have your work featured in front of some of the world’s top organizations. In addition to hosting the bootcamp, Amazing Aerial will also have an exhibition stand at the the exhibition arena – Candy Store of Disruption where they’ll be sharing valuable resources for anyone interested in drone photography, offering insights into the tools and techniques that go into creating their breathtaking aerial shots. Interested participants who are passionate about photography and ready to take your skills to the next level, can enroll by purchasing a CUANZA ticket from the conference website. This ticket includes access to the bootcamp and the Reimagine Africa Conference. This is a rare chance to learn from industry leaders, meet fellow creatives, and explore new career paths in stock photography and We’re excited to see how this collaboration will help redefine Africa’s story and create new opportunities for photographers across the continent.