October 11 & 12, 2023. Lagos, Nigeria.
From the 11th to the 12th of October 2023, the prestigious Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, was the vibrant setting for the Moonshot by TechCabal event. Moonshot, an exceptional tech conference, served as a unifying platform for Africa’s tech ecosystem, investors, and tech enthusiasts, offering two days of networking, collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a celebration of innovation across the African continent.
Among the event’s exhibitors, Cardify Africa took the spotlight. This cross-border utility payment startup is renowned for its virtual dollar card, wallet and bills solutions. At this remarkable gathering, Cardify Africa seized the opportunity to introduce Cardify Business, an offshoot of the startup dedicated to leveraging its solutions for businesses. The flagship feature of the Cardify Business suite was the Cardify Digital Business Card—an innovative tool enabling professionals to effortlessly share their information with others through a simple tap or scan.
The highlight of the event was the Cardify Digital Business Card, a game-changing innovation that promises to revolutionise the way Nigerian professionals network. Mr. Taiwo Idris, Cardify’s Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised the value of this digital business card in simplifying the networking experience. He pointed out that rather than carrying around a stack of physical business cards that often get lost or become unwieldy, individuals can now adopt the more efficient and eco-friendly Cardify Digital Business Card.
A newly onboarded Cardify user at the Moonshot by TechCabal event
These digital business cards come in three versatile materials—PVC, bamboo, and metal. Users can easily add and modify their contact details, social media links, and even customize links using the Cardify Business suite, accessible through Cardify’s dedicated website for business cards at www.cardify.ng or via the Cardify Africa mobile app.
The most exciting aspect of the Cardify Digital Business Card is its adaptability. If there’s ever a need to update your contact details or other information, there’s no longer a requirement to print new cards. With Cardify Business, a simple login allows you to make real-time changes, ensuring that your updated details are immediately reflected when someone taps or scans your digital card. This not only streamlines the networking process but also aligns perfectly with the principles of sustainability and convenience in the digital age. The Cardify Digital Business Card is set to become an essential tool for professionals in Nigeria, offering a fresh and innovative approach to networking and information sharing. The digital business cards are expected to be available for purchase both online and in stores starting from November.
The event featured a remarkable lineup of speakers, including Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Juliet Ehimuan of Google West Africa, and Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, the Managing Partner at DigitA, who also serves as the scribe for the Startup Act. The event addressed critical topics and showcased the future of tech in Nigeria and Africa.
A Vision for the Future: Dr. Bosun Tijani’s 1-10-100 Model
One of the highlights of Moonshot 2023 was Dr. Bosun Tijani’s ambitious plan to train 3 million tech talents in Nigeria within four years. This transformative initiative, known as the 1-10-100 model, aims to create a significant impact on the country’s tech landscape. Dr. Tijani emphasized the human aspect of this endeavour, stating, “When we say we want to train 3 million people, we are talking about individuals, lives. These are not just random numbers.” He explained that if they can develop 10% of this target, it will lead to a substantial change in Nigeria. The first phase of this model involves training 1% of the 3 million, which equates to 30,000 individuals. This ambitious project is set to kick off soon, with applications for trainers and fellows opening shortly.
Positioning Nigeria as an AI Technology Hub
Dr. Tijani also shared his vision for positioning Nigeria as a top destination for AI technology. He acknowledged the challenges of AI’s Western-centric nature and emphasized the importance of making AI data more relevant to Nigeria’s realities. By focusing on inclusion and connecting AI to the nation’s unique context, he aims to accelerate Nigeria’s role in the AI landscape.
Juliet Ehimuan, a prominent figure in the tech industry, shed light on the path forward for building sustainable digital economies. She identified four key pillars: “Access,” “Locally Relevant Content,” “Capacity,” and “Funding.” Access, she explained, is about ensuring that everyone has the tools and platforms necessary for digital participation. She emphasized the need for solutions to address the gaps in the market. “Capacity” refers to developing a talented pool of developers capable of creating innovative solutions. Finally, “Funding” is vital for entrepreneurs to drive innovation and make their ideas a reality.
Oswald Osaretin Guobadia stressed the importance of improved collaboration between the government and tech stakeholders. He advocated for policy and legislative measures that drive innovation. He recognized the siloed nature of government and the need for policies that promote cross-participation across various government departments to foster innovation in the tech sector.
As the Moonshot by TechCabal event concluded, it was clear that the African tech ecosystem was at an exciting crossroads. With the remarkable speakers, engaging discussions, and Cardify Africa’s innovative launch, the event served as a testament to the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of the tech landscape on the continent. The future of technology in Africa holds immense promise, and the tools and insights shared at Moonshot are sure to shape and propel the industry forward, inspiring innovation, collaboration, and progress in the digital age.
