The problem was never talent. It was never ambition, nor was it a lack of ideas. Africa’s greatest challenge in the tech space has always been access—access to capital, infrastructure, and global networks that could transform ingenuity into industry. But that’s changing fast. And at the forefront of this seismic shift is a movement fueled by visionaries who are not just bridging gaps but building bridges of their own.
“I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving, and that’s what led me into technology and entrepreneurship,” says Deji Garuba, the co-founder of Arewa Tech Fest, a platform that’s shaking up the African tech ecosystem. Also serving as the Chairman of the Africa-Nordic Innovation Exchange, his journey is emblematic of a new generation of African entrepreneurs—bold, unrelenting, and unwilling to wait for permission to innovate.
From Frustration to Innovation
Growing up in Nigeria, Deji saw inefficiencies everywhere. Healthcare that was too slow. Education systems that weren’t keeping pace with the digital age. Financial services that excluded more than they included. These weren’t just abstract challenges; they were everyday realities. The solution? Technology. But not the imported, one-size-fits-all kind. Africa needed its own answers—custom-built, locally grown, and globally scalable.
That realization led to projects like an AI-driven e-commerce logistics system designed to crack one of Africa’s toughest digital commerce problems: getting goods to consumers in a continent where reliable delivery infrastructure is still a work in progress. “People wanted to shop online, but the infrastructure to deliver goods efficiently wasn’t there,” he explains.
The team had to rethink everything—using AI-driven demand prediction, smarter logistics, and hyper-localized solutions. The takeaway was clear: Africa doesn’t need to copy Silicon Valley; it needs to innovate in ways that fit its unique context.
Arewa Tech Fest: Disrupting the Status Quo
Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is alive with energy. Fintech is exploding, agritech is gaining traction, and health tech is on the rise. But major conferences and investment rounds tend to orbit around Lagos, often leaving Northern Nigeria and other regions out of the conversation. That’s where Arewa Tech Fest comes in.
Unlike traditional tech summits, Arewa Tech Fest is designed as a launchpad, connecting emerging tech talent with investors, partners, and policymakers. It’s about more than just showcasing innovation—it’s about ensuring that African tech isn’t just seen but heard, funded, and scaled. It’s a bridge, connecting talent with investors, partners, and policymakers. It’s a spotlight, illuminating the potential of often-overlooked regions.
“Unlike other tech conferences that focus mainly on Lagos, Arewa Tech Fest shines a spotlight on Northern Nigeria’s potential, fostering inclusion in the broader tech conversation.
“We’re bridging gaps by connecting tech talent with investors, partners, and policymakers to drive real collaboration,” Deji says.
But this journey is not without its hurdles. Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem, like many across the continent, grapples with significant challenges: “Funding gaps – While funding for startups has increased, many early-stage entrepreneurs struggle to access the capital they need to scale. Infrastructure limitations – Issues like unstable electricity and poor internet access slow down progress.
“Regulatory hurdles – Policies often lag behind innovation, creating uncertainty for tech businesses. Talent retention – Many skilled Nigerian developers and entrepreneurs leave for opportunities abroad (the “Japa” wave).” These are not abstract problems; they are tangible roadblocks on the path to progress.
Yet, amidst these challenges, the opportunities are immense. A young, digitally savvy population, a rising culture of innovation, and growing global interest in African tech are creating a fertile ground for disruption. This is where initiatives like Arewa Tech Fest come into play.
“The defining moment for me was realizing the gap in Africa’s tech ecosystem—there was talent, but often, the right structures, networks, and access to global opportunities were missing. This led me to co-found Arewa Tech Fest, a platform that not only showcases innovation but also fosters collaboration between Africa’s emerging tech talents and international partners,” Deji recalls.
The Africa-Nordic Innovation Exchange: A New Frontier
Africa’s tech boom isn’t happening in isolation. Investors and accelerators worldwide are turning their gaze to the continent, recognizing its untapped potential. One of the most promising collaborations to emerge is the Africa-Nordic Innovation Exchange (ANIX), designed to create partnerships between Africa’s fast-growing tech sector and the Nordic region’s strengths in clean energy, fintech, and health innovation.
“The goal is to foster collaboration between Africa and the Nordic region by creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, investment, and innovation-driven partnerships,” Deji says.
But collaboration requires more than just goodwill. There are cultural and structural hurdles: “Collaboration requires understanding and adapting to differences in: Business culture – Nordic countries are process-driven and structured, while African markets require agility and adaptability due to unpredictability. Risk perception – Nordic investors are typically risk-averse, while African entrepreneurs thrive in uncertainty,” he says.
To bridge this divide, ANIX runs workshops, exchange programs, and funding opportunities that facilitate real, long-term partnerships. The message is clear: Africa isn’t just looking for capital; it’s looking for allies who understand its unique landscape and are ready to build with it, not just invest in it.
Africa’s future economy relies on renewable energy, health tech, agri-tech, and fintech. Solar, wind, and hydro can address power deficits, while digital health solutions improve access to care. Agri-tech boosts food security through smart farming and blockchain, and fintech enhances financial inclusion via digital banking and microfinance. Nordic expertise in clean energy, health, and fintech can drive scalable African solutions. These are not just buzzwords; they are the building blocks of a sustainable future.
“These sectors represent the backbone of Africa’s future economy.” And collaboration is key. “Africa’s power deficit is a major bottleneck for economic growth. Innovations in solar, wind, and hydro can provide sustainable energy solutions. With limited healthcare infrastructure, digital health solutions can improve access and affordability for millions.
“Agriculture employs a significant portion of Africa’s population, yet productivity remains low. Smart farming, precision agriculture, and blockchain for supply chain transparency can revolutionize food security. Financial inclusion is still a challenge. Digital banking, blockchain, and microfinance innovations can empower underserved communities. The Nordic region, known for its strengths in clean energy, health innovation, and fintech, can play a crucial role in collaborating with African startups to develop scalable solutions,” Deji asserts.
The Road Ahead: A 5-to-10 Year Vision
The ambition doesn’t stop at annual events and cross-border exchanges. The vision for Arewa Tech Fest and its broader mission is expansive:
- Establish a year-round innovation hub supporting startups with mentorship, funding access, and training.
- Launch a dedicated tech accelerator for startups solving Africa-specific challenges in fintech, agritech, and health tech.
- Strengthen Africa’s influence in global tech conversations by forging more cross-border collaborations.
- Push for better tech policies that foster a business-friendly environment for startups.
- Equip young Africans with STEM and digital skills to compete on a global stage.
Deji envisions a future where technology drives regional and national economic transformation. “In the long run, we want Arewa Tech Fest to be a catalyst for regional and national economic transformation through technology.”
The Future: Africa as a Global Tech Powerhouse
For young African entrepreneurs looking to break into the tech scene, Deji’s roadmap is simple but demanding:
- Think globally, but build locally.
- Develop strong storytelling skills—funding follows a compelling vision.
- Build relationships early – Networking is crucial. Leverage platforms like Arewa Tech Fest to connect with potential collaborators
- Be adaptable—the market changes fast, and so should you Iterate, pivot, and stay resilient.
The next decade won’t just be about Africa catching up—it will be about leading. Deji Garuba envisions himself playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring that African entrepreneurs have access to the necessary tools, networks, and funding for success. Through Arewa Tech Fest, innovation hubs, and cross-border partnerships, he strives to contribute to a future where Africa’s tech ecosystem thrives on a global scale
“I see Africa leading the next wave of global innovation, not just as a consumer of technology but as a creator of homegrown solutions,” He says.
This is more than a movement. It’s a revolution—one where Africa isn’t just part of the global tech story but writing the script itself.
