Global Entrepreneurship Festival Day 1 Recap

November 22, 2024, marked a spectacular beginning to the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (#GEF2024), a gathering of visionary leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Here's a detailed recap of the day’s highlights and the key players who took center stage.

Morning: A Grand Kickoff

The festival began with a lively arrival reception and registration, setting an inclusive and engaging tone. By 10:00 AM, the Opening Conference commenced, expertly guided by the charismatic MCs Nancy Isime (Nigerian actress and TV host), Dustin Plantholt (Global Thought Leader and Podcast Host), and Sunmisola Roberts (Entrepreneur and Author).

Key moments included:

• Welcome Remarks by Mr. Dan Walkovitz, a global advocate for entrepreneurial growth and chairman of the board of Entrepreneurship Village Akure who opened the event with inspiring words about the power of innovation.
  

• A Keynote Speech by Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers to foster entrepreneurial growth.
  

• The unveiling of the GEF Theme Song, energizing the audience and setting the mood for the day.
  

Panel Discussions and Fireside Chats

The first major panel discussion, moderated by Sir Dustin Plantholt, centered on "Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication Through Entrepreneurship." Panelists included:

• Mr. Mike Radoor, Co-founder of Miinto, who shared insights on scaling businesses internationally.
  

• Ms. Mea Boykins, Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Global Ventures, who shared her inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
  

• Dr. Tony Bello, Founder of Shine Bridge Global, discussing sustainable systems as a pathway to entrepreneurship.
  

• Mr. Hasan Yonness, a startup ecosystem expert, focusing on building infrastructure for small businesses.
  

• Mr. Alaa Khalifa, an investor and clean technology advisor, highlighted green business opportunities.
  

• Mrs. Mamotake Matekane, First Lady of Lesotho and advocate for youth empowerment through entrepreneurship.
  

This was followed by:

• A compelling Keynote Speech by Jeff Hoffman, Chairman of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and Co-founder of Booking.com, who shared powerful lessons on perseverance and the need for global collaboration.
  

• A Fireside Chat with Mr. Peter Onyango, Chief Capital Markets Expert at the African Development Bank, and Dustin Plantholt, discussing “Unlocking the Potentials of Local Economies.”
  

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

The festival took a moment to recognize excellence with awards presented to speakers for their impactful contributions. The honorees included:

• Mike Radoor

• Mea Boykins

• Dr. Tony Bello

• Mr. Hasan Yonness

• Mr. Alaa Khalifa

• Mrs. Mamotake Matekane

• Jeff Hoffman
  

A powerful speech by Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Founder of African Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E), further inspired the audience to embrace innovative thinking.

The Host Governor, H.E. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, also addressed the attendees, highlighting regional efforts to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs.

Breakout Sessions and Training

The afternoon featured interactive sessions and training, offering valuable takeaways:

• Business Pitch Screening and Training, led by Mrs. Yinka and facilitated by Ms. Yejide Aina, explored how entrepreneurs can thrive in the digital economy.
  

• Panel Discussions on global trade and sustainable finance were moderated by Victory Wilson (CEO of International Trade Solutions). Panelists included:

  • Martin Chen, Chairman of CHECC Nigeria Limited.

  • Dafe Ivwurie, Head of Brand and Corporate Communications at Providus Bank.

  • Dr. Isa Omagu, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at the Bank of Industry.

  • Mr. Peter Onyango, African Development Bank.
    

Evening: A Festive Celebration

The day concluded with a celebration of culture and networking:

• A glamorous Red Carpet hosted media interviews and photo opportunities.

• The Networking Dinner featured the unveiling of the Legacy Wall of Impact by Dr. Funke Felix-Adejumo, honoring entrepreneurial icons.

• Performances by Yajna, Swedish singer-songwriter, and Country Man, a local favorite, added a vibrant artistic touch.

• Closing remarks were delivered by Mrs. Mamotake Matekane, leaving attendees inspired and ready for Day 2.
  

Looking Ahead

Day 1 of #GEF2024 was a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and global connections. With thought-provoking discussions, actionable insights, and world-class entertainment, the festival is setting the stage for a brighter entrepreneurial future.

Stay tuned for Day 2 highlights and join the conversation online using #GEF2024!

Stay Connected

While the GEF official Instagram page @globalentrepreneurshipfestival will keep you up to date with all the latest news, you won’t want to miss the behind-the-scenes action!

Our very good friend on the ground, popularly known as “The Handler”, is sharing juicy stories and a mix of pure entertainment. Follow him at @son_oftheprophet on Instagram for an exciting take on the festival.

Don’t forget to also follow @socianetuk for even more updates and exclusive content from the Global Entrepreneurship Festival.

Stay tuned—Day 2 promises to be even more inspiring!