SMWLagos 2019 kicks off Feb 4, as tech innovations take centre-stage

Africa’s largest tech and media gathering tagged Social Media Week Lagos (SMWLagos) is billed to kick off on Monday, February 4 in Lagos.

The event scheduled to hold at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos will start on February 4 and ends on February 8.

The event is expected to bring under one roof globally recognized brands, leading business executives and pop culture luminaries, among others, all keenly focused on Africa and its future.

Themed “STORIES: With Great Influence Comes Great Responsibility,” the event will take a deep dive into the power of the stories we tell and how as content creators, policymakers, brands, journalists and citizens we can influence our community, customers, audience and constituents for the greater good.

Speaking on preparations for the event, the Co-Founder/Executive Director, Social Media Week Lagos, Ngozi Odita, said: “Our stories serve as a reference point and are integral to our identity as Africans.

“The current digital paradigm has allowed for the amplification of our stories and enabled us to have tremendous impact beyond our communities, our countries and the continent’s borders. It is also the case that with this impact comes great responsibility and an obligation to use our collective influence to move Africa forward.”

What’s new in SMWLagos 2019?

For its 2019 edition, SMW Lagos will debut two new programming tracks; PROSPR and WomenFWD. In addition, the #SMWLAGOS campus expands for a second year in a row, with the addition of the #SMWLAGOS Playspace.

PROSPR gathers fintech founders, finance executives, bankers, economists and other stakeholders to discuss how we leverage technology and digital media to achieve financial inclusion for all and ensure a prosperous Africa for generations to come.

WomenFWD features female founders and key executives from some of Africa’s most innovative brands and women-led tech startups. Programming fosters discussions on the unique challenges women face in the tech space and the huge opportunities available, while also celebrating the accomplishments of African women in tech.

#SMWLAGOS Playspace is a new and fun edition to the #SMWLAGOS Campus. The PlaySpace promotes creativity and collaboration through play.

Also, new for 2019 are two international collaborations, with German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle and US media power house HuffPost. Finally through a partnership with GIGM.com SMW Lagos will introduce daily shuttles from the mainland to the SMW Lagos Campus, according to the organisers.

What participants should expect in this year’s programme?

SMW Lagos conference programming will feature on 3 mainstages, in a masterclass suite, studio suite, speakeasy suite, Meetup Lounge, and 3 Workshop spaces.

Experiential programming includes the OFFLINE Wellness Studio, the AfricaNXT Annex and the #SMWLAGOS Beach House. This year’s event will feature over 400 speakers including Lasisi Elenu, Joey Akan, Collins Onuegbu, Obinna Ezekie, Afua Osei, Eva Alordiah, JJ Omojuwa, Idia Aisien, Banky W, Nedu Wazobia, Eku Edewor, Nkem Begho, Tomi Davies, Basketmouth,  Odunayo Eweniyi, Folu Storms, and Bizzle Osikoya.