Category: Agency

Social Media Week Lagos (SMW Lagos) is Africa’s largest technology and media gathering, attracting thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives each year. More than just a conference, SMW Lagos is a celebration of Africa’s creativity, culture, and digital transformation.

The 2020 edition was themed “Stories: With Great Influence Comes Great Responsibility,” highlighting the power of storytelling and influence in shaping society.

Get Sh!t Done – Disrupt Social Norms through Storytelling

As part of this global platform, African Gist curated and hosted a dynamic session exploring how storytelling and influencer marketing can disrupt social norms and spark social change in Nigeria.

The session addressed two critical questions:

1. How can personal stories inspire action and drive real change within communities?

2. What does it take to amplify these stories and build a strong community of changemakers?

Speakers & Panel

We partnered with top Nigerian changemakers who are leveraging storytelling and digital platforms to inspire action:

• Uriel Oputa – Media personality and former Big Brother Nigeria participant

• Omololu Shomoyiwa – Radio host and former Big Brother Nigeria participant

• Izin Akioya – Entrepreneur and media consultant

The discussion was moderated by Laura Iheke, TV presenter and host.

Together, they shared insights on:

• Communication and Marketing for Social Impact

• The Role of Conscious Entertainment

• Self-Acceptance and Growth

Outcomes & Impact

• The session attracted 82 engaged attendees, including young entrepreneurs, creatives, and social innovators.

• Participants left with practical strategies and inspiration to use storytelling as a tool for change in their own communities.

• The event positioned African Gist as a trusted facilitator of conversations at the intersection of creativity, technology, and social impact.

In April 2019, African Gist partnered with Afrotech Fest London, bringing its flagship workshop “Get Sh!t Done: Developing a Community of Black Tech Experts in Europe” to one of the UK’s most dynamic spaces for tech and diversity.

This conversation matters

Technology continues to shape the future of Europe — influencing industries, institutions, and everyday lives. Yet, Black and minority professionals remain underrepresented in the sector. This raises important questions:

• Are there truly no tech experts within ethnic minority communities?

• Or are their voices and expertise simply not visible in mainstream conversations?

• How can we make Black expertise valuable, visible, and celebrated in tech?

The workshop explored these questions while addressing critical themes like inclusion, career growth, and the role of Black tech professionals in supporting Africa’s development.

The Session: Building Visibility & Networks

African Gist invited Abi Mohammed, tech professional and co-founder of CG Venture, as a guest trainer. Abi’s work focuses on investing in diverse businesses and advising entrepreneurs on raising capital, attracting investors, and building strong personal brands.

During the session, participants learned:

1. How to brand themselves and their projects to stand out in the tech industry.

2. Ways to leverage networks and communities for career and business growth.

3. Examples of Black innovators and leaders in tech from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

4. How to access local organizations, funding opportunities, co-working spaces, mentoring, and jobs designed to support minority professionals.
   
   

By the end of the workshop, attendees left with practical strategies to define their professional identities, grow their networks, and position themselves as leaders in the tech space.