Blog – African Gist

African Gist at the Afropean Summit by Levi’s & Co

Posted on September 7, 2022August 25, 2025 by African Gist

In October 2021, African Gist proudly joined the Afropean Youth Summit, hosted by Levi Strauss & Co. This inspiring international event brought together young talents, innovators, and leaders to engage with over 20 global speakers and panelists — from CEOs and social entrepreneurs to activists, educators, artists, and cultural trailblazers.

The summit gave participants the unique opportunity to connect with visionary Afropeans — the change makers shaping today and tomorrow.

Key Topics Covered

Identity & Adding Your Voice
Embracing Microresistance
Racial Trauma & Mental Health
The Strength of Networks
Representation Matters
The Power of Owning Your Narrative

African Gist’s Contribution

Represented by its founder, African Gist contributed to the panel on ‘The Strength of Networks.’ The discussion highlighted the power of professional networks and why building and leveraging social capital is crucial for growth, impact, and opportunity.

During the session, she shared personal branding tips and showcased the #EntrepreneurTalk campaign, launched by African Gist during the global Covid-19 pandemic to spotlight and empower entrepreneurs.

The panel was moderated by Dior Bediako, founder of Pepper Your Talk, and featured insightful exchanges with Ian Minjire (Melanin Kapital) and Ibrahim Ouassari (Molengeek), exploring how networks drive both personal and collective success.

About SAWUBONA

SAWUBONA is Levi Strauss & Co.’s Black and North African community.

We connect, elevate, and celebrate diverse identities within and beyond LS&Co.

We are reclaiming our stories and championing authentic representation.

We are trailblazers and changemakers, working with allies and leaders to shape a more inclusive and empowered future.

Online workshop at the Global Black Youth Fest

Posted on September 5, 2022August 25, 2025 by African Gist

The event created intentional spaces for dialogue, scholarship, and collaboration, bringing together Black youth, entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders from across the world. With plenary sessions, debates, workshops, networking opportunities, and regional discussions, the Fest provided a dynamic platform to address policy, innovation, and global challenges. The program concluded with a live concert celebrating Black creativity and resilience.

African Gist on the Francophone Entrepreneurs Panel

Representing African Gist, Cynthia joined the panel on Black Francophone Entrepreneurs and Ecosystem Builders, where she shared insights on:

How Francophone entrepreneurs are overcoming systemic challenges to create opportunities,
The role of innovation and digital skills in revolutionizing local economies,
Access to funding and investment for young Black entrepreneurs in Francophone regions,
The power of entrepreneurship in strengthening communities and driving sustainable growth.

This engaging discussion emphasized the potential of African and diaspora youth to transform ideas into impactful businesses through creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

The panel also featured Joseph-Olivier Biley (WeFly Agri, Côte d’Ivoire), Thony K. Ngumbu (Mwinda Technologies, Congo), and Fabrice Alomo (EPHER Foundation, Cameroon/France), moderated by Assita Koné.

About the Global Black Youth Fest

The Global Black Youth Fest 2020 brought together more than 80 speakers from 35 countries — a powerful gathering of Black innovators, disruptors, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of global communities.

Global Black Youth (GBY) connects, amplifies, and invests in the work of young Black leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide. By weaving together a global community of changemakers, GBY strengthens the entrepreneurship ecosystem, challenges dominant narratives, and creates opportunities for sustainable impact across the world.

Great things are not accomplished who yield

Posted on July 18, 2022 by African Gist

African Gist at the social media week Lagos

Posted on April 26, 2020August 26, 2025 by African Gist

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:

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

Watch the event recap here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_DqbB3SqnI

About Social Media Lagos

SMW Lagos is a week-long event focusing on insights, ideas, trends, insights, best practices, and policies that leverage technology to transform industries and communities across Africa.

Each year, thousands gather to learn and connect with global brands, business leaders, celebrities, and peers. In 2019, the event gathered over 23 000 visitors.