Innovators Forum on Catalyzing Scalable Innovation and AI-Driven Growth in Africa

On the 29th September 2025, the Center for Law and Innovation in Partnership with Npontu Technologies and The Innovation Spark hosted an innovators forum discussion on the theme Catalysing scalable innovation and AI driven growth in Africa. 

The discussion opened with a panel discussion featuring Audace Niyonkuru, CEO at Digital Umuganda, Naa Nueki, Coordinator at Tech & Entrepreneurship Center, Academic City University College, Dr. Stephane Nwolley, CEO at Npontu Technologies, Isaac Newton Acquah (Managing Director, The Innovation Spark), and Victoria Adaramola (Tech Hive Advisory). The panel explored “Strategic Alignment of Innovation and Human Capital Development for Africa’s AI Ecosystem.”

During the panel discussion, Naa Nueki stressed the need for universities to ensure that students acquire skills aligned with emerging technologies, thereby preparing them for meaningful roles in Africa’s AI economy. Audace Niyonkuru highlighted the potential of community-driven innovation models to make AI adoption inclusive and accessible across diverse African contexts. Drawing on his entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Stephane Nwolley spoke about how local startups can bridge the gap between global AI trends and Africa’s pressing socioeconomic challenges. Adding to this, Isaac Newton Acquah emphasized the role of ecosystem builders in connecting innovators with resources, mentorship, and networks to accelerate scalability.

This was followed by a fireside chat between Chris Koehler and James Badour. Chris, drawing from his experience as a serial innovator who has raised significant capital for companies across Africa, emphasized the importance of including local leadership when expanding into new markets to ensure that solutions remain relevant and viable. James, speaking from his perspective as a designer, underscored the value of genuineness and transparency when engaging investors, while also stressing that sustainable growth ultimately depends on building products that truly meet market needs.

To conclude the session, a roundtable discussion was held to gather insights from the room, building on the themes explored by the panelists. Participants reflected on the critical challenges and opportunities around capital deployment, talent development, ecosystem building, and data governance, sharing perspectives on how these areas intersect to shape Africa’s AI-driven future.

‍