On April 26th, 2025, the first edition of the Africa Development Summit is happening in Ibadan Nigeria. The Africa Development Summit (ADS) is an event dedicated to empowering individuals, career professionals, and entrepreneurs to take on massive roles within and beyond Africa.
This year’s theme is “Communication as a Catalyst for Growth“, focusing on essential skills such as personal and business branding, selling oneself effectively, communicating value, and securing better deals.
In this post, Obafela Richard-Killa, the convener of the African Development Summit talks about why a summit like the African development summit is necessary, what attendees can expect from the event, and equipping the Nigerian workforce for the future
What inspired the creation of The Africa Development Summit (ADS), and why was Ibadan chosen as the host city?
We have a lot of talented youths leaving Africa or deviating to negative paths increasing social vices and being a burden to the country’s development . This has always upset and saddened me so this year I finally decided to make a move using a Summit aimed at upskilling and supporting African youths in the career and entrepreneurship spaces.
Ibadan is the host city because I believe Ibadan has a lot to offer. Ibadan in the coming years will grow to the heavens and I’m exerting my believe in this by hosting the first ADS version in this city
What gap or need does ADS seek to fill in the African development narrative, especially for tech and entrepreneurship?
Our goal with the the ADS is to open the eyes of attendees to the opportunities available in the tech and entrepreneurship space. Africa is the youngest continent in the world and will become the most vibrant space for tech and entrepreneurship in the next decade. Thus we need to have communities of people who will build the African workforce of the next decade.
What should an aspiring tech founder or business professional expect to gain from attending ADS?
They will be gaining insights into how to propel their business further through communication. Additionally, there’ll be a pitch with the winners getting a one-month free bootcamp to aid them in building a successful business.
Who is the ideal participant for ADS, and how are you ensuring an inclusive and diverse audience?
Everyone is welcome to ADS. The theme for this version of ADS is “Communication as a Catalyst for Growth”, and it is surely something students, career professionals, and entrepreneurs need. We created various ticket categories to support various people as well.
Who are the subject matter experts people will meet at the ADS
Our attendees will learn from young people who are making waves in the tech, and entrepreneurship space in Africa. ADS will feature the likes of Covenant Odedele, President of the University of Ibadan Students Union, Adebayo “Password” Ibrahim,YouTuber and Director at Password TV, Ayoade Adegbite, Data & Analytics Engineer and Consultant among others. The resource person list is still being compiled as we speak and attendees can expect a good time.
What would you say to the global business community about why they should pay attention to what’s happening in Ibadan and across Africa?
The truth is Africa is changing. Indeed, times are hard but it’s in tough times that growth usually occurs. This growth is coming like a raging storm and I just can’t wait!
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