Arewa Entrepreneurs Meetup 9.0 – Learn, Innovate, and Thrive

Arewa Entrepreneurs Meetup is a community-driven entrepreneurship engagement platform convened by LeedGate Innovation Hub in collaboration with the Arewa Entrepreneurship Frontier Network (AEFNet).

The initiative was created to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals, policymakers, and ecosystem builders across Northern Nigeria on a platform that promotes knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation-driven enterprise development.

The meetup provides a space where participants can:

• exchange ideas and entrepreneurial experiences

• showcase products and services

• connect with mentors, partners, and investors

• explore opportunities for collaboration within the innovation ecosystem

Since its inception, the meetup has hosted over 300 participants across multiple editions, serving as an important gateway into other programs and initiatives of LeedGate Innovation Hub, including digital skills development, mentorship, and innovation capacity-building programs.

The platform also recognizes and engages individuals and institutions that are contributing to the advancement of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems across Northern Nigeria.

Distinguished Speakers and Contributors

Over the course of its editions, the meetup has featured contributions from a diverse group of entrepreneurs, policy leaders, academics, and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

These include:

• Anita Kelvin – Founder, Amina Dyslexia Center

• Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi – Academic, IBB University

• Hadiyyah Lawal – PennPromise Capital Ventures

• Kaduna State Manager – Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria

• Northwest Zonal Coordinator – Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria

• Dr. Yakubu Musa – National Coordinator, Office of Nigerian Digital Innovation, National Information Technology Development Agency

• Yusuf Bashir – CEO, KadICT Hub

• Josiah Hernandez – CEO / Founding Partner, Satoshi Capital (USA)

• Hafiz Bayero – CEO, Kaduna Market Development & Management Company Limited

• Hon. Muktar Baloni – Chairman, Kaduna North Local Government

• Dr. Nasiru Abdullahi – Director, International Center of Excellence for Rural Finance & Entrepreneurship, Ahmadu Bello University

• Sanusi Ismail – Founder/CEO, CoLab

• Aisha Tofa – Founder/CEO, Startup Kano

• Emmanuel Odeh Adikpe – Founder/CEO, Inifix Innovation Hub, Kaduna

• Yahaya Buhari Ali – CVO, YBI Group

• Dr. Shamsudeen Shehu – CEO, Ambuvet

• Hawwa Yusuf – CEO, Hawys Foods Ltd

Through these engagements, the meetup has created opportunities for dialogue between entrepreneurs, investors, government agencies, and innovation ecosystem actors.

Strategic Partners

The Arewa Entrepreneurs Meetup has benefited from collaboration with several ecosystem organizations and institutions, including:

• Gusau Institute, Kaduna

• KadICT Hub, Kaduna

• Ihifix Innovation Hub

• Arewa Entrepreneurship Frontier Network (AEFNet)

• Entrepreneurship Research & Development Center, Kaduna State University

These partnerships have helped strengthen the platform’s reach and deepen collaboration across the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The 9th Edition: Commemorating the International Day of Education

The 9th edition of the Arewa Entrepreneurs Meetup was held on 25 January 2025 to commemorate the International Day of Education.

The event focused on the theme:

“Learn, Innovate, and Thrive: Continuous Learning and Innovation as the Panacea for Success”

The session explored how continuous education, skill development, and innovation are essential for entrepreneurs seeking to remain competitive and build sustainable ventures.

Key Activities During the Meetup

The event featured a number of interactive components designed to foster engagement and knowledge exchange:

• guest insight session and experience sharing

• open discussions on entrepreneurship challenges and opportunities

• participant introductions and business showcases

• networking and collaboration sessions

Participants actively engaged in conversations around innovation, market opportunities, and entrepreneurial growth strategies.

Impact and Outcomes

The meetup continues to play an important role in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Nigeria.

Key outcomes include:

Community Building
The platform has helped build a growing network of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Knowledge Exchange
Participants gain practical insights from experienced founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.

Ecosystem Collaboration
The meetup has facilitated stronger connections among hubs, academic institutions, private sector actors, and government agencies.

Gateway to Innovation Programs
The platform has also served as an entry point for participants into other initiatives and programs organized by LeedGate Innovation Hub.

Strengthening Entrepreneurship in Northern Nigeria

Through initiatives such as the Arewa Entrepreneurs Meetup, LeedGate Innovation Hub continues to advance its mission of supporting:

• entrepreneurship development

• digital innovation

• startup ecosystem collaboration

• youth economic empowerment

By convening entrepreneurs, innovators, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders, the hub is helping to build a stronger and more collaborative innovation ecosystem across Northern Nigeria.