The year that was saw the African continent capitalize on their hold of the social media industry. Unless you were living under rock the majority of 2014 you undoubtedly know exactly what #BringBackOurGirls means, and this is only one of many social media campaigns that rocked 2014. This year sees the return of Social Media Week Lagos, the biggest technology conference on the continent; in terms of sheer attendance.
As it stands the African social media industry contributes $14 billion to the continent’s GDP, and that figure is estimated to rise to $230 billion by 2025. Where does all this money go? Where does it come from? How can you get a piece of the booming social media pie? These among others are questions that will be answered at the week-long event. In 2014, the second year the event was held saw audiences understand the concept and rather than questioning it as they had in 2013, they embraced it with open arms. What this means is that 2015 will possess the uppermost quality –in terms of content- experienced at the event yet, this is because of the fact that the conference content is submitted by the community. 2015 also sees the addition of the Landmark Centre at Victoria Island, Lagos as the ‘ground-zero’ location for events. Basically this venue will hold over 100 events while the other 100 will be hosted over a variety of locations around the city. Furthermore this year sees the establishment of #SMWLagosNites which will only increase the entertainment quality of the event; a select restaurants, music events and music venues will host attendees to give them a taste of Lagos at night. Above and beyond this there is the #SMWLagosExplore where attendees can visit offices and workshops of Nigeria’s vibrant and growing technology community.
After all the many reasons listed above as to why you should attend Social Media Week Lagos 2015, here is one more: Obiageli Ezekwesili, Sound Sultan, Chude Jideonwo, Jim Ovia, Jason Njoku, Gbenga Sesan will all be speaking at the event. I live in Nairobi and I am dying to be there! For everyone in Lagos and Nigeria do not miss this amazing opportunity. The event runs from February 23rd to 27th, admission for most events is free and registration (register here) is still open so hurry!!
