On 6 November 2025, Catalyst Now in collaboration with the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Naomi Lucas (CEO, Starlin Studio) and the Sahara Group Foundation hosted the Innovation Bridge Lagos Roundtable, marking a significant moment for Africa’s innovation landscape.
The Innovation Bridge is a synchronized multi-city initiative that connects technology leaders, social innovators and corporate partners to co-create and scale AI-powered solutions that address real-world challenges. Already lighting up Bangalore and London, the series is building the world’s first fully synchronized network of tech-for-impact hubs with upcoming sessions in Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Amsterdam. Lagos now joins this global movement as Africa’s new nerve centre for AI-enabled innovation.
As Africa’s commercial and creative capital, Lagos contributes unmatched energy, talent and entrepreneurial drive. Hosting the Innovation Bridge in the city reinforces growing momentum to position Lagos and the wider region as a hub for scalable, people-centred digital and AI solutions.
Among the companies that participated in the roundtable were MTN Nigeria Foundation, Sahara Group Foundation, BudgIT Nigeria, Cisco, Doktorconnect (MTN 25), GraduatePro, Betapawa Solutions | (SBC Afritech ’24) and others and other forward-thinking organizations. Discussions centred on digital literacy and skills for the future of work, investment pathways that reward measurable impact, trusted data governance systems that support collaboration and partnerships grounded in local accountability and shared ownership.
The event concluded with a commitment to establish the Joint Innovation Working Group (JIWG); a pan-African coordination platform that will align partners, track progress, and translate these insights into tangible pilots and outcomes.
The Innovation Bridge is more than an event series. It is a growing global community shaping how Africa innovates, collaborates and leads in the age of AI.
Organizations interested in joining the working group or participating in future roundtables may contact info@globalcompactng.org
