Technology Development: HMD Partners Techpoint Build 2018 Initiative

As part of efforts to support tech startups in Nigeria, HMD Global, the Home of Nokia phones played a major role of sponsorship in the just concluded Techpoint Build 2018, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, from January 25 to 27 of 2018.

The event’s them is “Using technology to accelerate the nation’s economy”.
Organized by TechPoint.ng, Nigeria’s largest chronicler of tech developments with the goal of encouraging innovation and technology to bring revolutionary change to Nigeria’s economy, the event showcased creativity and innovation from several Nigerian tech start-ups.

Olumide Balogun, Head of Marketing, West Africa, HMD Global, posits that technology development is an essential factor if Nigeria’s economy is to grow, hence, the company’s support of Techpoint Build 2018.
According to him, “Unquestionably, there are endless opportunities for individuals and for the nation through the proper utilization of technology. As an organization, we believe that the unity or coming together of tech startups, to debate actionable ideas, for economic development is laudable and that is why HMD Global, the Home of Nokia phones is taking part in this event.”

A highlight of the event was be a panel discussion on the topic: “Where is the market: offline or online?”
Discussants at the event included Olumide Balogun, Head of Marketing, West Africa, HMD; Lanre Akinlagun, Founder Drinks.ng; Jason Njoku, CEO Iroko Partners and Lola Cardoso, Head, Corporate Strategy and Innovation at Union Bank.

The panelists critically examined the scope of the Nigerian online and offline markets. The discussion focused on themes such as the cost of customer acquisition, market dynamics, go-to-market strategy, the readiness of the Nigerian market, amongst other issues.

Earlier in a press release, Convener of the event and Founder of TechPoint.ng, Adewale Yusuf, said the event is conceived out of his conviction that technology can contribute greatly to raising the standards of living in Nigeria.

Yusuf said: “Technology, innovation and knowledge can bring about unparalleled change in Nigeria hence, the theme of this year’s Techpoint Build. We are truly grateful for the involvement of HMD Global. The company’s strong desire to impact startups is what we hope to see more established businesses in Nigeria demonstrate.”
The event featured a highly educative keynote address, panel sessions, pitch storms with startups; investors and experts, all in a bid to harness and morph a new Nigeria through actionable plans and solutions.

By Patrick Aigbokhan