Lagos recently played host to a landmark event that is sparking conversations about Africa’s digital future. Kora, a leading payment infrastructure firm, organized the second edition of its flagship Sundown Sessions, themed “AI in Africa: Scaling Beyond the Hype.” The event drew over 400 entrepreneurs, creatives, and technology leaders to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping Africa’s economic and creative landscape.
The evening opened with a fireside chat featuring Ifeanyi Nwunne, Creative Director of I.N Official Limited, and Yinka Ash, Founder & CEO of Ashcorp Group, moderated by Kora CEO Dickson Nsofor. The discussion centered on AI’s influence on creativity, manufacturing, and consumer engagement in the fashion industry. Nwunne emphasized that AI is a tool to amplify human creativity, not replace it, while Ash highlighted the irreplaceable value of human experience in driving innovation.
A key panel, titled “How Will AI Reshape Business Models in Africa,” brought together leading minds from finance, tech, and media. Speakers included Somtochukwu Ifezue of PiggyVest, Onyinye Olisah of Onus Financial Services, Buchi Okoro of Quidax, Frank Atat, and Ugodre Obi-Chukwu of Nairametrics. Panelists explored AI’s role in improving efficiency, productivity, and responsible data management, while reinforcing that human insight remains critical for meaningful AI adoption.
The night reached a climax with a keynote by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner at Future Africa, who challenged participants to expand innovation beyond fintech. He stressed the importance of digital infrastructure as the backbone of Africa’s growth, pointing out that internet access remains a critical hurdle for many. Aboyeji’s call to action underlined the need for collaborative efforts to build a digitally inclusive continent.
Kora also showcased its AI-integrated products in payments and risk management, demonstrating how technology can empower African businesses to scale faster. Reflecting on the event, CEO Dickson Nsofor said, “Progress happens when technology meets community — and Sundown Sessions is our way of creating that bridge.” From fashion to finance, agriculture to media, the event underscored Africa’s readiness to lead the next wave of global innovation through technology, creativity, and collaboration.
source: The nation