Innovate Africa, a product-led angel fund, is hosting the Lagos edition of World Product Day 2025—a global event by Mind the Product celebrated in over 100 cities.
The Lagos conference wraps up a months-long sprint from idea crowdsourcing to prototype-ready solutions.
By the numbers
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
- Grand Prize: $2,000
- Attendees: ~250 curated participants
- Problems Tackled: 12 major challenges across health, climate, infrastructure & more
Why it matters
Africa’s toughest issues—dubbed “wicked problems”—often meet surface-level solutions. Innovate Africa aims to flip the script by backing empathetic, execution-driven builders with early-stage support and capital.
How it works
- Started with an open Ideathon in March
- 12 top challenges identified from across the continent
- Product sprints led to functional prototypes
- Top 5 teams pitch in Lagos for cash and incubation support
What to expect
- Product Career Fair – Talent meets opportunity
- Workshops – Training on discovery, strategy, and testing
- Panels & Firesides – Insights from top product execs
- Speakers include Mustapha Otaru (Sterling Bank), Andrew Obuoforibo (54 Collective), and Isma’il Shomala (Go Money)
What they’re saying
“Too many of Africa’s wicked problems are still meeting surface solutions… We need builders who lead with empathy and a bias for execution,” said Kristin H. Wilson, Managing Partner at Innovate Africa Fund.
“That’s really what World Product Day Lagos is about – a day to move lived experience into tested prototypes and to line up capital, expertise and networks that can carry the strongest ideas to product-market fit.”
Go deeper
Launched in 2024, Innovate Africa invests $50K on average in early-stage ventures, offering product leadership training, mentorship, and access to programs like the Silicon Valley Product Group.
How to attend
Register at lu.ma/jnjimijz to join World Product Day Lagos 2025 and help move bold ideas to breakthrough products.
