Last weekend at TNNaija’s ConnectXIgnite, I spent the day immersed in conversations and connections that reaffirmed the power of global African talent. From keynote sessions to insightful panels and amazing connections chats, it was a masterclass in purpose, passion, and potential.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR: If you’re an African talent living abroad or working across continents, now is the time to step up and show up. You can build across borders, but only if you think internationally.
You Can’t Build Global with a Local Mindset
The day kicked off with Sofoluwe’s keynote, reminding us that with intentionality, we can build across continents. As immigrants, our first call may not be to start thinking of building back home. Bolaji’s session was a nudge in that direction.
“Don’t just send money back home, send talent.”
We often describe ourselves as global citizens. But are we truly showing up that way? Are we thinking beyond our immediate job roles and side hustles, and truly engaging with the systems we are part of, both where we live and where we come from?
She emphasized that as global African talents, we are more than employees or entrepreneurs. We are problem solvers with grit and tenacity. We should leverage our skills and voices to tackle issues both locally and globally.
How Can We Build Better?
- Build circular value chains: It is not just about sending money back home. Send talent. Share strategies. Forge meaningful connections.
- Shape policy, both where you are and back home: If there were just one takeaway for me from the program, it would be this. Be a contributor, not just a consumer. Join a political party, volunteer in your local community, write a collective whitepaper on something that impacts you as a community, etc.
- Own infrastructure: Think beyond software. Who is building the systems and data centers we rely on?
- Do hard things: Legacy comes from effort. Embrace challenges.
On Building, Networking, and Career Growth
Here are the key takeaways from the panel sessions I attended:
- Collaborate with the right people: Seek trust and value alignment.
- Use your voice: Share what you are learning; it multiplies impact.
- Confidence is key: You belong in the room.
- Show up regardless: Attend events. Speak up. Connect.
- Be exceptional among your peers: Want to be remembered? Leave a mark.
- To grow your business: Join an accelerator.
- To sharpen your skills: Apply for competitions and grants.
- In defining your path: Start somewhere, then refine.
- In telling your story: Frame it through the lens of the people you serve.
“The best kind of luck is luck in motion.” – Fola
Action Items I Noted That You Can Copy
- Build a cross-border project (this year)
- Join a diaspora-led angel group
- Mentor young Africans in your field back home
- Volunteer for Non-Executive Director roles
- Participate in a challenge or hackathon
“Go wide on many things, but go deep on a few.” – Dr. Caroline
The Closing Echo
Dr. Caroline Chibelushi’s keynote was the perfect closing anthem. With a rich and diverse experience across industries, I was reminded that there is really no box on what we can do or become, except the box we allow.
As African professionals, creatives, and tech talents, we have work to do – intentional, impactful work that links home and abroad.
Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep becoming. And let’s keep building.
Were you at the event too? What were your highlights?
*All pictures are courtesy of TNNaija photo repo.
