Prosper Conference 2025 Highlights Roots to Riches, Africa’s New Era of Global Ambition

Prosper Conference 2025 held last week in Lagos, where it convened hundreds of founders, creators, investors, and policymakers that affirmed a clear message of Africa’s new era of global ambition, with a strong position that Africa is not rising someday, but climbing now.

Opening with a call for African founders to build with global relevance from day one, the CEO of Vesti AI and Cohost of the Prosper Conference, Olusola Amusan, anchored his session on the concept of Vu-da-je, a future defined by migration and innovation. According to Amusan, “We are giving Africans a new perspective about how they can see themselves as global talents.”

Prosper Conference Keynote speaker, Dr. Olakunle Soriyan, who is a disruptor and futurist followed by urging a shift from consumption to production, stating that transformation begins with a mindset revolution rather than dependence on government initiatives.

Co-host and COO at Vesti AI, Abimbola Amusan, shared how Vesti emerged from a personal immigrant journey and the mission to make the world more accessible to Africans. He stressed that trust is the real currency and that continental challenges demand collaboration, adding that “Government will not necessarily make things easier but individuals, companies, ideas will ensure all the aspirations of the people of the world are made possible.”

Speakers and panelist from top establishments like Providus Bank, Parrallex Bank, Payaza, PaidHr, and FBN Holdings, coming from a diverse industry background, in  the course of the day highlighted Africa’s rising investment culture, the shift from influence to ownership in the creative economy, and the advancement of technology built for local challenges at global standards. 

The conference also featured showcases from Exhibitors like Zira, Vamp AI, PaidHR, Blackshore AI, Providus Bank, King FM 87.9fm, Parallex Bank, Smart Comply, Curators University, Magnate Advisors, MyQura, Payaza, Zyra by Vesti.

Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Honorable Tunbosun Alake, reaffirmed Lagos’ commitment to innovation-focused policies and catalytic funding. He encouraged startup founders to explore government enablers like LASRIC to achieve their goals. 

Among 10 finalists, The Middleman team won the $5,000 Prosper Pitch prize for a venture positioned to expand across borders. A silent disco AI workshop provided hands-on exposure to emerging tools shaping global opportunity. 

The event concluded with a new mixer to facilitate partnerships and networking as well as a strengthened vision for African prosperity.

According to the organisers, Prosper Conference will return in 2026, bigger and bolder and will be open for registration.