Social Media Week Lagos (SMW Lagos) produced by AFRIKA21 and Dragon Africa, is an annual technology and media event held in Lagos, Nigeria. With over 15,000 attendees and an online reach of 400+ million, #smwlaogs is the largest event of it's kind on the African continent. www.smwlagos.com

1. Annual Review 2018
Africa’s Largest Tech & Digital Media Event
Powered by
#SMWLAGOS

2. "The fact that SMW Lagos is one of our best
learning platforms ever makes me so so proud."
Oby Ezekwesili, Senior Economic Advisor, Open Society
Foundation & Former Vice-President, World Bank

3. About SMW Lagos
In 2018, Social Media Week Lagos (SMW Lagos) hosted more than 20,000
attendees across the week. Programming spanned five days and featured
keynote speakers, panels, workshops, mentor sessions and masterclasses that
helped individuals and businesses understand how to achieve more in a hyper-
connected world.
SMW Lagos continues to strives to be a platform that fuels economic
development and improves the quality of life in Lagos and throughout Africa.
Our mission is to provide a forum for Africa’s most innovative minds. Through the
exchange of ideas, skills sharing and collaboration these thought leaders will
generate approaches to digital and tech-based solutions that radically change
the status quo and create opportunities that positively impact not just Nigeria
but the entire continent.
“Closer,” the conference theme for 2018 explored the conflict
between community and individualism. The resulting conversations
featured a diversity of perspectives on how we leverage
technology to drive our individual aspirations, while also ensuring
an ecosystem is created that brings people “closer” and fosters
community.

4. 7,503 23,364
Registered
Attendees
Attendees across
the week
#SMWLAGOS by the numbers
646.6m 212
Social
Impressions
Total Sessions
414
Total Speakers

5. Sex Age
43%
Male Female
57%
1%4%
5%
15%
21%
54%
25-34 21-24 35-44 Under 21 45-54 55-64

6. 10%
8%
10%
19%
27%
27%
Experienced Professional (3+ years)
Entry Level Professional (0-2 years)
Founder
Management (Below C-Level)
Executive (C-Level)
Other
16%
16%
12%
11%
12%
8%
6%
4%
3%
2%
2%
2%
2%
1%
Marketing & Communications
ICT
Media / Publishing
Other
Arts & Entertainment
Fashion
Banking / Finance
Non-Profit / NGO
Food, Restaurants & Hospitality
Education
Health
Agriculture
Government & Public Policy
Oil & Gas
1% Design / Architecture
Career Level Industry

7. What drives people to attend SMW Lagos?
30%
28%
15%
8%
8%
5%
4%
2%
Professional Development
Find new business opportunities
Connect with existing clients
Seek employment/contract work
Look for investors
Launch a new product or service
Recruitment (Hire Talent)
Invest in new companies
SMW Lagos attendees hail from cities across the continent and around the world. This year 16% of attendees
lived outside of Lagos State. Cities represented at this years edition of SMW Lagos were Abuja, Accra, Atlanta,
Calabar, Chicago, Cotonou, Dakar, Dallas, Dubai, Enugu, Johannesburg, Lomé, London, New York City, Port
Harcourt, Toronto, and Washington DC.

8. In 2017 we celebrated 5 years and reaffirmed our commitment to serving as
a platform for Nigerians and all Africans. With this in mind we set an
ambitious plan for the #next5years … to provide programming that
leverages social media and technology to [1] Encourage and facilitate
investment, [2] Ease access to quality education, [3] Create jobs, and
[4] Achieve gender balance. Here’s where we’re at.
#next5years

9. We believe entrepreneurship is key to
job creation. SMW Lagos 2018
programming included a wide array of
sessions and opportunities for
entrepreneurs and SMEs including
workshops on growing your business
and a marketplace featuring
innovative food/fashion
entrepreneurs.
Create Jobs
SMW Lagos is committed to ensuring
women are an integral part of
conference programming and ongoing
initiatives. In 2018 we partnered with
local and global organizations including
CNN, Jumia, and the Mandela
Washington Fellows to host Women in
Tech Day sessions. We also continued
our initiative to ensure at a minimum
50% of SMW Lagos speakers are
women.
Achieve Gender Balance
In 2018, we collaborated with the
Lagos Angel Network to offer more
comprehensive programming and
mentorship for early-stage startups.
We also partnered with key
stakeholders to host sessions on
“The Role of Technology in
Delivering Investment Solutions,”
“Strategies and Best Practices for
Online Investment,” and “Local
Investment Opportunities … Lagos,
The Innovation Capital of Africa.”
Facilitate Investment
Skills based training was a key component
of our 2018 programming. We recognize
that many entering the job market and
those looking to advance their careers often
lack the skills necessary to be successful in
a digitized world. As a result we increased
the number of masterclasses and
workshops that focused on hands-on
training and skill-sharing. We also partnered
with organizations, such as CodeLagos,
whose aim is to provide digital skills and
solutions to bridge the education divide.
Ease Access to Quality Education

10. “This is our national conference, this is the biggest coming
together of the community in a physical space … It’s been
impressive how it’s grown every year”
JJ. Omojuwa, Socio-Economic and Political Commentator,
World Economic Forum Global Shaper

11. Feb 26
Future of
Media
Summit
Feb 27
#Travel
AfricaDay
Feb 28
BeatFM
Music Day
Feb 28
Afrobeats
N Eats
Mar 01
Governance
Day
#SMWLAGOS Event Overview
Mar 01
SHOP
AFRICA
Mar 02
Women In
Tech Day
Mar 02
A Great
Day In Gidi
Feb 26 - Mar 02

12. Future Of Media Summit
The Future of Media Summit features content creators, journalists and
broadcasters sharing insights on what’s next on the media landscape in
Africa. This year’s summit opened with an on-stage interview with
Channels TV Chairman John Momoh. Future of Media Summit
programming also included panel sessions and masterclasses hosted
by local and international companies including The Guardian Nigeria
and Viacom International.

13. Travel Africa Day
Travel Africa Day highlights the interconnection between travel and digital
media. The series of events provide answers to how technology and digital
media impacts travel and tourism in Nigeria and across Africa. In 2018, Travel
Africa Day programming was expanded, adding ‘Travel Afrique,’ an immersive
installation that enabled attendees to learn about travel destinations and cultural
experiences throughout the continent. Attendees had the opportunity to view
video shorts, sample popular food from across Nigeria and participate in mini
workshops led by Afro Tourism.

14. Music Day
Music Day powered by BeatFM features key stakeholders discussing
the impact of social media and technology on the music industry
across Africa. Music Day 2018 featured talks with award-winning artists
such as D’banj, Seyi Shey and Brymo, as well as leading executives from
SONY Music, MTV, YouTube and TRACE.

15. AfroBeats N Eats
Afrobeats N Eats (ABE) debuted as a night fest in 2017 and was a hit! In 2018, we
made it a full-day affair. The premise of Afrobeats N Eats is simple--bring awesome
people together to partake in good food and great music. We believe some of the
best conversations happen over a shared meal. We also know that music often serves
as the soundtrack for some of our most memorable moments. ABE pairs the two
together for a day of unforgettable food, music and game-changing connections. The
2018 lineup included, pop-up music performances, the Afrika21 Digital SoundKlash,
round-table discussions on the future of food, cook-offs, tastings, and a merchants
corridor featuring an assortment of food entrepreneurs. The day closed out with a
beachfront music showcase hosted by BeatFM and TRACE.

16. Governance Day
Governance Day brings together public and private sector representatives,
civil society organizations and technology leaders to share experiences,
challenges and advances on the use of technology for good governance.
Mainstage session, masterclasses and workshops were hosted by USAID,
Nigeria SACE and NERI (North East Regional Initiative).

17. SHOPAFRICA
Across the continent fashion, specifically our garments (traditional or not), are an
integral part of every important occasion and #smwlagos was no different.
#SHOPAFRICA is where local designers, brands and fashion enthusiasts converge.
The day-long event featured sessions hosted by BellaNaija, JUMIA Fashion and The
Assembly. Featured brands/designers included Lisa Folawiyo, Adebayo Oke-Lawal
(ORANGE CULTURE), and House of Lunettes. Attendees also had the opportunity
to shop the collections of over 15 local artisans and designers.

18. WOMEN IN TECH DAY
Women In Tech Day features founders and key executives from some of Africa’s
most innovative brands and women-led tech startups. The full-day track
gathered stakeholders to discuss a range of topics including “Bridging The
Gender Digital Divide,” “Female African Powerhouses Building Global Brands,”
“Confronting/Eradicating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace” and “Building A
Career in Tech.” Programming partners included CNN, Jumia and The Mandela
Washington Fellows.

19. A Great Day in Gidi
‘A Great Day in Gidi’ is a gathering of Lagos’ most innovative minds in the tech,
media & creative space. From industry stakeholders to digital activists to
celebrity bloggers, ‘A Great Day In Gidi’ is a snapshot, of the individuals who
collectively are re-defining Lagos and Africa in general. It's a celebration ... and
some say “the most epic day party EVER!”

20. #SMWLAGOS Campus
We are NOT your average conference; the #smwlagos campus is a testament to that. Located at
Landmark Centre, the #smwlagos campus is truly all-encompassing. Through partnerships with
various brands we were able to offer more than 20,000 attendees across the week an unparalleled
conference experience. For 2018 we expanded the footprint of our campus debuting the
AfricaNXT Annex and two new outdoor spaces, providing us with more than 400 sq. meters
(4,000+ sq. feet) of additional space. Our goal was to not only provide great conference
programming, but to facilitate networking and collaboration between sessions. The end result was
an unforgettable week of engagement and game-changing connections.
At the Interactive Pavilion, attendees were able to connect with leading
brands through their installations, the AfricaNXT Annex featured a
curated offering of innovative designers, artists and creatives from across
the continent and diaspora while the garden lounge provided an outdoor
space for attendees to relax, network and participate in events like Yoga
workshops.

21. New in 2018
SMW Lagos strives to constantly
innovate and develop new
approaches, to ensure our attendees
find value in our program offerings.
In 2018 we expanded our campus,
introduced new programming tracks,
and beefed-up our online content.
AfricaNXT, launched during SMW Lagos 2018, serves as a platform to showcase the makers, artists,
creatives and doers transforming Africa. The week-long festival, held in the AfricaNXT Annex, coupled
exhibitions with public programming that boldly highlighted the work of Africa’s next cadre of
visionaries. For the 2018 edition we collaborated with local creatives to carry out our vision and bring
the AfricaNXT Annex to life. The result: immersive installations, a community mural, a virtual reality
film festival, acoustic performances, a pop up library and fashion presentations. From the decor to
featured workshops, AfricaNXT served as a key example of how we can do more and go further
together. AfricaNXT was supported by Samsung, BellaNaija, Taeillo, Quramo Publishing and Pop Up
Africa.
AfricaNXT

22. #LaunchedInAfrica is a platform for African-led early-stage startups to showcase
products and services that are disrupting industries across the continent. At SMW
Lagos 2018 some of Nigeria’s most innovative early-stage businesses debuted as
featured companies in the #LaunchedinAfrica Digital Demo space. The inaugural
edition of #LaunchedinAfrica featured 5 startups: Aidahbot, Jara Mobile, Soshalife LTD,
Vibeoo Media LTD, and Zebullon Developers Network. These featured startups were
engaged week-long in rigorous mentoring sessions as well as office hours with industry
experts and investors. The week culminated with a pitch day, where the winner was
awarded a cash prize courtesy of Tomi Davies, co-founder of Lagos Angel Network.
2018 Pitch winner was Aidahbot.
Launched In Africa
New in 2018

23. SMW Lagos introduced meditation, yoga, reiki and other wellness practices to its 2018
programming via OFFLINE.
#OFFLINE is an immersive experience meant to empower and encourage Social Media Week
Lagos attendees to disconnect, be mindful and 100% present with no digital distractions.
#OFFLINE was a reminder that our most transformative experiences happen in those
moments when we connect with ourselves and others in a purposeful and meaningful way.
#OFFLINE programming included daily meditation, yoga classes, massage therapy,
relaxation workshops and more. #OFFLINE was curated by Spa Pampering at Home and
supported by Proud Journey Yoga
OFFLINE
New in 2018

24. The #MeetTheSpeakers Facebook Live Studio debuted at SMW Lagos 2018. The studio
hosted daily interviews with key conference speakers that was streamed live and
archived on the SMW Lagos facebook page. Featured interviewees included D’banj, Akin
Banuso (Microsoft Nigeria, General Manager), JJ. Omojuwa, Shola Akinlade (PAYSTACK,
Co-Founder/CEO) and Seyi Shey. Our technology partner for #MeetTheSpeakers was
Unotelos.
#MeetTheSpeakers Studio
New in 2018

25. Milestones
During SMW Lagos 2018
the #smwlagos hashtag
trended on twitter as one
of the top 10 hashtags
countrywide all 5 days.
#smwlagos trended as
one of the top 3 hashtags
in Nigeria 3 of the 5 days.
52% of SMW Lagos speakers were
women, up 1 percentage point
from 2017 and up 21 percentage
points from 2016. It is of the
utmost importance to SMW Lagos
that our programming is inclusive
of women. We are committed to
working with event partners to
ensure our speaker pool is
reflective of this.
In 2018 we showcased 40
innovative startups/entrepreneurs
up from 25 in 2017. As part of our
#next5years initiative our objective
is to use SMW Lagos as a platform
to support and promote African
startups/entrepreneurs.

26. Here’s what attendees are saying about #smwlagos
“The excellence displayed at the
conference was what I loved.”
"I was very pleased with my conference
attendance and felt it was well worth the
travel expenses, as I had to travel to Lagos
from South Africa. I gained valuable
experience that couldn’t be obtained
anywhere else.”
"As opposed to the 'typical' Lagos event
where everyone just comes in for the
pictures, SMW Lagos always is a
learning curve. You're literally running
from one session to the other like 'Bang-
Bang'. You're taking notes, you're
meeting like minds! It's a culture and a
movement."
“It was an amazing experience. I could
network and meet up with those I have been
following on social media and have a physical
conversation with them.”
“SMW Lagos” is the biggest event I
attend every year and my favorite. I take
my annual vacation just to be part of it. I
was wowed by the 2018 experience,
from the power packed content to the
ambiance.
“The learning process … there was so much
knowledge for me to take away especially
from the panel sessions and keynotes
speakers. Also, Networking and meeting
people was great and the ever helpful
volunteers. And of course the complimentary
small chops and cocktails was lit... Lol”

27. SMW Lagos 2018 garnered
170 pieces
of coverage
(online and traditional media)
SMW Lagos Press
Cumulative coverage views
1.1 million

28. SMW Lagos Partners
Sponsors

29. SMW Lagos Partners
Media Partners

30. SMW Lagos Partners
Technology & Industry Partners

31. SMW Lagos Partners
Content & Community Partners

32. SMW Lagos Partners
Experience Partners

33. Annually, we host secondary school students
for a day as part of our “Open Campus”
initiative.
Wakanda Forever … BeatFM Music Day
Speakers (L-R): Chin Okeke (GidiFest), D’banj,
Michael Ugwu (SONY), Obi Asika, and Uzoma
Dozie (CEO, Diamond Bank)
Cocktails & Cabanas … We welcomed SMW
Lagos Partners, Speakers, and Executive VIPs
with cocktails and BBQ by the poolside on the
eve of SMW Lagos.
SMW Lagos Moments

34. Fidelity Bank helped us close out the week, hosting their
#FidelityHangout at the ‘SMW Lagos Grand Closing.’
Pictured (L-R): Bayo Adekanmbi, MTN, Chief
Transformation officer, Fidelity Guest, Ndidi Nwuneli, LEAP
Africa, Founder/Director, Nnamdi Okonkwo, CEO/MD,
Fidelity Bank Plc, Mo Abudu, EbonyLife TV, CEO, Gbolahan
Joshua, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chief Operations & Information
Officer, Sam Onyemelukwe, TRACE, Managing Director, and
Shola Akinlade, PAYSTACK, Co-Founder/CEO
SMW Lagos MomentsOver 200 attendees collaborated on a
community mural led by Nigerian Artist
Dipo Doherty.
For the second year in a row we collaborated
with furniture and interior designer Jumoke
Dada of Tǽillo. Jumoke worked with the SMW
Lagos team to co-conceptualize the layout and
decor for the AfricaNXT Annex.

35. We debuted #LitLab a pop up literary
experience. Attendees in between sessions
could lounge with a book in our pop up
library.
Aidahbot, a chatbot-building company that provides a
one-click chatbot solution for SMEs, won our inaugural
‘Launched in Africa” Pitch Day competition and received a
cash prize courtesy of Tomi Davies of Lagos Angel
Network. Pictured, Launched In Africa Pitch Day winner
and Judges (L-R): Nkem Begho (MD/CEO, Future
Software Resources), Tomie Davies (Founder, Lagos
Angel Network), Seni Sulyman (Country Director, Andela),
Nancy Ewurum (Co-Founder/CEO, Aidhabot), Collins
Onuegbu (Founder, Signal Alliance), and Chika Uwazie
(CEO, Talentbase)
SMW Lagos Moments

36. SMW Lagos is produced by
To Learn more about #smwlagos
info@smwlagos.com
www.smwlagos.com
#smwlagos Annual Review was
produced in partnership with:
#smwlagos Annual
Review contributors: