NDLink, the leading development media platform in the Niger Delta, reinforced its commitment to driving impactful social innovation at the Startup South9 Technology Innovation Summit. The event, held in Port Harcourt, highlighted how technology can propel economic growth across Africa’s frontier regions, with this year’s theme: “Deep & Broad: Extending Frontiers of Technology and Economic Development.”

With sponsorship by organizations like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the summit convened over 700 in-person participants and 2,000 virtual attendees. It featured more than 70 speakers and 50 sessions structured around six key pillars: Technology, Creative Economy, Policy, Capital, Entrepreneurship, Climate Resilience, and the Future of Work.

Tech leaders such as Africa’s tech ecosystem pioneer Tomi Davies, Co-founder of  BudgIT Seun Onigbinde, Founder, Xend Finance Ugochukwu Aronu, and Jane Egerton-Idehen MD/CEO, Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited were among the  voices at the summit.

The convener, Uche, described Startup South as a “community driven platform designed to inspire and nurture a thriving startup ecosystem across Nigeria’s South-South and South-East regions.

A major highlight was a panel session hosted by the NDLink team, titled “Innovation for Social Good and Inclusive Economic Development.” This session explored how technology and social innovation can address development challenges in the Niger Delta, sparking discussions that resonated deeply with attendees. 

Bruce Lucas, CEO of Olotu Square, a tech incubation hub and a partner of PIND’s Youth program, shared insights on how the initiative connects young talents with job opportunities, enhances skill readiness, and boosts the region’s digital economy.

Andrew Banigo, NDLink Coordinator, and Ngozi Dennar, NDLink Website Administrator, emphasized the platform’s pivotal role in amplifying development stories, advocating for sustainable solutions, and empowering stakeholders to take meaningful action. They highlighted NDLink’s success in fostering dialogue, inspiring collaboration, and driving inclusive economic growth in the Niger Delta.

The summit also provided a networking platform for startups to engage with influential organizations such as Zoho, CINFORES, Trader Money, PHACCIMA, and the UK’s International Development Startups and Talents Enhancement Program.

Participants commended  the NDLink-led session for its actionable insights into leveraging technology to catalyze development in underrepresented regions. Beyond the panel, the summit’s focus on cutting-edge trends and strategic partnerships further underscored its role as a catalyst for innovation and economic progress.

By spotlighting initiatives like NDLink and PIND’s YEP program, Startup South9 reaffirmed the transformative potential of social innovation and technology in addressing pressing regional challenges. The collaborative atmosphere and impactful conversations made the summit a milestone event for stakeholders dedicated to extending the frontiers of economic and social development.

As the Niger Delta continues to seek pathways to sustainable growth, NDLink remains a powerful advocate for innovation-driven solutions that empower communities and inspire change.