The South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria are set to experience a major boost in their startup landscape as #StartupSouth, a tech-focused organization, prepares to host a large-scale conference in Owerri and Port Harcourt.
The initiative, which spans September 30 to October 3, aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in both regions. Organizers say the gathering will provide mentorship, networking, and resource opportunities for emerging tech entrepreneurs who are eager to build beyond local challenges.
The conference will feature close to 100 resource persons from around the world, delivering about 60 sessions across the two cities. Sessions will focus on guiding startups to leverage innovation despite economic or political headwinds that often stall young businesses.
According to the organizers, the presence of international experts is not simply symbolic—it is meant to connect local founders with global insights, exposing them to different models of resilience and sustainability in business.
Why SS/SE, and Why Now?
While Lagos remains Nigeria’s leading hub for startups, Port Harcourt recently ranked fifth nationally in a global assessment of startup ecosystems. That recognition, observers note, highlights untapped potential in the South-South and South-East, often overlooked in national conversations about technology.
Owerri and Port Harcourt were chosen as host cities to underscore that innovation is not confined to Nigeria’s commercial centers. For many local founders, the events represent a rare opportunity to showcase their ideas and learn directly from global peers without relocating to Lagos or Abuja.
Beyond keynote speeches and panels, #StartupSouth says the conference will focus on mobilizing financial, technical, and human resources for participating startups. The aim is to leave young entrepreneurs with more than motivation—actual linkages that can be nurtured after the event.
Yet, challenges remain. Large conferences can inspire but sometimes fail to sustain momentum once the spotlight fades. Organizers acknowledge that true impact will come from follow-up mentorship, funding pathways, and the ability of participants to apply lessons in their local environments.
Why it Matters
Nigeria’s startup story has often been dominated by Lagos, but events like this highlight a shifting narrative. By anchoring major tech discussions in Port Harcourt and Owerri, #StartupSouth is sending a signal that innovation can—and must—be nurtured across all regions.
Whether this conference delivers long-term gains will depend on how effectively connections made during the sessions translate into real-world results. Still, for many founders in the South-South and South-East, the gathering itself is a much-needed acknowledgment that their contributions matter in shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.
Talking Points
For too long, Nigeria’s startup narrative has been Lagos or nothing. This conference challenges that monopoly. If Port Harcourt can rank 5th nationally, why shouldn’t we begin to ask why innovation in SS/SE is still treated as “secondary”? The Lagos bubble risks stifling talent elsewhere if we keep ignoring it.
Let’s be honest: Africa has no shortage of flashy conferences. We’ve seen panels, keynotes, and hashtags. What’s scarce is follow-through. Will this gathering mobilize actual capital for young founders—or will it just recycle motivational soundbites? Without sustained mentorship and accessible funding pipelines, the ecosystem will not move forward.
