The energy is high this morning at Ruby Hall, Zone Tech Park, Gbagada, as Gigbanc officially kicks off Gigconnect 2025; a landmark gathering designed to inspire and equip Africa’s growing community of freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and remote professionals.
The event brings together hundreds of participants for a full-day experience packed with high-impact panels, hands-on masterclasses, live entertainment, and networking sessions aimed at helping digital talent scale their careers and access international opportunities.
From freelancers seeking to monetise their skills to tech professionals and creators building global brands, attendees are connecting, learning, and collaborating in real time.
According to organisers, Gigconnect is a platform built to connect digital talent with global possibilities, giving freelancers and entrepreneurs the tools to grow beyond borders.
Techparley’s team is live at Gigconnect 2025, with real-time updates, and highlights by Quadri Adejumo.
4:15 p.m. — Closing Remarks and Group Photos
As Gigconnect 2025 draws to a close, the organisers take the stage to deliver heartfelt closing remarks, thanking attendees, partners, and speakers for making the inaugural edition a success. The applause is warm and sustained, reflecting the sense of community built throughout the day.
Participants gather for group photos, capturing smiles, laughter, and shared moments that mark the end of an inspiring and impactful event. The energy remains high as attendees exchange final handshakes and farewells, a fitting close to a day that celebrates connection, creativity, and Africa’s growing digital workforce.
4:00 p.m. — Entertainment and Giveaways
The atmosphere at Gigconnect 2025 turns festive again as the entertainment segment returns, this time with exciting giveaways for attendees. Music fills Ruby Hall while participants cheer as winners are announced for various challenges and raffle draws.
Laughter and applause echo through the venue as gifts, business tools, and branded merchandise are handed out. The blend of music, fun, and rewards keeps spirits high, a perfect balance of learning and celebration to round off the day’s activities.
3:35 p.m. — Power Networking Session
The hall buzzes with conversation as the Power Networking Session begins. Attendees move across tables and clusters, exchanging contacts, sharing ideas, and discussing possible collaborations.
Freelancers meet potential clients, entrepreneurs connect with investors, and creators explore partnership opportunities. The energy is vibrant; handshakes, laughter, and business card swaps fill the room as Gigconnect 2025 lives up to its goal of building meaningful professional connections.
3:05 p.m. — Breakout Session: Landing High-Paying Gigs and Mastering Freelance Platforms
Participants had a breakout session focused on landing high-paying gigs, personal branding, positioning, negotiation, and mastering freelance platforms.
Facilitators guide attendees through practical steps to attract global clients, price their services confidently, and build strong personal brands. The sessions are interactive, with freelancers sharing experiences and learning proven strategies for standing out in competitive digital markets.
The atmosphere is focused yet collaborative, as participants take notes, ask questions, and connect with mentors for tailored advice.
2:30 p.m. — Entertainment Break
The energy stays high as Gigconnect 2025 moves into another entertainment break. Music fills Ruby Hall while attendees take time to relax, network, and enjoy light refreshments. Some join in the fun on stage as local performers keep the crowd entertained. The lively atmosphere reflects the perfect balance of learning, creativity, and community that defines the event.
2:05 p.m. — The Gig Hustle Challenge
Excitement fills the hall as The Gig Hustle Challenge kicks off, one of the most anticipated moments of Gigconnect 2025. Attendees take turns pitching their skills in 60 seconds, showcasing creativity, confidence, and quick thinking for a chance to win instant rewards.
Cheers and laughter echo through the hall as participants share their talents, from design and content creation to coding and marketing. The challenge perfectly captures the spirit of the gig economy: bold, fast-paced, and full of opportunity.
1:45 p.m. — Keynote: Building Africa’s Digital Workforce: The Real Catalyst for Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness by Ashley Immanuel
The afternoon session continues with a keynote address by Ashley Immanuel, Co-founder and CEO of Semicolon, titled “Building Africa’s Digital Workforce: The Real Catalyst for Economic Growth and Global Competitiveness.”
Ashley speaks passionately about the growing recognition of remote digital jobs as a key driver of prosperity across Africa. She highlights how Semicolon is developing tech-focused talent and businesses that equip young Africans to thrive in global markets.
“Africa’s digital workforce holds the power to redefine economic growth,” she says. “By building talent that can compete and collaborate globally, we’re not just creating jobs — we’re shaping the continent’s future.”
She adds that Africa’s progress depends on harnessing the creativity and adaptability of its young population.
“The future of work is already here, and it belongs to those who are ready to learn, innovate, and build solutions that matter,” Ashley notes.
Her message resonates deeply with the audience, earning warm applause as attendees reflect on the urgency of investing in digital skills for Africa’s next generation.
1:00 p.m. — Second Panel Session: How African Talents Can Thrive and Compete Globally with Babatope Oni, Daud Sulaimon Abiola, and Adebola ‘REZ’ Afolabi
Moderator: John Onuorah
The second panel session begins with John Onuorah, Digital Marketing Manager at Gigbanc, moderating a powerful discussion on how African talents can position themselves to compete on the global stage and secure international gigs.
Panel speakers include Babatope Oni, Co-founder and CTO of Gigbanc; Daud Sulaimon Abiola, Founder of Skill Afrika; and Adebola ‘REZ’ Afolabi, CTO of Soft-Thread Solutions and Founder of GAB.
Babatope sets the tone by addressing perceptions about African professionals in the global market.
“You have to treat your job well and always do your best work,” he says. “When you deliver quality, people refer you. Referrals matter — especially when you’re consistent, reliable and good at what you do.”
Daud follows, urging freelancers and digital professionals to identify their niche and align their skills with market demand.
“The global economy is moving very fast. So if you want to achieve great things. You have to align your skills with the demands of the world, and make sure you tie your skills to the path of your background. Be clear about your direction and build competence around it,” he explains.
Rounding off the discussion, Adebola emphasises competence and agility as key traits for global competitiveness.
“Competence comes first, and next is learning agility — the ability to learn fast and improve yourself. Invest in your growth, leverage online platforms, and keep unlearning and relearning. That’s how you compete globally,” he says.
The audience listens attentively, nodding and taking notes as the panelists share practical strategies for transforming local skills into global opportunities.
12:30 p.m. — Gigbanc Product Demonstration
The spotlight shifts to Gigbanc’s product showcase, where the team demonstrates how its platform is designed to simplify finance for freelancers and digital entrepreneurs. Attendees watch closely as the presenters walk through key features — from seamless cross-border payments to smart budgeting tools tailored for the gig economy.
There’s clear excitement in the room as participants see how Gigbanc aims to make managing freelance income easier and more transparent. The demo highlights Gigbanc’s vision of building financial tools that empower Africa’s growing community of independent professionals.
12:15 p.m. — Entertainment Break
The mood at Gigconnect 2025 lightens as the first entertainment break begins, featuring live performances that energise the hall. Attendees take a breather from the intense discussions, capturing moments on their phones and cheering as local artists take the stage. The music, laughter, and camera flashes fill Ruby Hall, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly blends creativity and community spirit.
11:30 a.m. — First Panel Session: Mastering Skills, Mindset, and Tools for Global Digital Success with Lynda Aguocha, Paul Omoregie Okundaye, and Onyinye Anene-Nzelu
Moderator: Alero Boyo
The first panel of Gigconnect 2025 gets underway, moderated by Alero Boyo, founder of AlexBoyo World. The discussion centres on how freelancers and digital professionals can sharpen their skills, mindset, and tools to compete on a global stage.
Joining the panel are Lynda Aguocha, TV host and founder of LivewithLynda; Paul Omoregie Okundaye, CEO of Gigbanc; and Onyinye Anene-Nzelu, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank.
Lynda speaks passionately about the importance of adopting the right tools in the creative and digital space.
“We’re in a age where things move very fast. AI is not here to take your job, its here to make you work faster. If you want to complete globally right now, you must know how AI will work for you. And you must know how to use it responsibly,” Lynda said.
Speaking virtually, Onyinye stresses the need for strategic skill development and excellence.
“You have to be skilled in whatever sector you’re in. To compete globally, you must be among the top one percent. Learn from those ahead of you and identify their core skills — that’s how you plan your growth,” she notes.
Onyinye also spoke on the rise of AI, and how it is reshaping industries:
“AI has come to stay, and we must adapt to it. It improves and makes you a better worker, and of course you must do your best to upskill irrespective of what AI gives you. Stay ahead of it and don’t be independent on it “ she said.
Paul wraps up with insights on cultivating the right mindset for global competitiveness.
“Your mindset defines how you approach your work. If you value your craft, others will value you. Confidence and excellence are the mindset shifts needed to stand out globally. So that’s a mindset you need to compete globally,” he explains.
The session closes to applause as attendees take notes and engage with the panel’s insights on mastering digital growth and competitiveness.
11:15 a.m. — Games and Icebreakers
The energy in the hall lifts as the Gigconnect 2025 team kicks off a round of interactive games and icebreakers. Attendees laugh, cheer, and mingle as they take part in short activities designed to spark connections and ease everyone into the day’s sessions.
The atmosphere feels relaxed and friendly, a true reflection of the community spirit behind the event.
11:00 a.m. — Welcome Address and Opening Remarks
The event officially opens with a warm welcome from Paul Omoregie Okundaye, CEO of Gigbanc. Taking the stage to applause, he thanks attendees for being part of the first-ever Gigconnect 2025.
He highlights Gigbanc’s vision to make freelancing and digital entrepreneurship more sustainable through access to finance, tools, and community support.
“It’s so great to see you all. I’m really excited,” he said. “I think its one of the goals of Gigbanc, to build a community. We want to empower the young generation of Africa to work in the digital space.”
His remarks set an inspiring tone for the day, as the audience responds with enthusiastic nods and applause.
10:00 a.m. — Arrival and Registration
Guests are arriving at Ruby Hall, Zone Tech Park, Gbagada, for Gigconnect 2025. The registration desk is busy as freelancers, creators, and digital professionals check in, collect their badges, and exchange greetings.
Soft music plays in the background while attendees take photos and settle in for the day’s sessions. The atmosphere is lively and full of anticipation.
