On October 9, 2025, leaders in climate innovation, government, finance, academia, and enterprise will convene at the FC4S Lagos Office to inaugurate the DICE Africa Project. Hosted by Adamu Garba (COO, NCIC), with keynote addresses from Bankole Oloruntoba (CEO, NCIC) and Mrs Titi Oshodi (Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Climate Matters).
The event showcases vital research and actionable solutions, driving digital transformation and inclusive finance for Africa’s circular SME clusters. Some of the guests and moderators include Dr Stanley Ibeku, Precious Francis, and other thought leaders from academia, finance, and green tech.
Unlocking Africa’s Circular Economy through Digital Transformation
With rapid urbanisation and mounting waste in Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, DICE Africa is stepping forward to ignite digital innovation for circular economy SMEs. Over 50 stakeholders will gather to launch its inception report, promising transformative models and positioning Africa as a global leader in sustainability.
Bankole Oloruntoba (Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC)) will welcome guests and set the tone for a day focused on impact and value-creating solutions to tackle the challenges of a viable circular economy.
Collaboration, Research, and Gender Lens Drive High-Impact Solutions
The agenda will feature an overview by Marie-Gloriose Ingabire (IDRC Regional Director) outlining the DICE Africa Project’s goal, which is to identify scalable digital solutions, map circular SME clusters, promote gender equity, and recommend market and policy actions.
Adamu Garba and Dr Stanley Ibeku will lead fireside chats unpacking the project’s breakthrough insights, focusing on urgent calls for ecosystem strengthening, digital infrastructure investment, and unified policy reform to accelerate Africa’s transition to inclusive, sustainable circular economies.
Moderated by Precious Francis, expert panel sessions will feature Dr Olawale Anifowose, Dr Natalie Beinisch, Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro, Victor Komolafe, and Emmanuel Etaderhi—sharing strategic perspectives on digital transformation and inclusive finance as critical levers for scaling circular economy SMEs across Africa.
Accelerating Impact for Women, Youth, and Sustainability Leaders
Speakers will spotlight the game-changing promise of gender-smart digital innovation for women-led and youth enterprises. Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro will explore opportunities for local green tech startups, while Dr Olawale Anifowose will address bridging academic policy with real-world commercialisation.
The keynote will be delivered by the Deputy High Commissioner of the Canadian Consulate Lagos, focusing on “Digital Innovations as a Catalyst for Africa’s Circular Economy,” and exploring how technology can drive inclusive, sustainable change and unlock new pathways for the continent’s circular transformation.
Mobilising Communities and Governments for Circular Transformation
The event will close with inspiring presentations from Uade Ahimie, Chief Coordinating Officer at Sustainable Stories Advocates (owners and managers of https://sustainablestories.africa, a new media and consulting outfit focused on ESG-related issues), and Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of the NCIC.
Their remarks will encourage all participants to champion, educate, and amplify ESG action and scale impact across Africa’s climate and circular economy landscape.
The Path Forward
DICE Africa’s launch sets a new benchmark for the continent, where digital innovation, gender inclusion, and grassroots enterprise are fused to build resilient SME clusters.
Confronting Africa’s accelerating environmental, social, and economic pressures, success now demands ongoing multi-stakeholder action. From government to academia, collaboration and best-practice exchange must anchor climate adaptation and elevate opportunity for all communities.
