“The [new] Language of Technology: The Future of Communication in Africa,” #SMWLagos 2017 kicked-off yesterday on a high note with thought leading keynotes, engaging panels and masterclasses.
Facebook’s Chief Product Officer Chris Cox opened Social Media Week Lagos 2017 with a talk titled, “The Future of Media,” where he spoke about AfroBeat artist Femi Kuti’s first Facebook Live from the Afrikan Shrine in Lagos.
CNN Africa’s panel led by Stephanie Busari explored the possibilities of transforming African storytelling through the use of live video. We couldn’t agree more with Adetomiwa Aladekomo when he remarked “video has allowed Africans to let the world know we’re more than wars” and our favourite quote from this panel was Stephanie Busari’s opening statement “Social Media has become the media in Africa.”
The Future of Digital Publishing Summit by Guardian was a major part of the Future of Media Day. From discussions on breakthrough storytelling and platforms eroding the power of publishers to talks on what Africa’s investors are looking for in digital media, the Guardian gave SMW Lagos attendees data-backed insights into what the future holds for digital publishing in Africa.
VISA’s panel on the future of doing business in Africa was everything we looked forward to! It featured some of our favourite speakers and explored how major payment technology firms help media businesses access cross-platform technology. It also touched on how businesses in Africa can innovate to grow through next-generation technology and build industry standards.
Although there was a lot going on at the Landmark Event Centre yesterday, Pulse.ng cut through the noise and convinced us that podcasts will take over as the new FM in no time, MainOne served us insider secrets on how to build the next billion naira business in Nigeria and Purple couldn’t help but invite everyone to the table as leaders from business, government and popular culture spoke at their event about real ways social media and technology open their sectors to real change in the mix of men/women, young/old across all levels.