As part of efforts geared at exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries across the continent and what the next decade of innovation might hold, Kora’s second edition of “Sundown Sessions” brought together some of Africa’s leading voices in business and technology to steer these conversations.
Held in Lagos and themed, “AI in Africa: Scaling Beyond the Hype,” the event drew over 400 entrepreneurs, creatives and tech executives. Conversations centered on how AI is redefining creativity, productivity and competitiveness across key African sectors, from fashion and finance to agriculture and media.
The evening opened with a fireside chat between Ifeanyi Nwunne, Creative Director of I.N Official Limited and Yinka Ash, Founder and CEO of Ashcorp Group, moderated by Dickson Nsofor, CEO of Kora.
“AI only threatens people who stop innovating,” Nwunne said. “Across fashion and other industries, it helps us visualize ideas faster and bring more precision to our craft.”
Ash added that technology should be seen as a collaborator, not a competitor. “AI can automate tasks, but it cannot replicate human creativity or experience,” he said. “When we use it as a partner, we position ourselves to compete globally.”
A panel discussion on “How Will AI Reshape Business Models in Africa” followed, featuring Somtochukwu Ifezue (PiggyVest), Onyinye Olisah (Onus Financial Services), Buchi Okoro (Quidax), Frank Atat (Industry Practitioner), and Ugodre Obi-Chukwu (Nairametrics), moderated by Chigozirim Nwokeoma of Techpoint Africa.
Panelists shared insights on how AI is driving operational efficiency, data management, and customer engagement across sectors.
Ifezue noted that PiggyVest uses AI to “enhance productivity and accelerate learning across teams.”
Olisah warned against overreliance on automation, saying “AI is powerful, but it can only go as far as we guide it. Without human creativity, it becomes a replacement, not a tool.”
Okoro emphasised responsible adoption in financial services: “Data protection is everything. We have internal policies to ensure AI is used responsibly and securely.”
Atat highlighted AI’s promise in agriculture, from soil testing to smarter crop management.
Obi-Chukwu discussed its impact on journalism: “AI can assist with research and drafting, but originality remains a human art.”
The night’s keynote address came from Iyinoluwa Aboyeji , Founding Partner at Future Africa, who urged African innovators to broaden their focus beyond financial technology.
“There’s so much to build,” Aboyeji said. “We need to go beyond just building unicorns. Everything, from trade to governance, depends on the digital infrastructure that connects us. Too many Africans still lack access to that foundation.”
Concluding, Kora’s CEO, Dickson Nsofor, said thir goal is to create spaces where technology and community intersect. “AI is driving a new phase of Africa’s digital growth. Progress happens when technology meets people, that’s what Sundown Sessions is about,” he said.
The event also featured a showcase of Kora’s latest product suite, including new AI-driven tools for payments and risk management designed to help African businesses scale more efficiently.
