Nigeria Leads Global Innovation Stages at LEAP 2025 in Saudi Arabia

Nigeria made a noteworthy impact at LEAP 2025, the premier technology event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria took a monumental step in asserting its position as a global leader in innovation. A powerful delegation of government officials, business moguls, visionary entrepreneurs, and investors gathered to spotlight Nigeria’s growing role in the global digital economy.

At the forefront of this historic representation was Folajimi Daodu, CEO & Founder of Vault Hill, whose strategic leadership ensured Nigeria was not only present but actively shaping discussions on fintech, AI, blockchain, climate tech, investment, and digital transformation, according to a statement.

Furthermore, with Nigeria’s technology ecosystem gaining international recognition, LEAP 2025 provided an unparalleled platform to reinforce the country’s position as a key player in global innovation and economic advancement.

A strategic representation of Nigeria’s Best Minds delegation at LEAP 2025 featured an impressive lineup of industry leaders and policymakers, each contributing valuable insights on the future of digital transformation and economic development.

However, Nigeria’s participation was a game-changer. The country unveiled its forward-thinking digital strategies, spotlighting its remarkable advancements in sectors such as fintech, agri-tech, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and e-health. Nigerian tech startups, many of which are making waves on the international stage, presented their cutting-edge solutions to global challenges, proving that Africa’s most populous nation is not just a consumer of innovation but a creator of transformative technologies.

At the event, Oludele Awodele, a professor at Babcock University delivered a thought-provoking session on AI, Data Sovereignty & Blockchain, examining how these technologies will shape the education sector and ensure digital equity and Maria Dervenco, COO, of Vault Hill, according to the statement spoke on the intersection of AI, blockchain, and immersive technology, emphasizing Nigeria’s role in digital identity and the future of the metaverse.

Leonard Uguru, Commissioner for Finance, Ebonyi State took the stage in a high-level panel discussion on “Regulation vs Innovation”, highlighting Nigeria’s balanced approach to fintech policy and economic growth; Olu Oyinsan, Managing Partner, Oui Capital, made a presentation on Bridging the Digital Divide & Financial Empowerment, underlining Africa’s potential in digital finance.

Folajimi Daodu,CEO, of Vault Hill, delivered two high-impact addresses: “Global Perspectives on Impact Investing”, positioning Nigeria as a prime destination for tech-driven investments. The second presentation was on “The Role of AI in Merging Gaming, Fintech, and Digital Assets”, showcasing Nigeria’s innovation in the evolving digital economy and Henry Mascot, founder of, Curacel led discussions on Next-Generation APIs & the Future of Fintech Innovation, reinforcing Nigeria’s fintech dominance.

The statement further said that beyond the conference halls, the Nigerian delegation led by Folajimi Daodu paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Riyadh, where they engaged in discussions on: Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – Securing strategic investments for Nigerian enterprises and startups; Expanding bilateral trade partnerships – Strengthening Nigeria’s position as a preferred business partner in the Middle East and Scaling Nigerian businesses globally – Facilitating expansion opportunities for Nigerian companies in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.

Throughout LEAP 2025, Nigeria’s participation underscored the nation’s commitment to driving digital transformation, fostering economic growth, and spearheading technological progress across Africa and beyond. The Nigerian delegation emphasized the country’s strategic role in harnessing technology to address critical issues like poverty, healthcare, education, and climate change. Nigeria’s leadership in this space was marked by powerful conversations with international stakeholders and private-sector giants, securing new partnerships that promise to fuel the nation’s technological and economic growth.

Nigeria’s prominence at LEAP 2025 is a testament to its vibrant, rapidly expanding digital economy. The country’s impact presence at this global event positions it as a leader in Africa’s tech scene and a key player in the global digital transformation narrative. The future is bright for Nigeria as it continues to break new ground in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship on the world stage.

Source: Businessday