Benin City hosted one of Africa’s boldest technological declarations on Friday, September 26, 2025. The GritinAI Connect: AI Conference Edo 2025 gathered innovators, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs to chart how artificial intelligence can solve pressing African challenges.
- Benin City hosted one of Africa’s boldest technological declarations on Friday, September 26, 2025.
- The GritinAI Connect: AI Conference Edo 2025 gathered innovators, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs to chart how artificial intelligence can solve...
- Plenary sessions soon followed, including a discussion on “AI for Sustainable Development in Edo State: Now and the Future.” Panellists Efosa...
- A marketplace for solutions The second day focused on execution.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on Africa — everything you need to know is covered below.
Organised by Ugochukwu Peter Nnachor with support from Oluwafunmike Adeyemi, Favour Chima, Destiny Erieme, Benedict Emoekabu, and a committed volunteer team, the event signalled a turning point for Edo State and Nigeria’s role in the AI movement.
Held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, the two-day conference focused on practical adoption of AI in education, health, governance, agriculture, and small businesses.
The first day featured keynotes, plenaries, and technical sessions, while the second day showcased solutions and startups with working products. The gathering also extended online, attracting participants from across Africa and beyond.
Moving from vision to action
Dr Edoghogho Olaye, Director at the University of Benin’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence Development, opened the conference with a call for AI solutions tailored to local realities.
Plenary sessions soon followed, including a discussion on “AI for Sustainable Development in Edo State: Now and the Future.”
Panellists Efosa Iguodala, Jobina Arinze, and Kelvin Edionwe outlined immediate steps, such as embedding AI in education and governance and long-term strategies to position Edo as a regional AI hub.
A technical workshop by Tony Edgal gave participants a practical look at building and deploying AI models. This shift from abstract ideas to hands-on demonstrations drew praise from attendees eager to see real-world applications. Virtual contributors added perspectives from outside Nigeria, showing that the conference was part of a broader continental push.
As AI awareness and maximisation expand, its responsible use is a key concern. This concern was the session’s focus on Ethical AI Usage, led by Ibukun Bankole, Head of Content at Techpression.
Bankole explained that “Using AI is like driving a car. You enjoy the ride but follow traffic rules so nobody gets hurt.” She highlighted key ethics of transparency, privacy, and accountability as a guide to ensure developers and users of AI remain responsible as they maximise it.
A marketplace for solutions
The second day focused on execution. GritinAI presented its core services, including AI consultation, custom solutions, analytics, and research support. Two flagship products drew attention: an AI-powered analytics dashboard that helps small businesses track sales in real time and an intelligent inventory system designed for retailers.
These tools highlighted how homegrown innovation can address African business needs without dependence on foreign models.
Startups also pitched their products to potential investors, with solutions ranging from education platforms to health diagnostics. The pitches sparked conversations about scalability, regulation, and funding. The event quickly became a marketplace for collaboration, with investors and innovators exploring next steps beyond the conference stage.
Building Africa’s AI ecosystem
For the convener, Peter Nnachor, the conference is an opportunity to shed light on AI’s impact across industries and strata of society.
According to him, “The idea is to ensure AI adoption down to the grassroots outside the different conversations on AI. I’m particular about adoption, even in underserved areas, to create more opportunities.”
Participants explain that the highlight was the networking that linked students with mentors and startups with investors.
The organisers closed the event with commitments to expand mentorship, publish learnings, and roll out pilot projects. GritinAI announced its ongoing 100 Days of Code Challenge and the October launch of its Data Analysis Training Cohort 6, which aims to equip young Africans with practical skills.
“We’re democratising AI adoption beyond mere discussions. GritinAI equips governments, academia, and businesses with practical AI skills and tailored solutions to drive meaningful impact. Our goal is to empower Africa’s growth, innovation, and prosperity through accessible, context-driven AI technology, Nnachor added.”
The central message from Benin was that Africa is not only ready for AI but determined to shape its trajectory. GritinAI Connect 1.0 positioned Edo State as a driver of this agenda, offering a platform that blended ideas, ethics, products, and partnerships. What began as a gathering is now a growing movement, with promises to scale into future editions that will continue to push Africa’s AI frontier.