At SkillConnect, we’ve always believed in the power of innovation to transform lives. The Africa Startup Festival 2024 was an opportunity to showcase our platform to a diverse and vibrant audience, and the experience was nothing short of incredible.
Why We Attended the Africa Startup Festival
The festival wasn’t just an event for us, it was a milestone. As we prepare for the official launch of our platform in February 2025, attending the Africa Startup Festival allowed us to:
- Introduce SkillConnect to the creative community.
- Gather valuable feedback on our MVP to refine our platform.
- Build strategic connections with investors, industry stakeholders, and potential users.
- Inspire confidence in our mission to transform Nigeria’s creative industry.
We had a simple goal: to share our vision and rally support for a platform designed to make a real difference.
The Visionary Behind SkillConnect
At the heart of SkillConnect is our Founder, Patrick Ubuane, whose vision for the platform is rooted in solving some of the most persistent challenges in the creative industry. Speaking about his inspiration for SkillConnect, Patrick said:
“The creative industry in Nigeria is bursting with talent, but it’s held back by inefficiencies and a lack of trust. SkillConnect is about changing that. We want to create a platform where clients and freelancers can collaborate seamlessly, delivering quality work and ensuring timely payments. No more ‘what I ordered vs. what I got,’ and no more chasing payments after jobs are done. This is about building trust, professionalism, and opportunity.”
Patrick’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping SkillConnect into a platform that puts people first, addressing the real needs of creatives and businesses alike.
Our Experience at the Festival
Led by Yvonne Ojo, our Product Manager, the SkillConnect team—including Cordilia Nwaoko (Marketing Manager) and Emmanuel Adedoyin Sorounmu (Senior Frontend Developer)—engaged directly with over 120 attendees during the festival. This included investors, industry leaders, and freelancers, many of whom were excited to see how SkillConnect could meet their needs.
Rather than taking the stage, our team approached attendees individually, offering personalized demos of the MVP. These one-on-one interactions allowed us to explain how SkillConnect addresses pain points like payment disputes and mismatched expectations.
Yvonne reflected on the experience:
“The festival was a transformative moment for us. It was incredible to see how many people resonated with our vision. The feedback we received will help us refine the platform and ensure it delivers exactly what the creative community needs.”
Building a Better Future for Creatives
With over 2,000 individuals already on our waitlist, it’s clear that SkillConnect is addressing a real gap in the market. But this is just the beginning.
At the festival, we also engaged with over 30 investors and held discussions with five organizations about potential collaborations in skill development, technology integration, and community building. These partnerships will be critical as we prepare for our launch in 2025.
How You Can Support Our Mission
The success of SkillConnect isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Whether you’re a freelancer, a client, or someone who believes in the power of innovation to solve real problems, we need your support to bring this vision to life.
Here’s how you can help:
- Join our waitlist: Be among the first to experience the benefits of SkillConnect. Sign up here.
- Spread the word: Share our story with your network and on social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok (@myskillconnect) and tag us to let others know about the movement.
- Partner with us: If you’re an investor or part of an organization that supports innovation and skill development, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to build a brighter future for the creative industry.
A Future Built on Vision and Collaboration
Our journey at the Africa Startup Festival reinforced what we’ve always believed: that the creative industry is full of untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. Under the leadership of Patrick Ubuane, SkillConnect is committed to being the catalyst for that transformation.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. Together, we can create a platform that empowers creatives, drives employment, and delivers value to businesses across Nigeria and beyond.
Stay connected, and let’s build this future together.
– The SkillConnect Team
