The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) and StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE (#StartupSouth) are joining forces to host the African Startup Investment Roundtable on September 30, 2025, in Owerri, Imo State.
The high-level gathering, slated as a pre-event to ABAN Congress 2025 in Lagos (October 17–18, 2025), will put the spotlight on deepening local capital participation in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, with a sharp focus on unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s South-East.
More than just a meeting, the Owerri roundtable will anchor a week of innovation-led conversations as part of #StartupSouthX, the 10th edition of the #StartupSouth ecosystem event (October 2–3). It is expected to draw angel investors, startup founders, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders from across Africa and the diaspora.
The partnership will:
Mobilise local and diaspora capital for high-growth African startups
Officially launch the Imo Business Angel Network (IBAN)
Showcase investment-ready ventures from South-East Nigeria and beyond
Strengthen cross-border investor networks and partnerships
Position Imo State as a benchmark for sub-national, innovation-driven economic growth
Speaking on the milestone, Uche Aniche, Convener of #StartupSouth, said:
“Hosting this roundtable in Owerri is more than symbolic, it’s strategic. It signals the South-East’s readiness to take a central role in shaping Africa’s innovation future. We’re creating a platform for local and diaspora capital to meet our founders where they are, and for investors to see first-hand the pipeline of brilliant, investment-ready ideas emerging from this region.”
Uche Aniche, #StartupSouth Convener
Yemi Keri, President of ABAN, highlighted the regional significance:
“Angel investing shouldn’t be confined to a handful of cities. By co-hosting in Owerri, we’re breaking that mold and showcasing the innovation strength of Nigeria’s South-East. Every founder—no matter their location—deserves access to smart capital and strong networks.”
Yemi Keri, ABAN President
Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of ABAN, framed the event in the wider context of ABAN’s mission:
“This roundtable is a prelude to the conversations we’ll have at ABAN Congress 2025 about a decade of impact and the bold, Africa-led capital solutions we’re building for the next. Our work with #StartupSouth helps ensure that no region is left behind.”
Fadilah Tchoumba, ABAN CEO
The Owerri event is supported by the Imo State Government through the Ministry of Digital Economy & E-Governance and the Imo Digital City project. It will feature curated startup showcases, investor-founder dialogues, and the unveiling of the IBAN Framework. Insights and outcomes from the event will flow directly into the discussions at ABAN Congress 2025 in Lagos.
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment: building robust, inclusive investment ecosystems at the regional level, and ensuring that the innovation stories from South-East Nigeria are part of Africa’s wider investment narrative.
