Kora, the Lagos-based fintech infrastructure provider, reinforced its leadership in Africa’s AI and digital transformation landscape as it hosted the second edition of its Sundown Sessions themed, AI in Africa: Scaling Beyond the Hype. The gathering drew fintech operators, technology founders, investors, and ecosystem builders to discuss how artificial intelligence will redefine the continent’s digital economy.
The evening opened with a compelling keynote by tech pioneer Iyin Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela, Flutterwave, and Moove, who urged African entrepreneurs to embrace the magnitude of the moment. According to him, the global economy is now fundamentally digital positioning African founders to build boldly and reshape entire industries.
Throughout the event, conversations explored AI’s impact on both creativity and business fundamentals. The creator-focused dialogue between Ifeanyi Nwunne and Yinka Ash, moderated by Kora CEO Dickson Nsofor, emphasized how AI is unlocking new modes of artistic and cultural expression. A subsequent business-focused session brought together Piggyvest’s Somtochukwu Ifezue, Nairametrics’ Ugodre Obi-Chukwu, Onus Financial Services’ Onyinye Olisah, former FCMB executive Frank Atat, and Quidax CEO Buchi Okoro. They examined how automation, data intelligence, and operational optimization will reshape African business models.
Investor insights from North22’s Lexi Novitske, Antler Africa’s Anil Atmaramani, and Dream VC’s Leslie Okechukwu highlighted the AI categories most likely to produce Africa’s next generation of high-value companies. They pointed to Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa as the ecosystems best positioned to produce the continent’s first $100 million AI-native startup.
Kora also used the event to unveil Kovo, its newest product enabling businesses to accept payments and manage orders directly within instant messaging apps. Jime Akpusugh, Kora’s Head of Innovation, described it as a leap toward simplifying commerce for businesses of all sizes and lowering the technical barriers to digital payments.
CEO Dickson Nsofor reiterated Kora’s AI-first operating philosophy, noting that every internal role already works with an AI agent to enhance efficiency. He also announced the company’s expansion plans for 2026, with market entries expected across Africa and into the United States, Canada, China, and Hong Kong.The 2025 Sundown Sessions underscored both the promise and complexity of Africa’s AI evolution. As attendees networked and exchanged ideas, the event reaffirmed Kora’s commitment to building the infrastructure and the community powering Africa’s next era of digital innovation.
