In July 2025, over 200 vibrant young professionals, innovators, and aspiring entrepreneurs gathered in Akure, Ondo State, for the AIESEC National Congress (NC) 2025. Hosted by AIESEC in Akure, this flagship leadership conference was designed to inspire action, spark innovation, and deepen collaboration among the next generation of changemakers.
The Hive was proud to support this gathering as a Gold Partner, providing both financial and in-kind sponsorship and delivering key sessions that advanced conversations around entrepreneurship, grassroots innovation, and startup development.
The Hive Sponsorship at a Glance
Our sponsorship for the National Congress, Akure 2025, was at the Gold Partner level, with a total value of ₦500,000. This included a cash contribution of ₦300,000 as well as an in-kind donation of ₦200,000 worth of food, specifically meat and chips, which was served to all attendees. Each food pack was thoughtfully branded with The Hive’s logo, social media handles, and community link, reinforcing our visibility and engagement throughout the event.
Key Moments from The Hive’s Participation
1. Keynote Engagement
The Hive team took the stage for a keynote session focused on innovation, startup growth, and the power of ecosystems. Our representatives, Temiloluwa Olalere, Programs & Partnerships Associate, and George Ayomipo, Programs Manager, engaged with a room full of passionate youth and future founders, sharing insights on how The Hive supports early-stage entrepreneurs.
2. Mini Pitching Competition
We hosted an impromptu pitching session that invited participants to share startup ideas on the spot. Constructive feedback was offered, and participants were encouraged to submit their business details for potential onboarding into The Hive’s incubation program. This initiative helped surface raw entrepreneurial talent from across the country.
3. Community Engagement
Throughout the week-long event, The Hive maintained a vibrant booth, interacted with delegates, and shared information about our programs, incubation opportunities, and upcoming events. Our branded materials were distributed widely, sparking conversations about innovation in underserved regions.
Impact Highlights
During the event, The Hive directly engaged with 215 young leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering meaningful connections that extended beyond the conference. Our efforts in the pitching session resulted in the collection of six promising startup leads, highlighting the untapped potential within the community. This engagement also contributed to significant brand growth, with approximately 40 new followers added across our social media platforms and increased interactions through tags and mentions by both AIESEC and conference delegates. Overall, our presence strengthened The Hive’s reputation as a community-driven, youth-focused, and innovation-first organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of changemakers.
Long-Term Opportunities
Our participation at the event sparked meaningful conversations that have extended well beyond the conference itself. We are actively following up with selected delegates who expressed interest in our incubation programs, while also exploring renewed opportunities for collaboration with AIESEC Akure on future initiatives. These ongoing efforts have further strengthened The Hive’s positioning as a key player in the youth innovation ecosystem across Southwest Nigeria.
What’s Next?
We are taking intentional steps to build on the momentum gained from the event by conducting follow-up calls and providing onboarding support for the promising pitching participants. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of quarterly co-hosted programs with AIESEC Akure to deepen our partnership and impact. To keep our community informed and engaged, we will continue publishing event-driven insights like this, sharing our journey and the progress we’re making together.
NC Akure 2025 was more than just a conference; it was a meeting point of purpose, potential, and progress. Our sponsorship and active involvement reaffirmed The Hive’s mission to uplift and empower young innovators through access, mentorship, and community support.
We’re excited about what’s ahead and even more committed to building inclusive ecosystems that unlock opportunity for all.
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