Event Review: Inside GigConnect 2025, A True Freelancers Party

LAGOS, Nigeria – Faith Salem* arrived at Zone Tech Park with her laptop bag tucked under her arm and a knot in her stomach. At 25, the graphic designer and University of Lagos graduate had built a modest portfolio of local logos and social media posts for small businesses in Nigeria. However, global clients remained a distant dream, something she could only glimpse when scrolling through her timeline on X, where freelancers often posted their international wins. “I arrived at the event and sat in a corner, wondering if I even belonged,” she recalls. Little did she know, she was about to find her tribe. 

Gigbanc’s inaugural GigConnect 2025, a day dedicated to hosting Africa’s digital hustlers, promised connections and insights. For Faith, it delivered something more profound: the quiet courage to step into her own story. The event, held at Ruby Hall in Gbagada, drew over 300 freelancers, creators, and remote workers under the theme “Unlocking Global Opportunities in the Digital Economy.” 

Morning Sessions at GigConnect 2025

Gigbanc is the neobank that has become a lifeline for Nigerian freelancers in cross-border payments. The event aimed to do more than just gather people and talk. It wanted to build a community of freelancers and players in Nigeria’s gig economy, one where each freelancer can collaborate, enjoy shared wins and cultivate a sense of belonging. Faith, who’d only registered for the event the day before, started her day with the welcome from CEO Paul Omoregie Okundaye. 

His words hit home. “We want to empower the young generation of Africa to work in the digital space,” he said, his enthusiasm cutting through the morning crowd. For Faith, who’d quit a 9-to-5 last year to freelance full-time, it was validation. “Finally, someone gets it,” she thought. “This isn’t just about money; it’s about seeing your hustle as valid.”

The morning came alive with panels that combined inspiration with practical advice. Moderated by Alero Boyo of AlexBoyo World, the first session, “Mastering Skills, Mindset, and Tools for Global Digital Success,” featured Lynda Aguocha, TV host and founder of LivewithLynda, alongside Omoregie and Onyinye Anene-Nzelu, a World Bank energy specialist, who joined virtually. The panellists shared invaluable insights, from the role of AI in the industry to the importance of learning from global leaders. This wealth of knowledge left Faith and the other attendees feeling more informed and empowered in their digital careers.

Anene-Nzelu brought a global edge to the conversation. “To compete, you must be among the top one percent,” she advised. “Learn from those ahead, identify their strengths, and plan your growth accordingly.” By the time Omoregie concluded with a call for confidence, “Your mindset defines how you approach your work; if you value your craft, others will value you,” Temi knew she was right to have attended this event.

Lunch and Some Trivia

Soon it was time for lunch, and with it, a chance for attendees to take a breather and connect. Trivia, games, and some laughter accompanied it. However, as the event resumed, the afternoon’s second panel raised the stakes for Faith and other attendees of Gigconnect 2025. 

John Onuorah, Gigbanc’s digital marketing manager, moderated “How African Talents Can Thrive and Compete Globally,” bringing in Babatope Oni, Gigbanc’s CTO; Daud Sulaiman Abiola of Skill Afrika; and Adebola ‘REZ’ Afolabi, CTO of Soft-Thread Solutions and founder of GAB. 

Oni spoke bluntly about stereotypes and consistency. “Deliver quality, and people will refer you,” he said. “Referrals matter, especially when you’re reliable and consistent.” Abiola, on the other hand, stressed the importance of niche clarity. “The global economy is moving very fast,” he noted. “Be clear about your direction and identify what the world needs.” 

Afolabi nailed the essence of a learning curve and the process itself. “Competence comes first, and next is the ability to learn fast,” he said. “Invest in yourself, keep unlearning and relearning, that’s how you compete globally.” 

The room was buzzing with enthusiasm and motivation as the panel concluded to thunderous applause.

The keynote from Ashley Immanuel, co-founder of Semicolon, was bold and proclamatory. “Africa’s digital workforce holds the power to redefine economic growth,” she declared. “By building talent that can compete and collaborate globally, we’re shaping the continent’s future.” It was not a shy remark, but a realistic one that spoke about the continent’s potential as much as it did the blockers.

For Faith, who left her traditional 9-5 to chase design dreams while her family questioned the stability, it was a mirror. “Africa’s progress depends on nurturing young innovators ready to adapt and create impact,” Immanuel added.  

Subsequently, there were other masterclasses: Habeeb Ajijola took the podium to discuss Client Acquisition and Retention, while LivewithLynda expertly handled personal branding, Positioning, and negotiation. Sulaimon Abiola led a masterful tour of Freelancing Platforms. 

Games, Music and an After-Party

However, the energetic Gig Hustle Challenge stole the show for most people. It was an entertaining session where freelancers pitched their skills for cash and mentorship in 60 seconds. The challenge not only showcased the diverse talents present but also provided a platform for freelancers to network and learn from each other. 

Gigbanc capped the day with a demo of new features. The company introduced cashback on bills, gamified rewards, and business tiers, which greatly delighted users. Finally, the after-party. Ruby Hall was transformed into an Afrobeat concert venue, and the DJ spawned bangers that turned techies into varying imitations of Poco Lee, in terms of quality.

All in all, it was a successful, well-planned, and engaging event that delivered on its promises, especially for an inaugural edition. Zulqarinain Shuaib, a language scholar, captured the vibe. “Gigbanc is doing what I would have expected big players like Flutterwave and Paystack to do,” he said. “The energy, the opportunity to cross-fertilise ideas, is priceless.” Oluwaseun Adedeji, a product designer, agreed. “I came expecting a typical tech talk, but what Gigbanc delivered was real value, from actionable insights to actual opportunities.”

See You in 2026!

As the sun set, Faith made her way out of Gbagada with quality contacts, renewed confidence, and a plan. For her, GigConnect 2025 wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder that in the gig life, you’re never truly alone. With Africa’s digital workforce on the rise, moments like these could be the lifeline freelancers need to propel themselves to the top of the gig pyramid. And for Faith, it was exactly that. She left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear roadmap for her future in the digital economy. 

*(real name not used in this Gigconnect 2025 review)