University hosts African Business and Students Innovation Summit

Published on 3, November, 2025

The African Business and Students Innovation Summit 2025 took place at the University of Sunderland on Friday 31 October, bringing together students, academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers and innovators.

Organised in partnership with the African Student Union UK, the University's Nigerian Students’ Society, and the Students’ Union, this year’s summit focused on the theme Smart Africa: AI-Driven Innovations for Sustainable Development, Shaping Africa’s Future. The discussions explored how artificial intelligence and new technologies could support economic growth, education, and sustainable development across the continent. 

The event included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and startup showcases, aimed at connecting African students with industry leaders and researchers working on technology and development.

The event featured a lineup of guest speakers, including Uchenna Moses, Digital Project Manager at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; Dr Akanimo Odon, Head of African Strategic Partnerships at Lancaster University; Dr Olusola Idowu from Hexis Lab Limited, a company focusing on sustainable and personalised solutions in the cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries; Dr Nana Adom, expert in global student recruitment strategies and academic research, and Omoyeni Mebude, Revenue Manager and founder and host of the podcast The Chronicles of an Immigrant.

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the African student community in the UK, Ambassador Yemi Soile, Founder and Head Coordinator of the Nigerian Students' Union UK and Head of the Steering Committee at the Nigerian Youths in Diaspora Organisation, was honoured with an award.

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque, also attended the opening ceremony alongside the Mayoress, Councillor Lynda Scanlan. The Mayor delivered an inspiring keynote address that set the tone for the day, celebrating Sunderland’s diversity, the positive impact of international students on the city, and the shared values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration that connect Africa and the UK.

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In recognition of their remarkable support for African students and their continued encouragement of multicultural integration, the Mayor and Mayoress were honoured with the AUSS Grand Patron of the Year Award, which will be formally presented to them at City Hall on Wednesday 5 November.

The University of Sunderland also received a distinguished honour as the Most Hospitable University of the Year, acknowledging its exceptional dedication to inclusivity and student community engagement.

Abel Eledan, President of the Nigerian Students Society and organiser of the event, said: "The African Business and Students Innovation Summit 2025 is more than an event, it’s a movement of young innovators, entrepreneurs, and scholars rewriting the African story from the heart of Sunderland. 

"Our goal is to empower every participant to see themselves not just as students, but as nation-builders and global change-makers.”