Lagos — On Saturday, October 25, 2025, hundreds of freelancers, digital creators, remote workers and gig professionals from across Nigeria converged at Ruby Hall, Zone Tech Park, Gbagada, for the inaugural edition of GigConnect 1.0, organised by fintech startup Gigbanc. Billed as a one‑day networking and capacity‑building event, GigConnect 1.0 aimed to strengthen Africa’s growing gig economy by equipping talents with the skills, tools and global connections needed to thrive in international markets.
The session shed light on the core need of African digital talents with insights to actionable strategies for freelancers and gig workers. Paul Okundaye stressed on personality,peers, and mentorship as three important part of a network.
Another standout session — “How African Talents Can Thrive Globally” — dove into practical strategies for freelancers aspiring to land dollar‑denominated gigs: building reputation through quality delivery, communicating their value clearly, and maintaining visibility. Speakers emphasised consistency and professional excellence as key differentiators. Beyond talks and panels, GigConnect 1.0 featured a “Gig Hustle Challenge,” a fast‑pitch contest where freelancers had 60–120 seconds to sell their skills or unique services to the live audience. The winner walked away with a cash prize — a symbolic boost for a community eager for financial recognition.
To keep the energy lively, the day also included musical performances and entertainment, creating a festival‑like atmosphere that celebrated the gig community rather than just treating them as workshop participants.
Since its launch, Gigbanc has supported over 100,000 talents and processed more than USD $3 million in payouts for freelancers and remote workers — underscoring its commitment to making cross‑border payments and global gigs accessible. By combining education, networking, financial tools and community vibes, GigConnect 1.0 signalled a new era for Nigeria’s gig economy — one in which freelancers aren’t just hustling solo, but part of a growing, supportive ecosystem with resources, visibility and global reach.
Leave a Reply