ISF bets on cross

The organisers of the Innovation and Scale Forum (ISF) are positioning this year’s edition as a reflection of a broader shift in Africa’s startup ecosystem, where founders are increasingly looking beyond domestic markets in search of regional growth, investment, and long-term sustainability.

The fourth edition of the ISF Forum, scheduled for November 27-28 in Ibadan, will convene more than 3,000 participants, over 50 speakers, and an online audience expected to exceed 10,000 viewers from more than 20 countries under the theme “Scale Without Borders.”

The theme comes at a time when African technology companies are moving from proving business models in individual markets to pursuing cross-border expansion, despite regulatory fragmentation, foreign exchange volatility, and infrastructure gaps that continue to complicate regional growth.

Organisers say the conference will focus on what it takes for African businesses to successfully scale across the continent, bringing together founders, investors, policymakers, and corporate executives to discuss financing, market expansion, digital infrastructure, and policy reforms needed to unlock continental growth.

“The 150-plus speakers across four editions of ISF Forum share one defining quality: they are building, funding, or enabling the things that will determine what Africa’s economy looks like in 20 years,” said David Adeleke, convener of ISF Forum and chief executive officer of Zeeh Africa.

“We created this platform because those conversations belong in a room that any serious founder or investor can access. ‘Scale Without Borders’ names the chapter Africa is in right now.”

The conference comes as investors increasingly demand stronger business fundamentals from African startups after several years of funding slowdowns. While venture capital has become more selective, founders are responding by prioritising profitability, regional expansion, and partnerships capable of supporting sustainable growth.

ISF organisers believe these trends have created demand for a platform that goes beyond startup showcases to facilitate conversations around scaling businesses across multiple African markets.

The event will feature a two-day conference programme, sector-focused panel discussions, networking sessions, and an awards gala recognising innovation across six categories, including Startup of the Year, Innovator of the Year, MSME Scale-Up of the Year, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Digital Infrastructure Award, and Consumer Innovation Award. Award nominations are opened ahead of the November event.

Since its launch, the forum has evolved into one of West Africa’s prominent innovation gatherings, attracting senior government officials, technology leaders, and development finance institutions. Previous editions featured speakers including the U.S. Consul General, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Group Chief Information Officer of the African Development Bank Group, while receiving coverage from leading business and technology media.

The organisers expect this year’s edition to further strengthen Ibadan’s growing reputation as an emerging destination for innovation and entrepreneurship outside Nigeria’s traditional commercial centres.

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