As global markets brace for a new era of digital reinvention, Africa’s future will be shaped by bold decisions, long-term thinking, and a willingness to bet on homegrown innovation. That was the resounding message at Texcellence Prelude 2025, a closed-door leadership forum hosted by CWG Plc in Lagos, Nigeria.
Under the theme “Betting on the Future: Making Bold Decisions in a Tech-Driven World,” the Prelude brought together nearly 200 senior executives across technology, finance, public service, investment, and energy. It served as a strategic lead-up to the Texcellence Conference 2025, CWG’s flagship pan-African tech gathering scheduled for October 14th, which will expand on the theme “Future-Forward Africa: Leveraging Technology for Global Competitiveness.”
In a marketplace defined by volatility and rapid change, the Prelude challenged Africa’s business leaders to rethink their relationship with risk, not only as investors or executives, but as system-builders capable of shaping the continent’s digital trajectory.
The event was opened with a provocative keynote by global decision science expert and former professional poker player, Caspar Berry, who drew parallels between high-stakes poker strategy and executive decision-making in volatile business environment. In poker, uncertainty isn’t something to eliminate, but is the environment the players must learn to operate in.
Berry likened this to business and life, where impactful decisions are rarely made with complete information. The real challenge, he explained, lies in developing the confidence to act despite ambiguity, as that’s where meaningful change takes root.
The event also featured a panel session with a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote (Director General/CEO, National Identity Management Commission)
- Abubakar Suleiman (CEO, Sterling Bank)
- Adewale Adeyipo (Group CEO, CWG Plc)
- Yomi Jemibewon (Managing Partner, CardinalStone Capital Advisors)
- Dr. Julius Oni (Founder, Ortho Nigeria International)
Together, they explored the nuanced realities of taking calculated risk in unpredictable environments, sharing their personal stories and how they navigated the process.
Each speaker brought a unique lens on how leaders in Africa must balance caution with conviction, act without full certainty, and build cultures that support risk-taking. They also shared reflections on judgment—how to know when to jump in and when to step back, as well as the importance of timing, stakeholder engagement, and long-term thinking in making bold moves that endure.
Together, their stories offered a masterclass in courageous leadership, grounded in real-world African contexts.
The event also drew an impressive lineup of industry leaders and senior executives, including Mr. Femi Bakre (MD/CEO, Parallex Bank), Mr. Elias Igbinakenzua (MD, Globus Bank), Mr. Ayotunde Coker (MD/CEO, Open Access Data Centres), Mr. Ibrahim Adeyanju (MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone), Mr. Gbolahan Joshua (COO, FCMB), Mrs. Taba Peterside (CEO, Waveline Growth), Mr. Jude Chiemeka (CEO, NGX), Mr. Oluseye Olusoga (MD/CEO, Parthian Capital Limited), and Mr. Abimbola Owoeye (Country Manager, Dell), among others.
Speaking at the event, Adewale Adeyipo, Group CEO, CWG Plc spoke on the importance of visionary leadership. “As leaders, we must get comfortable with calculated risk. You observe the market, see the gaps, anticipate the shifts, and build anyway. Waiting for 100% certainty is a sure way to miss what the future holds.”
From fintech and healthtech to education and energy, Africa has proven its capacity for breakthrough innovation. Yet, the success stories rarely emerge from predictable paths, but are forged by individuals and institutions who understand that transformation comes from conviction, even when outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
“The companies that shape the next decade won’t be the ones that play it safe,” added Afolabi Sobande, CWG’s Group COO. “They’ll be the ones that make bold bets and back them with execution, resilience, and vision.”
In an era of macroeconomic instability and tightening global capital, Africa’s opportunity lies in building differently: by placing trust in its people, developing digital infrastructure, and funding scalable, locally-relevant solutions. The Texcellence Leadership Prelude was a call to action, urging stakeholders to lead change.
As the Texcellence Conference returns this October, the conversation will widen, drawing in founders, policymakers, global investors, regulators, and technology pioneers from across the continent and beyond. Together, they will explore how to operationalise bold decisions into systems that power Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Africa’s digital story is far from written. But as the world watches, one truth is clear: the continent’s next chapter will belong to the risk-takers.
For further information about the upcoming Texcellence 2025 Conference, please contact: efe.ukpebor@cwg-plc.com | efe@thetexcellenceconference.com https://thetexcellenceconference.com/
