Deji Garuba is a visionary innovation leader, ecosystem builder, and unapologetic champion of African ingenuity. He is the Co-Founder of Arewa Tech Fest, one of West Africa’s most influential technology gatherings. The festival convenes thousands of innovators annually and highlights the digital transformation sweeping across Northern Nigeria. Deji is also the Co-Founder of the Arewa Tech Fund, which mobilizes strategic investment to scale Northern Nigeria’s emerging tech ecosystem.

He founded the Africa Innovation Foundry (AIF), a next-generation accelerator dedicated to nurturing African founders and promoting indigenous solutions. Through AIF, he builds pathways for startups to access mentorship, market expansion, and transformative capital.

He serves as the Executive Director of the Africa-Nordic Innovation Exchange, where he drives high-impact collaborations between Africa and the Nordic region. Under his leadership, the initiative connects African startups with Nordic capital, policy support, and frontier technology.

Deji also serves on the Advisory Board of Afrilab AI Hub, shaping its strategic direction and advocating for ethical, inclusive AI development across Africa. His work advances AI-driven solutions in healthcare, agriculture, education, and public service delivery.

Recognized among Africa’s Top 50 Voices in Tech, he remains a prominent voice in policy, innovation, and venture development. With over a decade of leadership experience, Deji is a trusted advisor to startups, corporates, and governments. He is also a sought-after speaker and mentor committed to accelerating Africa’s innovation future.