What Is SMFest? Everything You Need to Know About Nigerians Tech Conference.

One tech event has been gaining a lot of attention from thousands of creators, professionals, developers, marketers, and upcoming entrepreneurs across Nigeria; SMFest.

From exciting conferences to skill-building programs like SMFest Academy, and its growing reach in cities like SMFest Owerri and SMFest Abuja, we’ll help you understand why this event matters.

If you’re someone who loves tech or you’re just curious to know what SMFest is all about, this article will show you its main goals, the impact it’s making, and how you can get involved.

2.3What’s Special About SMFest?

3What is SMFest All About?

6.2Influencer

6.3Explorer

6.4Virtual Pass

7Benefits of SMFest

8Frequently Asked Questions

9Conclusion

10References

11Recommendations

What is SMFest?

Social Media Festival (SMFEST) is a top annual event in Nigeria that focuses on technology and digital ideas. It brings together experts in social media, business leaders, creative people, startup owners, students, and everyday tech users.

The goal is for everyone to learn new things, connect with others, and grow in the digital space.

As a way to help young Africans get closer to technology, especially those who intend to build a career online or even start their digital businesses, this event started in 2021 and pulled together an amazing number of people too real for the first time.

At SMFest, people can learn directly from experts in different areas, like:

Social media marketing
Starting a tech business
Financial technology (fintech)
Writing code and building apps
Using tech to improve businesses
Artificial intelligence (AI)
Building brands and telling stories that sell

Who Founded SMFest?

Ajah Excel is the convener of SMFest. He created SMFest to help young people in Africa learn useful digital and social media skills.

These skills help them grow their businesses, build their brands, and succeed in creative careers.

Even though there have been challenges along the way, Ajah Excel has helped SMFest grow into events in different cities like SMFest Owerri, SMFest Awka, and the new SMFest Abuja.

How to Volunteer

Currently, the volunteer application for SMFest Abuja is closed. However, out of the 400 applications that came in, 250 persons were selected and have currently started their volunteering journey with the team.

For when next you want to volunteer, here’s a simple guide to registering.

Go to smfest.org
Fill out the volunteer application form with the required details
Wait for selection
Receive an email
Attend trainings and meetings
Carry out your designed duties during the event

Why Volunteer?

The following are reasons volunteering with SMFest is beneficial to you

Gain experience organizing high-profile tech events
Learn behind-the-scenes logistics in event management
Grow your network among tech professionals, startups, and brands
Add value to your CV with real exposure and responsibility

What’s Special About SMFest?

What makes SMFest special is how fun and engaging it is. There are open talks, panel discussions, product showcases, and real chances to meet and talk with some of the best minds in Nigeria’s tech space.

SMFest is more than just an event; it is a platform that helps Africans get ready for success.

See: Africa Technology Expo 2025: The Future of Innovation Starts June 21st

What is SMFest All About?

If we go beyond the logos, events, and speakers, here’s what SMFest truly stands for:

Networking

SMFest gives you the chance to meet and connect with great people, like software developers, content creators, business owners, and investors. These connections can lead to job opportunities, partnerships, or new ideas.

Motivation

SMFest isn’t just about teaching facts. It’s also about giving people the confidence to try new things. Each year, speakers share powerful stories that inspire others to dream big and take action.

Opportunities

The platform provides real help to young people, like free mentorship, internship programs, startup support, and access to jobs.

Learning

SMFest teaches young people the skills they need, like coding, social media marketing, graphic design, and how to start a business online. Through its programs and the SMFest Academy, it offers training that’s useful and up to date.

SMFest Owerri

SMFest Owerri is the flagship event of the SMFest brand. Since it started, SMFest Owerri has:

Built strong partnerships between creatives, marketers, and tech professionals
Brought together more than 5,000 people each year, both in person and online
Featured over 100 top experts, business owners, and tech leaders as speakers
Given a platform for many local and international tech startups to showcase their work
Helped students and job seekers meet real mentors and get job connections

You should see this: African AI Intelligence Startup Rwazi has Raised $12 Million in Series A Funding Round

SMFest Academy

To reach more people beyond the one-day event, SMFest created SMFest Academy, a learning and training program for young Africans who want to build careers in digital media, technology, or business.

SMFest Academy teaches practical courses like:

Basics of Digital Marketing
UI/UX Design
Building Websites and Mobile Apps
How to Create Online Content
Managing Social Media Accounts
Speaking in Public and Building Your Brand
Starting and Growing a Digital Business

How to Register

Registering for SMFest is not hard. Log on to smfest.org, here, you’ll find the different categories of tickets available.

Below are the ticket types, how much they’re going for and perks they offer:

Inner Circle

200,000

All in VIP Pass
Access to SMFest Searchable attendee list
Priority seating at the SMFest Exclusive stand (first 5 rows in the Hall)
Access to an exclusive cocktail dinner with other C-suite executives.
⁠Access to Exclusive Networking opportunities with company CEOs, Partners, Speakers, Business Executives, government stakeholders, and Founders at our Founders’/Executive Mixer (Complimentary meal inclusive)
Access to Post event content from industry Experts and keynote sessions.

Influencer

100,000

All in Standard Pass
Access to complimentary meals
Fast-track entry to the event
⁠Access to VIP Coffee lounge by Cafe One + a complimentary coffee ticket.
Access to VIP networking session.
⁠Access to the Business Masterclass with C-Class Executives and Founders (Complimentary meal inclusive)

Explorer

30,000

Full access to the Event
Access to Exhibitiors
Access to a 7 Days Intensive Digital Bootcamp
Access to refuel pack

Virtual Pass

10,000

Full access to the Event
Access to a 7 Days Intensive Digital Bootcamp

Benefits of SMFest

Wonder why you should attend SMFest? Here are some benefits.

Learn useful digital skills

At SMFest, you can learn how to use social media the right way, make websites, create online content, or start your small online business. These are skills that can help you in school, at work, or in your hustle.

Meet experienced people

You’ll meet successful people in tech, business, media, and marketing. You can listen to their stories, ask questions, and even get helpful advice or mentoring from them.

Make new connections

SMFest brings together students, business owners, content creators, and tech fans. It’s a good place to meet people who can support your goals, work with you, or even connect you to job or internship chances.

Grow your brand

If you’re looking for a job, running a small business, or just trying to grow your online presence, SMFest teaches you how to show yourself or your business better online. This can help you get noticed or even land a job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can attend SMFest?

SMFest is open to everyone: students, professionals, creatives, tech enthusiasts, business owners, and even retirees looking to start something new in the digital space.

Is SMFest free?

No, SMFest events are always ticketed events. These often include access to training, resource materials, T-shirts, and lunch.

Can I volunteer or become a speaker?

Yes. SMFest always opens up slots for volunteers, media partners, and industry professionals. You can apply through the contact or partnership page on their website.

What should I expect as an attendee?

Expect energy, learning, and networking. You’ll get to hear from top professionals, attend breakout sessions, meet new people, and probably walk away with new ideas or even a job offer.

Conclusion

SMFest is more than just a conference; it’s a movement to help shape Africa’s future using digital skills and knowledge. With popular events like SMFest Owerri and new ones in places like SMFest Abuja, SMFest Awka, it is giving young people across Africa new chances to grow and succeed.

Thanks to the SMFest Academy, which offers training and mentorship, the benefits of SMFest don’t end after the event. It continues to support young Africans in becoming future tech experts, content creators, and business leaders.

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