By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The 2022 edition of Africa NXT, formerly known as Social Media Week, will have the full support of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, the company has confirmed.
The financial institution is throwing its weight behind the programme as part of its commitment to youth development.
This year, the event is slated to take place from February 27 to March 4, 2022, and it is themed The Next 10 Years: Reimagining Our Collective Commitment to Africa’s Prosperity.
As an institution leaning towards the use of technological innovation in the financial space and an official sponsor of the Africa NXT event, Stanbic IBTC will hold a panel discussion and masterclass session to speak to topics on digital insurance, investments, and business finance.
The financial institution will introduce its newly launched Artificial Intelligence robotics, Stanbic IBTC Pepper, a fully programmed robotic companion that engenders quality human interaction in banking experiences for clients and customers during the event.
In recent years, experts and youths in the business, creative and tech spaces across Africa and the diaspora had convened to hold discussions on various topics related to youth development at the week-long annual event.
Speaking about the event, the CEO of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr Wole Adeniyi, said the event would serve as an opportunity to connect with the youth.
He said, “Stanbic IBTC is passionate about youth development and innovation. Africa NXT is a platform that connects us all, gives us the opportunity to converse and let them know that Stanbic IBTC is always ready to help push their dreams.”
Mr Adeniyi said the robot, Pepper, will be on the ground for people to have a first-hand experience of it and have a glimpse of how technology powers Stanbic IBTC’s operations.
“Technology is beautiful. It simplifies complex processes. Pepper is a robot, but it is well equipped to carry out basic transactions. She is a demonstration of Stanbic IBTC’s relentless search for ways to serve our clients and customers through technology,” he said.
