On April 4th, 2025, following a day of impactful sessions at the Stanford Seed Global Summit in Cape Town, the Nigeria and Ghana Chapters of the Seed Transformation Network came together for a joint dinner at Signal Gun Wineries. This gathering marked a significant step toward deepening collaboration between two of West Africa’s most dynamic entrepreneurial communities.

Moving Beyond Rivalry to Partnership

While friendly debates, such as the well-known jollof rice rivalry, often characterize interactions between Nigerians and Ghanaians, this dinner demonstrated a shared commitment to unity and progress. The event was designed to foster stronger professional relationships, encourage knowledge exchange, and lay the groundwork for future joint initiatives.

Leadership Perspective: The Importance of Collaboration

Kwame Kurankyi Dadson, Network Manager for Stanford Seed Transformation Network West Africa, expressed strong enthusiasm for the growing partnership between the Nigeria and Ghana Chapters. He highlighted how collaboration, rather than competition, is essential for advancing the network’s mission across the region. Kwame noted that when chapters come together with a shared purpose, they unlock greater opportunities for innovation, growth, and collective impact. His comments reinforced the evening’s message: that intentional collaboration among West African business leaders will be a driving force for regional success and transformation.

Key Discussions and Action Points

The evening was structured around open dialogue and practical brainstorming, with members from both chapters contributing ideas on how to enhance the Seed Network’s value across West Africa. Notable contributions included:

• Leadership Development: Mr. Saidu Basharu, Welfare Secretary of the Nigerian Chapter, advocated for greater consistency in the Leadership Lab, suggesting the introduction of cohort ambassadors and working committees to strengthen mentorship and support systems.

• Operational Efficiency: Mrs. Adanma Onuegbu emphasized the importance of timely dues payments, highlighting how administrative efficiency underpins the network’s ability to deliver value.

• Resource Mobilization: Mr. James Ogbe, Finance Secretary of the Nigerian chapter, proposed a tiered Donor Recognition System (Gold, Silver, Bronze) to incentivize and acknowledge member contributions.

• Engagement and Participation: Mr. Taofik, a Nigerian member, encouraged increased attendance at physical events, noting that face-to-face interactions are invaluable for solving business challenges and building trust.

• Expansion and Outreach: Plans were discussed for a potential West African Summit in Lagos or Accra, as well as strategies to leverage the STP referral program to attract more qualified entrepreneurs to the network.

Next Steps: Building a Stronger Regional Network

The joint dinner concluded with a commitment of the Nigeria and Ghana Chapters to:

• Organize more intentional cross-chapter events to facilitate relationship-building and knowledge sharing.

• Establish regional ambassador systems and revitalize leadership development programs across countries.

• Promote a culture of contribution, visibility, and collaboration within the network.

Conclusion

This joint dinner between the Nigeria and Ghana Chapters set a new standard for cross-chapter engagement within the Seed Transformation Network. By moving beyond friendly rivalry and focusing on collaboration, both chapters demonstrated that West African business leaders are stronger together. The outcomes of this meeting will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at accelerating regional growth and impact.

The future of the Seed Transformation Network in West Africa is bright, driven by unity, shared vision, and a commitment to excellence.