Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your platform konkon?

My name is Lawrence Attah, an entrepreneur in the food and decorative chemicals industry, a no-code developer, and the founder of Konkon Social, a platform that merges social interaction with commerce to help businesses connect with their customers in a more engaging way. “Konkon” is derived from the knocking sound made when someone is at the door. For us at Konkon Social, it symbolizes the idea that as long as you have something to sell, someone who needs it will come knocking.Konkon Social provides a platform where vendors can set up shop, connect with customers, and complete deliveries seamlessly, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business.

Can you share your vision for KonKon's future, and how you see the company evolving in the next 5-10 years?

E-commerce is rapidly evolving, and social networking- how people stay connected, is also changing with the times. At Konkon Social, we are committed to staying ahead of these trends or, at the very least, keeping pace with them. Over the next 5 to 10 years, we envision Konkon Social becoming one of Africa’s leading social commerce platforms, seamlessly merging commerce with social interactions while empowering businesses to grow and thrive in the continent’s budding market. One key area we are focusing on to achieve this is logistics, finding the best solutions to streamline deliveries and enhance the overall shopping experience. Within this time frame, we plan to expand into multiple African markets, introduce more business growth tools, and drive initiatives that connect businesses with consumers and investors. A notable example is KraftCon, an initiative that brings local artisans together with key stakeholders to explore new ways to drive growth. Our ultimate goal is to build a marketplace network that equips businesses with everything they need to succeed.

What drives your passion for KonKon's mission, and how do you stay connected to the company's values?

I’m motivated by the impact Konkon Social’s unique value proposition has on SMEs, seeing vendors achieve unprecedented growth, expand their audience, boost sales, and reach new milestones. Konkon Social is built on the principles of empowerment, community, and innovation, and I ensure these values guide our decisions every day. I stay actively engaged with industry trends and vendors across various sectors, always listening for new opportunities to drive growth and address pressing needs.

What are some of the biggest challenges KonKon has faced in its journey so far , and how have you addressed them?

The biggest challenge has been building enough trust for vendors to sign up en masse. While many businesses still rely on traditional sales methods, more are beginning to embrace digital selling as an essential tool for scaling. To foster trust and drive adoption, we are implementing live training sessions, sharing educational materials, and engaging in projects that involve direct interaction with SMEs. These initiatives allow us to better understand their needs while demonstrating how Konkon Social can help grow their businesses. Another key challenge, as is common in e-commerce, is effectively scaling logistics. While there are some good solutions available to streamline deliveries and minimize costs, we are actively exploring the best options to optimize this aspect of our operations. Lastly, to achieve the scale we envision and better serve the SME market, we must overcome funding and infrastructure hurdles. To address this, we are actively engaging with strategic partners and investors to secure the necessary support.

Is there anything you might want to share with the coming generation especially those venturing into tech and commerce?

I would say, focus on identifying problems and finding innovative ways to solve them. There will always be challenges that need fixing, problems that require fresh solutions, and technologies that continue to evolve. As long as you’re creating something that addresses a real need, go for it.

What do you deem to be the future of tech vis a vis the current tech landscape

We are in an era where technological boundaries are rapidly breaking down. From Elon Musk’s rockets being caught mid-air by metallic chopsticks to the accelerated advancements in AI driven by OpenAI and DeepSeek AI, the crypto boom, and the increasing adoption of technology in everyday life, there is also a clear shift toward more decentralized systems. In Africa, the future of tech will likely be shaped by even more advanced iterations of these innovations, with significant applications in fintech, e-commerce, and daily communication. Konkon Social is positioned right at the heart of this transformation, ready to drive and adapt to these changes.

Is konkon planning on expanding to other African market?

Most definitely. As part of our long-term strategy, we plan to expand into key African markets where social commerce has immense potential. Countries like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa are already on our radar. Currently, our focus is on building a strong foundation in Nigeria while simultaneously developing strategic entry plans for these markets. Our goal is to ensure a seamless expansion that aligns with local business dynamics and consumer behavior.

What are your thoughts on the migration of tech guys who seek greener pastures to other countries?

The tech brain drain is a real challenge, but the Japa trend is influenced by several factors. While creating better opportunities locally would help, people often seek more than just career growth, they prioritize quality of life, better policies, human rights, healthcare, and stability. If more of these issues were addressed positively, I believe many professionals would be more inclined to stay and contribute to our innovation ecosystem. I believe talent thrives where it is supported, and the key to retaining top tech professionals lies in creating an environment where they can grow, innovate, and succeed.

Do you think konkon is capable of revolutionizing the tech space, why and how ?

Absolutely. And here’s why: Konkon Social is not just another e-commerce platform, it’s a redesign of how businesses engage with their customers. We are transforming interactions into sales and creating new growth opportunities for SMEs. Our model has the potential to set a new standard not just Nigeria’s tech space but also the broader African market, redefining how businesses connect, sell, and scale..

Is the Nigerian tech space competing well enough in Africa or do you think we can do better ?

Nigeria is undoubtedly one of the powerhouses of African tech, if not the leading one. We have the highest number of unicorns, a rapidly growing population that readily adopts technological solutions, brilliant minds driving innovation, and a supportive ecosystem for newcomers in tech. When it comes to competition, I believe Nigeria is performing exceptionally well. However, there is always room for improvement, particularly in areas such as better infrastructure, stronger and more inclusive policies, and increased local funding for startups. Strengthening these aspects will further solidify Nigeria’s position as a leader in the African tech space.