Africacomicade Emerges as Winner in MTN Nigeria’s Y’ello Den Pitch-A-Thon

On June 21, Africacomicade, an African esports organisation, achieved a remarkable milestone at the corporate head office of MTN Nigeria in Ikoyi, Lagos. The esports organisation, which serves as a launchpad for Africa’s gaming and XR industries, was announced as one of the five winners of MTN Nigeria‘s Y’ello Den Pitch-A-Thon, an integral part of the annual MTN employee volunteerism initiative known as 21 Days of Y’ello Care.

The co-Founder of Africacomicade, Michael Oscar Esio, expressed his excitement about the victory. He shared, “On Wednesday, I was at the MTN Yello Den Pitch-A-thon (staff-led edition) pitching the value of the African Immersive and interactive media Industry and the work we do at Africacomicade. We were among the five selected winners to join the MTN startup programme.”

Esio extended his gratitude to the staff of MTN Nigeria for organising this exceptional programme. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by Vatebra Tech Hub and IHS Towers in making this opportunity a reality. Furthermore, he expressed his appreciation for the judges, Kolapo Ogungbile, Nwanne Nwonwu, and Nnaemeka Nwankwo, for recognising the potential of the African video game industry. Esio recognised the challenges faced by the industry but remained optimistic about demystifying the space and establishing a sustainable sector.

“Thanks to the staff of MTN Nigeria who put this programme together, and of course, Vatebra Tech Hub and IHS Towers for working with them to make this possible. I will also like to appreciate the judges, Kolapo Ogungbile, Nwanne Nwonwu, and Nnaemeka Nwankwo, for taking a chance on the African Video game industry. Yes, a lot is unclear, and it’s an unpopular sector. Together, we will demystify the space and make it a sustainable sector, one step after the other,” Esio stated.

Enthusiastically looking ahead, the Africacomicade co-Founder expressed his eagerness to explore the MTN for Startups programme and collaborate to drive growth in the Immersive and Interactive Media industry. “I look forward to further exploring the MTN for Startups programme and collaborating to drive growth in the immersive and interactive media industry.”

The Y’ello Den Pitch-A-Thon is a feature of the 21 Days of Y’ello Care and is held in partnership with the Bank of Industry. It serves as a platform for business owners to present their business expansion plans and compete for financial and technical support from MTN Nigeria. This initiative is instrumental in fostering entrepreneurship and nurturing promising startups in the country.

Since its inception in 2007, the 21 Days of Y’ello Care has remained a beacon of inspiration for MTN employees. It encourages them to actively contribute their resources, including time, money, and skill sets, to community development. This year’s event was particularly special as it attracted the attention of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. More than 50 local entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to showcase their products to an enthusiastic audience of MTN employees and guests.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu commended MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care as a prime example of sustained positive impact within communities. She also expressed her admiration for this year’s focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The First Lady applauded the Lagos State officials, MTN partners, SMEs, MTN Board, Management, and staff, as well as all other stakeholders present, for their dedication to driving and facilitating this noble cause.

“It is my pleasure to be here today for an initiative that I consider a solid example of sustained positive impact within our communities—MTN’s 21 days of Y’ello Care driven by MTN staff. I find it particularly gratifying that this year’s programme is shining a spotlight on SMEs. I applaud the Lagos State officials, MTN partners, SMEs, MTN Board, Management and staff, and all other stakeholders present here today for driving and facilitating this noble cause.”

Africacomicade’s triumph at the Y’ello Den Pitch-A-Thon signifies a significant milestone for the African Immersive and Interactive Media industry. This recognition by MTN Nigeria, a telecommunications giant, provides a valuable opportunity for Africacomicade to enhance its offerings and expand its reach. As they embark on their journey within the MTN for Startups programme, it is evident that the African video game industry is poised for growth, and Africacomicade is determined to play a pivotal role in shaping its future.