August 20, 2025 · By FilAfrik
What LIFT 2.0 showed us about the power of diaspora networks
Founders, business leaders, and allies came together in London to share practical ideas, build connections, and imagine stronger legacies.
A room full of founders can hold more than ambition. It can hold shared knowledge, trusted introductions, and the beginning of businesses that last.
On August 16, 2025, FilAfrik brought African entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and allies together at the BMO Centre in London, Ontario for LIFT 2.0.
Building bridges through shared experience
The summit created space for engaging talks, practical workshops, and meaningful networking. Conversations explored how diaspora founders can scale their businesses, meet the challenges in front of them, and create legacies that reach beyond one generation.
The day reinforced a simple idea: founders move further when useful insight and strong relationships are available in the same room.
More than 140 founders, investors and allies filled the BMO Centre, nearly double the first LIFT. Panels explored how to scale with artificial intelligence, how the African principle of Ubuntu applies to business partnerships, and where Canadian founders can find funding they are overlooking.
One question from the day still drives our work: the Nigerian diaspora alone sends billions of dollars home each year, so why are we not building more together here in Canada? Watch the talks from LIFT 2.0 on our YouTube playlist.
Creating what comes next
LIFT is part of FilAfrik’s work to connect culture with opportunity. Each gathering helps entrepreneurs find new perspectives, build useful partnerships, and see a clearer path forward.
Three conversations to keep building on
The funding panel explored grants, community lending and government programmes. The technology discussion looked at practical uses of artificial intelligence and digital tools, including for founders who do not consider themselves technical.
Ubuntu in Business brought the focus back to partnership: how trust is built, how responsibilities are shared and what founders need to discuss before working together. Alongside the sessions, the vendor showcase made local businesses part of the experience.
