When Makamation, Africa’s first AI-themed blockbuster, hit cinemas in April 2025, it did more than entertain; it sparked an important conversation. Starring Nollywood legends like RMD, Tony Umez, and Shaffy Bello, the film depicted a futuristic Nigeria where tech combats corruption, bridges healthcare gaps, encourages gender equity, and revolutionizes education.  

Sounds like science fiction? Think again. Across West Africa, technology is already revolutionizing democracy from tech-powered budget trackers to a live election portal where citizens can view and analyze election results. And just as Makamation dared to imagine a smarter Africa, the West Africa CivicTech Conference 2025 is turning that vision into reality.

What makes Makamation worthy of note is its ability to illustrate how technology can solve problems we all recognize in society. For instance, it highlights technology’s role in the healthcare sector, its capacity to uncover corrupt practices, and how it helps bridge the gap in gender equality. The question arises, “Why can’t we achieve this in reality?” The answer is that we already are. Across West Africa, the line between Makamation’s fiction and our civic tech reality is becoming increasingly blurred.

“The movie will inspire young Nigerians to look beyond just consuming technology to actively using technology to transform themselves and the African society’’ said the film’s producer Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji. Nowhere is this truer than at the West Africa CivicTech Conference, where democracy gets turbocharged. 

The end of Makamation portrays AI as a hero, but the West Africa Civic Tech Conference 2025 will highlight the contributions of tech innovators, civil society leaders, government officials, civic tech experts, journalists, and passionate citizens. Together, they will work on solutions that promote electoral integrity, uphold human rights and justice, governance reforms, and enhance citizen participation.

We are not alone in this significant fight to advance our democracy; you have an important role to play. If you are in Lagos and want to make a difference, join us on May 21, 2025, at 9 AM at the Civic Centre, Lagos, to work together on solutions that last. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Click here to register now. 

Come build what comes next with us.