OpenAI Academy & Codex Champions Showcase

About this event

Shaping the Future of African Storytelling with AI For far too long, Africa has appeared as the storyteller waiting to be heard. Today, with AI as an ally, Africa’s sons and daughters are the storytellers showcasing how Africa’s stories must be told, owned, and distributed. Join OpenAI Academy and Andela , hosted by Innovation City , for an evening exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming content creation, media, and digital storytelling across the continent. Bringing together content creators, media and communications professionals, and the region’s leading engineers from Andela’s global talent network, this event moves beyond the AI hype to explore practical applications, fresh perspectives and the opportunities emerging for Africa's creative industries. The evening opens with insights from Emmanuel Lubanzadio (OpenAI) , Kate Woska (Andela) , and Michelle Kleu (CEO of Innovation City ) examining Africa’s accelerating AI ecosystem, the power of local engineering talent, and how strategic collaboration is driving the continent’s digital future. Hear from Tomiwa Aladekomo (CEO, Big Cabal Media) and Jessica Hope (Founder & CEO, Wimbart), as they discuss the art of storytelling in the age of AI, alongside insights from creators and industry leaders putting these technologies to work. The centerpiece of the evening is the Codex Champion Showcase , arriving in Cape Town following standout editions in Nairobi and Lagos. Watch five finalists from Andela's talent network demo custom tools built with Codex to amplify African storytelling, empower creators, and drive meaningful cultural and industry impact, with live judging and recognition of the top three winners. Expect candid conversations, live product demos, and high-value networking with Cape Town’s creative and engineering communities. AI is changing what’s possible for Africans to tell, reach, and own African stories and content globally. Come explore what you can create with it.