The Lagos Startup Expo 2.0 is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for founders, investors, and innovators across Africa. Among the highlights of this year’s event will be a masterclass led by none other than Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa and a globally recognised social entrepreneur. Tunde will guide attendees through the art and science of storytelling in his session, “How to Win Minds, Money, and Markets with Storytelling,” offering practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make an impact, whether in business, social enterprise, or beyond.
Who is Tunde Onakoya?
For those familiar with Tunde Onakoya’s journey, it is no surprise that he has become a sought-after speaker and storyteller. Growing up in the slums of Ikorodu, Lagos, Tunde knows firsthand the challenges faced by children in underserved communities. His own experience of adversity, having his mother work as a cleaner to pay his school fees, imbued him with a deep understanding of resilience and the power of possibility. This understanding is at the heart of his work with Chess in Slums Africa, a non-profit organisation he founded in 2018 to use chess as a gateway to education, technology, and mentorship for children in some of Africa’s most neglected areas.
Since its inception, Chess in Slums Africa has reached over 10,000 children, with 500 receiving fully funded scholarships to local and international institutions. The initiative’s impact has caught the attention of global media platforms like Techpoint Africa, BBC, Al-Jazeera, and CNN, and Tunde himself has become a symbol of hope and transformation. His mantra, “it is possible to do great things from a small place”, resonates not only with the children he serves but with everyone who hears his story.
Tunde’s achievements extend far beyond the chessboard. In 2025, he became the Guinness World Record holder for the longest chess marathon, playing for 64 consecutive hours in Times Square, New York, to raise funds for the largest free school for vulnerable children. This feat was not just about breaking a record; it was about using his platform to draw attention to the power of storytelling, community, and collective action.
As a compelling storyteller and public speaker, Tunde has shared his vision on TEDx stages, at the Oxford Africa Conference in England, and at the DLD Conference in Germany. In 2023, he was named one of Ranks Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Africans. His clarity in communicating purpose and strategy has made him a powerful advocate for social transformation through chess and beyond.
About Tunde’s LSE 2.0 masterclass
At Lagos Startup Expo 2.0, Tunde will bring his unique blend of authenticity, vision, and practical wisdom to his masterclass. He will explore how founders and business leaders can harness the power of storytelling to win minds, money, and markets. Whether you are pitching to investors, building a brand, or rallying a team, the ability to tell a compelling story is often the difference between success and obscurity. Tunde will share frameworks, real-life examples, and actionable strategies to help attendees craft narratives that resonate, inspire action, and drive results.
Who is this masterclass for?
This masterclass is not just for those in tech or business alone, it is for anyone who wants to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy. The session is designed to be interactive, engaging, and deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities faced by startups and social enterprises in Africa today. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, practical tools for storytelling, and the confidence to share their own stories with the world.
Tunde Onakoya’s session is a must-attend for anyone serious about making an impact, whether through business, innovation, or social change.
How to join Tunde’s masterclass
To attend Tunde’s masterclass, head over to https://lagosstartupexpo.com to secure your VIP pass that also gives you access to other premium experiences at the Lagos startup expo.
For startups and businesses looking to stand out, exhibiting at the expo also gives you access to:
- Tunde’s masterclass and other masterclass sessions
- Offers the chance to connect and pitch directly to investors in the investor lounge
- Unparalleled visibility, customers, and potential partners.
Join Tunde Onakoya and a stellar lineup of speakers and facilitators at Lagos Startup Expo 2.0. by visiting https://lagostartupexpo.com to register now and be part of an event that will shape the future of Africa’s startup ecosystem.
