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The Federal Capital Territory will again take centre stage in continental diplomacy and economic strategy as Africa’s leading innovators, technology experts, and policymakers gather at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre on November 25 for the InnTech Summit 2025 — a high-level forum dedicated to artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and sustainability.
Positioned as one of the most consequential technology engagements on the continent’s calendar, the summit is expected to shape policy alignment, strengthen cross-border innovation frameworks, and expand Africa’s participation in the global digital economy.
Government officials, multinational partners, global development institutions, and private-sector leaders are scheduled to participate in what organisers describe as a defining moment for Africa’s technological and economic future.
Ahmed Mansur, Chairman of the InnTech Summit, while speaking at a pre-event press conference in Abuja, said the gathering has evolved into Africa’s “flagship platform” for innovation and digital transformation.
He noted that the summit’s theme reflects the continent’s growing acknowledgement that technology is now central to economic competitiveness, national security, inclusion, and long-term resilience.
“Africa stands at a pivotal moment,” Mansur said.
“We aim to create a space where ideas meet impact — where policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and academia translate Africa’s potential into measurable progress and shared prosperity.
“As AI, data, and digital innovation reshape societies globally, Africa must participate actively and shape the direction of this transformation.”
Mansur disclosed that the summit has already attracted strong interest from institutional investors, global technology companies, and African private-sector leaders committed to building a trusted and inclusive digital future. According to him, the breadth of partnerships reflects a continent increasingly ready to leverage emerging technologies for economic expansion.
Convener of the summit and CEO of iCentra, Mr. Taopheek Babayeju, reiterated that the 2025 edition was designed to assemble Africa’s foremost technology thinkers and policymakers to advance “purposeful, inclusive innovation.” He added that the summit will equip governments and businesses with insights to navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Babayeju, confirmed that the keynote address will be delivered by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, whose ministry has championed Nigeria’s emerging digital-policy architecture.
Also expected are Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), both institutions central to the country’s evolving AI and data-governance frameworks.
“InnTech Summit is Africa’s flagship platform for accelerating innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development,” Babayeju stated.
“Our mission is to connect ideas, people, and technology to drive shared prosperity. This year’s focus on Green Digital Africa and the governance structures needed around AI is particularly urgent.”
According to him, the summit will reinforce collaboration between public institutions and private enterprise — a relationship he described as indispensable.
“Government creates the policies, but the private sector drives the economy. That is why InnTech is so important,” he added.
Industry partners have echoed the event’s significance. Kayode Akinade, founder of Microvis MFB and chairman of Glovis Almond Group, said the pace of digital evolution on the continent now demands platforms that help businesses adapt in real time.
“Ten years ago, the level of digital transformation was nowhere near what it is today. Now is the best time to be involved. We expect fresh insights that businesses can leverage through AI and digital communication to deepen market penetration,” he said.
From a technical standpoint, Rex Abitogun, CEO of Management Edge and technical lead for the summit, said the event is structured to challenge Africa’s technology narrative and push institutions to the frontier of digital readiness.
“With the rapid adoption of AI, one must stay ahead. Participants can expect the very best insights from a technical standpoint,” he noted.
Other confirmed speakers include Niyi Yusuf (Verraki Partners); Dr. Tayo Aduloju (NESG); Hansatu Adegbite (UN Women); AbdulAziz Saidu (Cisco); Lola Adey (PIPA USA); Reuben Oshomah (Avanti); Oluseyi Lala (ipNX Business); Chukwuka Amadife (Fiducia International); and Stephen Ambore (Women’s World Banking).