AFRICAN Digital Economy & Inclusivity Conference (AFDEIC 2025) will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in August. According to the organisers, the event is expected to bring together government officials, policymakers, business leaders, tech innovators, academics, and development partners to discuss Africa’s digital economy and the role of artificial intelligence in fostering inclusive growth.

They said in a statement yesterday that the conference, themed: “AI and Africa’s Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind”, would focus on financial inclusion, digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption, data governance, and cybersecurity.

They added that discussions would explore strategies to bridge Africa’s digital divide, strengthen fintech ecosystems, and drive broadband expansion amid the projection that the digital economy would contribute $180 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025 and exceed $712 billion by 2050.

Despite rapid growth in fintech, e-commerce, and AI-driven solutions, a 2022 report by the International Telecommunications Union found that 73 per cent of rural Africans lacked internet access, limiting their ability to benefit from digital financial services and e-learning platforms.

The statement noted: “Nigeria is making significant progress in developing its digital economy through government initiatives, like the National Digital Economy Policy, which focuses on expanding broadband access, promoting e-commerce, and fostering digital financial services. The country also has a growing tech ecosystem, with thriving fintech companies driving financial inclusion.”