Experts chart path to Africa’s digital future

As part of efforts towards innovating Africa’s digital future, experts in the technology industry have come together to chart ways to elevate and strengthen Africa tech space for digital excellence.

At Texcellence conference 3.0, held in Lagos, themed: ‘Revealing Tomorrow’ brought together leading innovators, tech visionaries, and disruptors to chart Africa’s digital future, focusing on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and 5G.

The conference, aimed to inspire bold conversations, sparked collaborations, and showcased the game-changing technologies that will elevate industries and economies across the continent.

Chief Executive Officer, CWG, Adewale Adeyipo, kicked off the conference with an inspiring keynote, underscoring the importance of technology in shaping Africa’s future.

“Transformation is a journey without a final destination,” he said, highlighting CWG’s ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for Africa’s growth.
One of the key speakers, Fredrik Haren, the “Creativity Explorer,” emphasised the role of creativity in navigating technological advancements.     

“Your creativity reveals your tomorrow,” he said, encouraging participants to think beyond conventional boundaries.Other notable sessions included insights from Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Olutokun Toriola, who explored the evolution of telecom companies into technology companies. “This shift has the potential to power Nigeria towards a $1 trillion economy,” Toriola remarked.

Chief Executive Officer, Inngen, David Gowu, addressed the impact of AI on the workforce, assuring attendees that AI would not replace jobs but rather enhance human capabilities.

The conference also featured panels focused on financial inclusion and innovation. Experts such as Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku and Anton Panayotov discussed how strategic investments can fuel economic growth and drive digital transformation across Africa.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a global leader in digital innovation.

“Our goal is to establish Nigeria as a leader in digital literacy and tech talent,” he said, stressing the importance of inclusiveness and addressing socio-economic disparities through technology.

The agency affirmed the conference is a veritable platform for technology experts, business leaders, and innovators to share insights on the latest trends, developments and solutions in the tech space.   

According to him, NITDA is positioning Nigeria at the forefront of digital transformation. The DG further explained: “Our strategy is grounded in legislative and policy frameworks, addresses socio-economic disparities, and confronts cybersecurity challenges, and our goal is to establish Nigeria as a leader in digital literacy and tech talent, ensuring Nigerians are well-equipped for the digital era.”

He also noted that bridging digital gaps, gender imbalance and accommodating people living with special needs are critical cornerstones in all the agency’s initiatives towards building inclusiveness.