For the first time, Nigeria will host the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Africa Summit 2025 (CTU Africa 25) at Baze University, Abuja, from November 27 to 28.
Themed “Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity”, the summit is set to be a turning point for addressing the continent’s persistent digital divide.
As a regional segment of the larger IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CTUS-EMEA) Summit, CTU Africa 25 will provide a unique platform for stakeholders to collaborate on scalable, inclusive, and context-sensitive connectivity solutions for underserved regions.
Strategic Focus: Eight Tracks for Deep Impact
The summit will cover eight essential thematic tracks, each designed to address core connectivity challenges in Africa:
- Infrastructure and Technologies for Universal Connectivity
- Policy, Regulation, and Sustainable Financing
- Rural and Community-Centric Connectivity Innovations
- Digital Transformation: Smart Cities, Education, Health, Agriculture Smart cities enabling massive connectivity
- Regional Cooperation: One Africa Network and Cross-Border Initiatives
- Sustainable Power & Energy for Connected Communities
- People, Policy, and Sustainability
- Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Critical Infrastructure
These tracks bring together engineers, policymakers, researchers, regulators, and business leaders to tackle connectivity from every possible angle.
Why CTU Africa 25 Matters to Nigeria’s Telecom Sector
With 2.9 billion people globally still unconnected, many of them in Africa, the summit is of enormous strategic importance to Nigerian Internet service providers (ISPs), telecom operators, ICT entrepreneurs, and policy leaders.
For ISPs and telecom operators, CTU Africa 25 offers:
- Business expansion insights into connecting rural and underserved areas
- Access to cutting-edge solutions to reduce infrastructure costs and improve coverage
- Policy dialogue opportunities with regulators and funding partners
- Networking with international and local innovators for collaborative ventures
- Showcasing of local innovations to a global audience
- Participation in regulatory and standards discussions shaping the next decade of connectivity
Empowering Communities Through Digital Access
Connectivity isn’t just about browsing the internet, it’s about livelihoods, education, health, and gender equality.
For instance:
- In many African countries, women are 30-50% less likely than men to access the internet.
- In Sub-Saharan Africa, 1GB of data can cost up to 40% of the average monthly income.
- Lack of internet hinders access to e-learning, telemedicine, online markets, and precision farming.
By increasing connectivity, Nigeria can unlock GDP growth, digital entrepreneurship, and social inclusion, especially in rural and underserved communities.
IEEE’s Global Mission Comes to Nigeria
Founded in 1884, IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization, advancing technology globally.
In Nigeria, IEEE has been active since 1976, with a strong local chapter comprising engineers, technologists, academics, and students.
CTU Africa 25 will host the final presentations of the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge, where innovative, practical solutions will be showcased.
The event will also feature thought leaders from regulatory bodies, NGOs, industry, and academia, all aligned around the shared mission to close the digital gap.
IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Africa Summit – Opening Doors for Nigeria’s Next-Gen Innovators
In addition to ICT professionals and business leaders, CTU Africa 25 will open its doors to students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria, offering them exposure to global trends and opportunities in digital innovation.
A Call to Action for Nigerian Stakeholders
As Nigeria prepares to host this landmark event, telecom operators, ISPs, policy makers, and technology innovators are encouraged to:
- Participate actively in the summit sessions
- Showcase Nigerian connectivity innovations
- Explore partnerships and investment opportunities
- Engage with regulatory and funding bodies on sustainable connectivity models
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Nigeria’s, and Africa’s, digital landscape.
