The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit, a flagship event of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), will gather global technology leaders, researchers, and engineers to discuss how innovation can drive digital inclusion across the EMEA region.

APC’s Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to Deliver Keynote Address

The Summit’s organizing committee has confirmed Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as Keynote Speaker.

An accomplished electrical engineer and academic, Prof. Yilwatda will also receive the IEEE Recognition Award during the Summit.

His keynote presentation will centre on the theme: “Beyond Access: Technology as an Enabler of Humanitarian Impact and Inclusive Development.”

“The vision of the CTU-EMEA Summit aligns strongly with my lifelong commitment to leveraging technology for social transformation, inclusive growth, and human development,” said Prof. Yilwatda. “I look forward to contributing to this global dialogue on how digital innovation can advance connectivity and human dignity across Africa and beyond.”

NSE to Mobilize Engineers Nationwide for Participation

Recognizing the strategic importance of the event, the Nigerian Society of Engineers has committed to mobilizing members nationwide.

In a formal communication to the Local Organizing Committee, Engr. Abubakar Halilu Mu’azu, NSE executive secretary, assured that the Secretariat will “do the needful in mobilizing members to attend the Summit,” stressing that such global engagements “expand technical knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s global engineering reputation.”

Tackling Africa’s Digital Divide

The IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit comes at a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy. With 2.9 billion people worldwide still offline, many of them in Africa, the Summit will spotlight strategies to close connectivity gaps.

Data from UNESCO reveals that women in several African countries are 30–50% less likely than men to access the internet.

Studies also show that every 10% increase in internet penetration can add 1.2% to per capita GDP growth in emerging markets, making universal connectivity a key driver of economic transformation.

Comprehensive Program and Global Participation

The Summit will feature:

• Opening ceremony with ministerial and industry leaders
• Eight technical tracks on infrastructure, policy, rural connectivity, and digital transformation
• High-level panels with African and international experts
• Research paper presentations and innovation workshops
• A technology exhibition showcasing connectivity solutions
• Social and networking events, including a Welcome Cocktail (Nov 26) and Gala Dinner (Nov 28)

According to Chukwuemeka Okafor, media interface for the Summit, confirmed speakers include senior government officials, telecom CEOs, development partners, and leading academics.

“This is not just another conference, it’s a platform for shaping policies and forging partnerships that will define Africa’s digital future,” Okafor stated.

IEEE’s Global Mission Anchored in Nigeria

Founded in 1884, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical professional organization with over 423,000 members in 160+ countries.

The Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) program is IEEE’s global initiative dedicated to reducing the digital divide through innovation challenges, partnerships, and international summits.

Engr. Abdulateef Aliyu, IEEE Regional Representative, described the event as “a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class technology forums” and an opportunity for “global participants to learn from African innovations.”

A Strategic Moment for Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem

Prof. Ifeayinwa Achumba, IEEE Nigeria Section Chair, emphasized the national significance of hosting the CTU-EMEA Summit:

“When global leaders converge in Abuja, they will see Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s connectivity agenda. This Summit highlights that African-led solutions are not only viable but scalable across the continent.”

The prestigious event, held at the Kempinski Hotel Accra, brought together some of the most influential minds in the technology ecosystem, further cementing TD Africa’s role as a transformative force in Sub-Saharan Africa’s tech landscape.

Spearheaded by Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa, the summit provided a strategic platform for top industry players, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and key stakeholders to network, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations that will shape the future of technology in Ghana and beyond.

Chioma Chimere, CMD of TD Africa, set the tone for the event by warmly welcoming guests and partners. In her opening remarks, she described the esteemed attendees as the “men and women redefining the technological landscape in Ghana.”

She further highlighted the importance of their partnership with TD Africa, emphasizing how, together, they are the drivers and enablers of digital transformation across the region.

The summit attracted high-profile personalities, amongst whom were Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, renowned as Africa’s foremost tech disruptor and serial entrepreneur; Mr. Emmanuel Morka, CIO of Access Bank and Regional CIO of Access Bank West Africa Region; Dr. Bryan Achempong, the former Minister of Agriculture in Ghana; Mr. Chimaraoke Nwogwugwu, the COO of M-Technology Solutions Limited. Their presence underscored the importance of TD Africa’s mission to drive innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement across the continent.

In addition, the event saw the active participation of top delegates from global tech giants such as Dell, Cisco, Microsoft, Huawei, HP, Starlink, Philips, IBM, APC, Ecoflow, and Vertiv, among others.

These industry experts engaged in insightful discussions, explored new frontiers in digital transformation, and leveraged the event as a powerful networking opportunity.

A major highlight of the summit was Emmanuel Morka’s thought-provoking discussion on Financial Inclusion, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Blockchain Technology. Addressing the audience, he emphasized that the core idea behind Financial Services Innovation (FSI) is to create inclusive financial systems that leave no one behind.

According to him,

“AI and Blockchain are not just buzzwords; they are game-changers that have the potential to revolutionize financial inclusion in Africa. The challenge before us is to develop systems that can reach every individual, no matter their socio-economic status, and empower them with financial tools that drive economic growth.” He also expressed deep appreciation for TD Africa, noting that “this summit is a testament to TD Africa’s commitment to fostering digital transformation and providing platforms where crucial conversations like these can take place.”

The Accra Synergy Summit was more than just a gathering — it was a catalyst for action. It reinforced the urgency for tech industry leaders to go beyond discussions and take deliberate steps in transforming Africa through technology. Events like this serve as a wake-up call, inspiring tech pioneers to innovate, collaborate, and break new ground in an industry that continues to shape the continent’s future.

TD Africa’s unwavering commitment to digital transformation across sub-Saharan Africa was evident throughout the event. By fostering synergy between key stakeholders, TD Africa continues to play an instrumental role in bridging technology gaps, empowering businesses, and driving economic growth through innovative solutions.

The impact of this summit will undoubtedly empower Ghana as a formidable force in the global tech space and set the stage for a tech-driven Africa poised for unprecedented growth.

Here is my analysis of the technology policy of the four leading candidates in the 2023 Nigerian election on February 25, 2023, based on their Manifestoes. I also analyzed their statements and interviews across different channels outside their Manifestos.

1. Atiku Abubakar

Party: Peoples Democratic Party

On page 9 of the 115-page Manifesto of Atiku Abubakar, he states his commitment to driving education that empowers citizens to drive innovation and technology [education as means to an end, rather than as an end in itself].

He further states intentions to attract investments to the information and communication technology sector and the use of technology in security such as curbing oil theft, promoting efficient port operations, and policing; enhancing film production, as well as technology education for girls.

In terms of the legal regimes or frameworks in the technology sector, he proposed to review and harmonize as deemed necessary. For example, on page 27, he mentions merging the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry (TPDR) under the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP)] into a single agency on issues that concern the Intellectual Property Rights of Nigerians.

He also seeks to review the Trademarks Act of 1965 and the Patents and Designs Act of 1970, but no mention of the Copyright Act in this review [P.S: the proposed Amendment of the Copyright Act still awaits President Buhari’s assent].

Atiku further proposed the establishment of a Technology Support Programme (TSP) funded by a Diaspora Bond and producing a robust blockchain technology and cryptocurrency policy with main focus on opportunities and income for the government and the people of Nigeria. Of all the four leading candidates, he acknowledges Blockchain as a currency on page 27, but his plan seems to focus on income from blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.

In addition, of all four leading candidates, only Atiku referenced cybercrimes and cybersecurity in his Manifesto.

On page 43, he states his commitment to using appropriate technology infrastructure that supports the end-to-end operations of government businesses for transparency and accountability. He hopes to empower key agencies of government, research institutions, and tertiary institutions to develop research capabilities and train in renewable energy, especially solar and wind; artificial intelligence (AI); and nanotechnology.

Atiku fully dedicates page 35 to addressing Technology Infrastructure, also stating to promote research in science and technology through the establishment of a National Research and Innovation Fund with funding windows to cater to employer-based training schemes, capacity support schemes for trainers, and technology development grants.

Nonetheless, In Atiku’s first mention of technology in page 5 of the 115-page Manifesto of Atiku Abubakar, he stated ‘as head of the Economic Management Team, I was instrumental in the design of a private sector revival strategy and advocated for the opening of the economy for private sector investments in the Information Technology (IT) sector’. Atiku’s claim about heading the Economic Management Team has been debunked as false since he neither headed nor was a member of the Economic Management Team, although it was during his tenure as a former Vice President that the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency were established.

2. Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Party: All Progressive Congress (APC)

In the 80-page Manifesto of Bola Tinubu, he emphasized the use of technology to tackle insecurity, customs, irrigation, tax reforms, farming, railway surveillance, education and learning, pipeline vandalism, power station, infrastructure surveillance, and promote job creation.

His Manifesto was the only one out of the four leading candidates that mentioned the development of technology hubs and parks, as well as accelerators and incentivizing angel investors, to continue the development of a healthy technology ecosystem.

His Manifesto also mentions the intention to explore innovations such as blockchain technology for security, ease, job creation, and accountability. On blockchain, Tinubu’s Manifesto robustly extends its offerings towards driving policies for the prudent use of blockchain technology in finance and banking, identity management, revenue collection, and the use of crypto assets.

It did not attempt to define what it means by prudent and mentions crypto as ‘asset not currency’. Does this mean lifting the ban on crypto and acknowledging it or leaving the ban as it stands? From further discussions on page 54, Tinubu seeks to maintain the current E-Naira arrangement with the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN].

In addition, he mentions increased scholarships for girls in technology education. It also seeks to review the legislative and enforcement framework for copyright and intellectual property protection in Nigeria, although no specifics as to what it means and how. Overall, the Manifesto seems to cite a lot of foreign examples to justify its goals, without robust concrete policy articulation on policy approach and specific vehicles for implementation. Tinubu’s Manifesto as regards technology is based on a myriad of big dreams and projections rather than policy to-dos or strategies for employing policy vehicles to do what. It also seeks to maintain the Buhari’s government approach to engaging technology.

3. Peter Obi

Party: Labour Party (LP)

In Peter Obi’s 72-page Manifesto of Peter Obi, he mentions the use of technology to fight terrorism, training the next generation of experts in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field, and application of technology in the public policy sector.

On page 33, he states his intention to leapfrog Nigeria into the fourth Industrial Revolution through science and technology in agriculture, transportation, education, clean energy incentives, and industry, to the combination of state-led and public-private initiatives to drive the penetration of broadband infrastructure and the information superhighway.

In addition to Obi’s Manifesto, as a former governor of Anambra state and vice-presidential candidate for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Presidential elections, he was a vocal advocate for the use of technology to drive economic growth and social development.

He was important in proposing the development of a national broadband plan during Goodluck Jonathan’s government and advocated for a national e-commerce strategy. However, his Manifesto takes a simplistic look at the issues confronting the Nigerian technology sector, without a clear-cut policy articulation as to the approach to increasing internet access and digital inclusion, or leveraging innovation.

His Manifesto has no single mention of Intellectual Property or review of the Intellectual Property structure which is ineffective at the moment in transforming Nigeria from consumption to production.

4. Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso

Party: New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP)

In Rabiu Kwankwaso’s Manifesto, he states his intention to invest in science and technology research and development, promote technology research, health, and development of indigenous technology. Of all the four, he speaks to localization of technology.

He also speaks to promoting technology that drives Nigeria’s industrial development, as well as special allowance to teachers of science and technology subjects, and the encouragement of skills and technology transfer.

However, Kwankwaso’s Manifesto barely scratches the surface as it lacks completely the robustness required to address the technology sector in Nigeria.

Although, Rabiu Kwankwaso as a former governor of Kano state, was a vocal advocate for the use of technology to drive social development and established state-wide internet connectivity projects, his Manifesto lacks the required substance needed to tackle the issues confronting the sector.

In conclusion, all four leading Presidential candidates have a track record in technology policy, with each of them proposing policies to promote the growth of the digital economy. However, not a single one of the candidates addressed issues around data privacy and the need to review the current data privacy regimes.

ALSO READ: Data Privacy – Compliance is Not a Compromise

There are attempts to develop a robust regulatory framework for data protection and privacy in the Nigerian legal system, as there is a current Bill before the National Assembly in this regard, with little or no progress.

In addition, the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill has not received Presidential assent since it was passed over 2 years ago. Addressing institutional and regulatory challenges like this and more is crucial for ensuring that technology is used in a way that is beneficial for society and for realizing the potential of technology to drive economic growth and social development in Nigeria.

 About the analyst:

He is an Associate Partner, Timeless Law Practice; co-founder, Youths in Motion; a Lead Consultant, Speyside Group, and Policy Consultant/ED, Groundswell, a think-tank in Lagos, Nigeria. He tweets @timithelaw and can be connected on LinkedIn.