Over the years, the summit has established itself as Ogun State’s foremost technology and innovation gathering, attracting thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders eager to explore the latest digital trends and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

Since its inception in 2020, Ogun Digital Summit has grown into a key platform driving digital transformation in Ogun State.  

In previous editions, the summit has hosted over 7,000 youths with industry leaders from both public and private sectors. 

Some past speakers include Engr. Noimot Salako, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA; Joshua Chibueze, Co-founder of Piggyvest; Mayowa Kuyoro, Partner at McKinsey West Africa; and Joel Ogunsola, Co-founder of Tech4Dev, among other key figures in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The 2025 edition promises a dynamic lineup of world-class speakers, founders, industry leaders, and game-changers who will share their insights and experiences with the over 3,000 attendees expected. 

Confirmed speakers include Abideen Yusuf, Managing Director of Microsoft (Nigeria and Ghana); Seye Bandele, Co-founder of PaidHR; alongside other innovators driving growth in Nigeria’s technology space.

Ogun Digital Summit is organised by Grazac, the leading technology innovation hub in Ogun State in partnership with Ogun State Government through the Bureau of Information Technology. 

Other partners include Prooval, Busha, Faztorder and LandXpress. It is also supported by media partners like Ogun State Television, TechCabal, TechEconomy, Techparley and Legit.ng. 

Ogun State is home to the highest number of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, making it a fertile ground for tech talent and innovation and the summit serves as a catalyst for harnessing this potential by bridging the gap between young innovators and global opportunities.

“This year, beyond engaging in high-quality conversations on building startups in the era of AI, the future of work, impact of blockchain and Web3, Startup Investment, Agrictech for building sustainable economy and the role of policy and governance in driving ecosystem growth, we’ll also be showcasing new innovations emerging from the ecosystem and connecting them with investors,” said Victor Adeleye, the Convener.

Registration for the Ogun Digital Summit 2025 is now open, and stakeholders are encouraged to secure their spot early.

For more information and registration, visit the website.

Over 80 Nigerian Web3 startups have raised $130 million to date, with $20 million raised in 2024 alone, mostly in infrastructure and DeFi. 

Nonetheless, for all this progress, women hold less than 22% of tech roles in the country and a meagre 12% of leadership positions in emerging sectors like blockchain and AI.

That gap is exactly what Onone Peace Ega has set out to close. She is not just another Technical Project and Program manager, and not just a voice in the room; she is “a problem solver.”

“I drive innovation. I work with innovators to solve technology-related problems within the tech ecosystem,” she said.

With a solid foundation in Web2 and a growing leadership presence in Web3, Onone’s focus is on creating solutions that actually move people, businesses, and communities forward.

The Problem She’s Solving

Nigeria’s digital payments market is projected to hit $18 billion by 2026, powered by PSPs, agency banking, and mobile-first solutions. Stablecoin transfers alone neared $3 billion in Q1 2024, with USDT/NGN now the most traded pair on centralised exchanges. 

Beneath those glowing numbers, however, lies a vulnerability: only 15% of Nigerian Web3 developers are employed full-time, while 41% work as freelancers, often paid in crypto. 

Add the threat of cybercrime, Nigeria is projected to lose part of the $10.5 trillion global cybercrime cost by 2025, with over 2,300 attacks reported daily, and it becomes apparent why building inclusive, secure ecosystems is urgent.

Beyond Web3, Onone Ega sees herself as a bridge between the old and the new.

“In bridging the old and the new… my major focus, especially with the work I do at Women in DeFi, is inclusivity. Women inclusivity. As much as technology is advancing, I am particularly on a mission to ensure that as many women not just come to know about the technology, but also lead the conversations that happen.”

A Career Forged in Contrasts

Her path was not straightforward. From writing code in her early years to leading technical teams, she discovered that management came naturally to her. She learned leadership in two extremes, structured banking halls and fast-moving startups.

“As a leader, you have to get your hands dirty. You cannot conjure anything from any textbook. You need to know the business, especially leading within the tech space in Nigeria, which is very compliance-driven. In terms of execution, the definition of ‘done’ is that we’re delivering this value, this business value, and then customers are happy. A functional solution that’s giving value to the users is the definition of done.”

One project that pushed her to her limits was FastBuka, a food delivery and logistics platform that allowed crypto payments. With little funding, her team pushed through hackathons and pitches until the Stellar blockchain grant came through, validating their vision. 

Another was Nigeria’s own eNaira integration, where she managed the back-and-forth with CBN under high pressure and tighter timelines.

She laughs now, but every sleepless night taught her that innovation is never smooth—it’s always a fight.

The experiences Onone Ega gained in structured and fast-paced environments prepared her for the risks and opportunities of Web3.

Betting on Web3

For some, Web3 feels abstract; for Onone Ega, it is the future. When asked why Web3 excites her, she explains:

“Web3 is basically decentralisation. The authenticity, the fact that you can rely on the information that you put on the blockchain, and you know that nobody is going to alter it, and it’s transparent for everyone to see—that’s what makes Web3 really interesting for me.”

Still, she acknowledges the risks.

“Security is an area of concern for me because it’s still burgeoning, especially in Africa. The aspect of technology that’s now going to need to double up is security. How do you make your platform secure? Are we certain that when users try to integrate to your protocol they will not encounter malicious activities?”

This duality, the excitement of possibilities and the reality of threats, is what drives her advocacy.

Women in DeFi and True Inclusion

Through Women in DeFi, Ega has seen first-hand how access changes lives. At its Lagos conference, the largest women-led Web3 event in Africa, the team gave out laptops to participants. Months later, one recipient tweeted that the laptop had enabled her to finally begin learning—and earning—in Web3.

“Reading that testimony took away all the hassle, all the struggle of putting that entire event together. It was so fulfilling.”

But inclusion, for her, is not about filling quotas.

“Short answer would be equality. You’re not just a number. You’re not just a woman who is in the space, but you’re a woman who’s visible and who’s using her office to do good work, to impact the next generation of women as well.”

She mentors women returning to the workforce, young students, and mothers—pushing them to see that they are not limited by gender.

“Some people currently have the opinion that tech is saturated, or tech is hard. But this is not cut out for men alone. You too can do it, because they have brains. You equally have brains.”

On plans for the future, her vision is not small.

“I’m looking to build a technologically forward and inclusive future for women… on a global scale, expanding community outside of Africa, to Europe, to Asia. Global participation in the tech ecosystem and leading the conversations as well.”

If someone were to tell her story five years from now, she hopes it will be about courage and inspiration.

“I’m hoping that somebody is inspired by the fact that I dare to try. That they take a positive decision for themselves that changes their lives forever.”

For all her accomplishments, what keeps her centred is commendable:

“What keeps me grounded is largely my faith. I’m a Christian. I have a very good relationship with God. I spend time in fellowship to just centre myself. The world gets busy, it gets noisy, and so that helps me align my convictions to the work that I do, and also show up in society as a better person.”

From bridging Web2 and Web3 to championing inclusion in technology, Onone Peace Ega is bolstering the future; one project, one community, and one inspired woman at a time.

The stage is set for an unparalleled convergence of cutting-edge technologies as the Decentralized Intelligence Summit 2023 gears up to showcase the transformative power of blockchain, Web3, and AI.

This groundbreaking summit, the 16th edition since 2027, organized by the Blockchain Nigeria User Group (BNUG) in partnership with the Fintech Association of Nigeria, will take place at the prestigious Civic Center in Lagos, Nigeria, from August 25th to 26th.

This year’s conference is proudly being sponsored by CELO Foundation via its CeloAfricaDAO initiative.

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Unleashing the Future of Technology

The Decentralized Intelligence Summit 2023 is a testament to Africa’s innovation and progress in the digital era. With the theme “Staying Ahead of the Curve,” this two-day event promises to be an immersive experience for young African tech enthusiasts, industry thought leaders and international guests.

Among other things, as announced by BNUG, the event will feature Keynotes, Exhibitions,  Panel Sessions, Hackathon, Awards,  Business Networking, startups, Pitches, Fireside Chats, Games,  Workshops,  VXR, and NFT Art show.

An Unparalleled Lineup of Visionaries and Experts

Featuring a stellar lineup of speakers and panelists, the summit will delve into the potential of decentralized intelligence and its intersection with AI and innovative technologies. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from tech pioneers, thought leaders, and industry disruptors as they share insights, success stories, and actionable strategies.

Exploring the Future of Tech Innovation

The Decentralized Intelligence Summit 2023 will offer a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions, covering topics such as AI-driven automation, blockchain’s transformative impact, the potential of Web3, and much more.

Participants will explore how these technologies are reshaping industries, driving business growth, and fostering a culture of innovation.

Register Now to Secure Your Spot.

A Global Audience Connected Virtually

As an inclusive and forward-thinking event, the summit extends its reach to a global audience through an immersive virtual experience. International guests will have the opportunity to engage with speakers, participate in interactive sessions, and connect with industry peers, all from the comfort of their own space.

Join the Movement: Shaping the Future Together

The Decentralized Intelligence Summit 2023 is more than just an event;

it is a movement toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

Participants will be encouraged to forge meaningful connections, collaborate on groundbreaking projects, and play an active role in shaping the continent’s technological landscape.

Register Now to Secure Your Spot.

The Decentralized Intelligence Summit 2023 invites young African tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and international guests to join this transformative journey. Whether you are an aspiring innovator or a seasoned tech expert, this summit is a gateway to unleashing the full potential of decentralized intelligence.

Past editions of our technology conferences have featured renowned thought leaders and technology professionals, such as Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, Dr. Francis Chuka Agbo (SAN), Prof. Yinka David-West, Dr. Andrew Nevin, Musa Itopa, Dr. Segun Aina, and other eminent personalities who advocate for the positive impact of Blockchain Technology in our society.