Scheduled for November 27-28 at Baze University, the summit aims to develop scalable, homegrown solutions to connect millions of underserved citizens across the continent.

Themed “Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity,” the event is a pivotal regional segment of the larger IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CTU-EMEA) Summit.

According to General Conference Chair Chukwuemeka Okafor, the summit will provide a unique platform for stakeholders to collaborate on context-sensitive connectivity solutions.

“This event here in Nigeria is to showcase African innovation in connectivity solutions and also to foster collaboration between government, industry, and development partners,” said Okafor. “Our goal is to develop actionable policy recommendations for universal connectivity.”

Eight Strategic Tracks to Tackle Core Connectivity Challenges

The summit is structured around eight comprehensive thematic tracks, designed to address every facet of the digital divide:

• Infrastructure and Technologies for Universal Connectivity
• Policy, Regulation, and Sustainable Financing
• Rural and Community-Centric Connectivity Innovations
• Digital Transformation: Smart Cities, Education, Health, Agriculture
• 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

A key focus of the summit will be addressing Nigeria’s significant connectivity gap. Okafor revealed that the IEEE is exploring deeper collaboration with the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) to find innovative ways to connect over 100 million Nigerians currently outside access coverage.

The event will heavily feature discussions on sustainable financing, aiming to attract financial institutions to provide facilities that aid small operators in deploying telecom infrastructure in rural areas.

Event Highlights: Keynotes, Startups, and Exhibitions

Attendees can expect a dynamic agenda featuring:

• Keynote addresses from global technology leaders and senior policymakers.
• Panel discussions with local and international experts.
• Paper presentations and workshops on cutting-edge research.
• An exhibition area showcasing innovative connectivity solutions.
• A dedicated startup session with potential investor engagement, including conversations with industry giants like Nokia.

Ultimately, the CTU Africa 25 Summit seeks to position Africa, and Nigeria in particular, as an innovation hub rather than just a consumer market.

By bringing together engineers, policymakers, and business leaders, the event aims to create a actionable roadmap to bridge the digital frontier for millions.

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:

1. Infrastructure and Technologies for Universal Connectivity
2.  Policy, Regulation, and Sustainable Financing
3. Rural and Community-Centric Connectivity Innovations
4. Digital Transformation: Smart Cities, Education, Health, Agriculture Smart cities enabling massive connectivity
5. Regional Cooperation: One Africa Network and Cross-Border Initiatives
6. Sustainable Power & Energy for Connected Communities
7. People, Policy, and Sustainability
8. 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.