By 9:00 AM (WAT), the iconic venue will come alive with the buzz of Africa’s leading technology minds, innovators, regulators, investors, and thought leaders, all gathered to explore this year’s powerful theme: “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”

At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining economies, AfriTECH 5.0 promises to spark vital conversations on how homegrown innovation and sovereign technologies can power Africa’s digital future, safely, securely, and sustainably.

Meet the Voices Shaping Africa’s Tech Future

The 2025 edition brings together a stellar lineup of speakers and industry leaders including:

• Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC);
• Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC);
• Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd;
• George Agu, MD/CEO, ActivEdge Technologies Ltd;
• Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications;
• Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN);
• Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria; and
• Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh, CEO, Afrorgy Financial Services Ltd.

They will be joined by other brilliant minds including

• Happiness Obohia, CEO, Tizeti Cybersecurity;
• Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbabaie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week;
• Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Coach; and
• John Itodo, an AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets, among others.

Together, these experts will explore how Africa can leverage AI, indigenous technology, and data-driven systems to strengthen its digital sovereignty and global competitiveness.

A Platform for Bold Ideas and Real Impact

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0, said:

“AfriTECH 5.0 promises a robust and interactive agenda featuring keynote presentations from global tech leaders, panel discussions on data governance, fintech inclusion, and AI ethics, plus exhibitions showcasing some of Africa’s most exciting innovations. The highlight of the event will be the prestigious Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to Africa’s digital ecosystem.”

This year’s edition also includes a Fireside Chat hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, where participants will unpack the potential of decentralized systems and blockchain innovation in enabling transparent governance and financial inclusion.

Building Collaboration for Africa’s Tech Future

AfriTECH 5.0 is supported by a coalition of technology enablers and sponsors, a reflection of the ecosystem’s growing unity and shared purpose.

Digital Encode Limited leads as the Platinum Sponsor, while itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, Afrigo Payment Financial Services Limited, Tizel Cybersecurity, and ActivEdge Technologies, are the Gold Sponsors.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also lends its support as an institutional partner.

Participation at AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested participants can sign up via the link HERE.

Leading the lineup are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), consumer tech brand itel, global data infrastructure leader Digital Realty, connectivity solutions provider SKOT Communications, and the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN).

Set to be held on November 13th, 2025 at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, under the theme “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence,” AfriTECH 5.0 will spotlight the power of homegrown solutions and global partnerships in driving Africa’s technological growth.

The diversity of sponsors reflects the ecosystem AfriTECH champions: regulators led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); consumer enablers (itel), infrastructure giants (Digital Realty Nigeria), communications providers (SKOT Communications), and critical backbone operators – the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN).

Together, their support underscores how collaboration between regulation, innovation, and infrastructure is vital to Africa’s future.

“Each partner represents a piece of the puzzle in Africa’s digital transformation,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH). “From regulation to infrastructure, from consumer access to data exchange, AfriTECH 5.0 is where these synergies come alive.”

This year’s forum promises high-level debates, solution-driven panels, and networking that connects decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators committed to accelerating Africa’s digital independence.

In addition to the conference sessions and exhibitions, this year’s edition will feature the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Award (ATAEx 2025), a prestigious award ceremony that celebrates outstanding innovation, leadership, and contributions to Africa’s digital economy.

More details here.

The Academy, a social impact initiative of SKOT Communications, received nearly 400 applications in its first call for entry this August, a response that revealed the industry’s hunger for structured, accessible training. 

The first cohort begins on Saturday, September 13, with physical classes in Lagos running every weekend until October 25.

Speaking at the launch, Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO of SKOT Communications, shared her motivation for starting the Academy:

“I’ve been in communications. I’ve been a PR publicist for 31 years, and I thought it was important to give back to the sector that has shaped me as a person. I remember when I started, I studied economics, went into PR by mistake, and I had to find my feet. I decided to launch the SKOT Impact Academy to give professionals with one or two years in PR a foundational six-week course.”

George-Taylor added that her long-term vision is to make the Academy a PR hub for Africa, combining local insights with international expertise.

“My dream is to shape professionals into global storytellers. People underestimate what we do as communications professionals. We ensure that your story is told, whether for government, corporates, or individuals. They need to be armed with the necessary tools to do it.”

The Academy will run in three cohorts each year, a physical session in Lagos, a virtual edition in Q1 2026 to reach participants outside Nigeria, and a hybrid programme mid-year. In between, SKOT Communications will host specialised masterclasses for professionals with more than two years of experience through its Elevate platform.

International facilitators have also pledged their support, with experts covering areas such as crisis management, storytelling, and the use of new technologies in communications.

In her keynote, Dr Nkechi Ali-Balogun, chairperson of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN), commended the launch as a turning point for the industry:

“In a world where knowledge of hope comes with a price, this institution is free of charge. Nigeria today, we are almost paying for the air that we breathe, and somebody comes to say, give you free training for six weeks in a cosy place like this, with international facilitators. This is more than an academy, it is a symbol of hope, a centre of excellence, a centre that makes you know that you count even without skills or years of experience.”

She noted that the Academy would help instil values the profession is losing, truth, responsibility, service, dignity in labour, and ethical standards.

Voices from the First Cohort

Some of the first participants also shared their excitement. Mercy Kalu, one of the trainees, said, “I was that kid that always had ‘she talks too much’ on every report card. That part of me has led me into communications. The SKOT Impact Academy is not just about storytelling and PR, it’s about creating communicators that change perception and build trust.”

Another participant, Nancy, spoke on George-Taylor’s influence on her career. “GT is so good at what she does, and she wants everyone around her to have that same level of excellence. Seeing the SKOT Academy come alive is proof of the value she’s poured into us over the years.”

Other speakers, including Habiba Balogun, CEO of Habiba Balogun Consulting, and experts such as Comfort Nwankwo, former chairperson of NIPR Lagos, and Mr Frank, commended the initiative as more than just training but the building of an institution that would outlast its founder.

For George-Taylor, the SKOT Impact Academy represents an investment in people and also a personal milestone.

“I never started an academy before. Everything we’re doing, we’re learning on the ball. But my dream is that this Academy will stand as the foundation for future leaders who will tell Africa’s stories with clarity and power.”

With Lagos as its launch base and a vision that stretches across Nigeria and the continent, the SKOT Impact Academy targets becoming a vital talent pipeline for the next generation of communicators.

This significant move paves the way for Skot Communications to build upon a legacy of excellence and innovation both locally and internationally, leveraging the existing portfolio of clients, talent and expertise in communications consultancy through the agreement.

The company, based in Nigeria and the UK, is founded by Tokunboh George-Taylor a communications leader with over 30 years in the industry and the pioneering Managing Director of Hill+Knowlton Nigeria.

She was instrumental in establishing the firm as a successful player in the market, providing strategic communications counsel and exceptional service to clients across diverse industries.

Skot believes that that the human voice is the most powerful thing in the world. Without it, change is silenced, and with it, impossibility becomes possible.

The company is guided by the principle that every individual and corporate has a unique story to tell, it is finding your voice that makes all the difference.

The company leverages its expertise, creativity, and innovative ideas, to not only define, redefine, or amplify voices, but to create real connections; connections that grow relationships and loyalty to deliver results that can be measured.

With deep understanding of Africa’s business landscape aligned with global best practices, Skot Communications brings unparalleled expertise in strategic & corporate communications, internal communications, content marketing & storytelling, digital & influencer media, crisis management and public affairs/advocacy as well as event management services.

Skot is established across sectors including Financial & Professional services, Energy, Consumer Services, Technology, Healthcare, Entertainments & Sports, Education & Women.

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new journey as Skot Communications” said Tokunboh George-Taylor, Founder/CEO. “Building upon the strong foundation laid by Hill+Knowlton, Skot Communications is committed to delivering the highest standards of public relations and communications services to our clients, with local and global insights to drive transformative growth. We remain dedicated to exceeding expectations while simultaneously expanding our offerings to adapt to the evolving Nigerian market and media communications landscape.

Skot Communications is driven by a mission to connect brands, organisations and people to the voice that best represents and defines them, growing authentic relationships and loyalty whilst delivering measurable results so that partners can reach their goals and realise their full most powerful potential.