Momentum is gathering ahead of the 15th West Africa Convergence Conference 2026 and the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy recognition ceremony, scheduled to hold in Lagos this June.
Industry leaders, investors, and state governments have confirmed participation, underscoring the growing importance of Nigeria’s digital economy, now contributing over 18 percent of the nation’s GDP.
The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) has been confirmed as a strategic partner at WACC 2026, deepening engagement on leveraging technology for national development.
Meanwhile, the keynote speaker, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the conference theme and objectives as strongly aligned with the party’s commitment to inclusive growth, economic transformation, innovation-led development, and youth empowerment, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the post-2027 development cycle.
MOFI: A Strategic Partner for Digital Economy Dialogue
MOFI is Nigeria’s custodian and active manager of Federal Government investments and assets, established in 1959.
It acts as an asset-holding company, managing over 130 portfolios including Government Owned Entities (GOEs), aiming to optimize these assets to create wealth and generate revenue. MOFI has set a goal of growing its assets under management (AUM) to ₦100 trillion within 10 years.
“The conference theme aligns with MOFI’s mandate as the Federal Government of Nigeria’s assets and investment management institution, and we welcome the opportunity to engage with the policymakers, investors, and digital economy stakeholders that this platform convenes,” said Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, chief executive officer of MOFI.
“MOFI is committed to actively participating in the conference and contributing to the policy dialogue, including delivering the proposed presentation and engaging with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. We believe this platform aligns strongly with our mandate to catalyse investment, foster public-private partnerships, and drive innovation-led economic growth.”
APC Chairman Yilwatda: A Timely Engagement on Technology and Development
Professor Yilwatda, who was re-elected APC National Chairman at the party’s 8th National Convention in Abuja recently, said the forum presents a timely opportunity to engage policymakers, industry leaders, technology innovators, investors, and ecosystem builders on the strategic role of technology in accelerating national development.
“The opportunity to engage policymakers, industry leaders, technology innovators, investors, and ecosystem builders on the role of technology in accelerating national development is both timely and important,” Yilwatda said.
“I commend Knowhow Media International for sustaining this credible, non-partisan platform that bridges policy vision, political leadership, and private-sector execution,” he added.
Keynote Address: Leveraging Technology for Development (2027–2031)
Professor Yilwatda is expected to deliver the keynote address at a high-level policy colloquium themed:
“Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The presentation will examine how digital innovation and emerging technologies can support economic growth, governance reform, and service delivery as Nigeria enters its next political and economic cycle.
Organisers noted that the colloquium will serve as the policy centrepiece of WACC 2026 and will precede the recognition ceremony for the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2026.
Nigeria’s ICT Sector: A Growth Engine for the Economy
The conference comes at a time when Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector continues to expand rapidly. Industry data indicate that the sector now contributes over 18 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , reinforcing its position as one of the country’s most important drivers of economic growth and diversification.
According to the organisers, WACC 2026 will provide a platform for policymakers, technology companies, investors, and development partners to examine how digital tools can accelerate inclusive growth, strengthen public service delivery, and reduce dependence on oil revenues.
A Platform Bridging Policy, Politics, and Private Sector
The West Africa Convergence Conference is organised by Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, and has for more than two decades served as a platform connecting government policy with private-sector innovation.
Governors from Enugu State, Kogi State, Plateau State, Akwa Ibom State, and Imo State, among others, are expected to attend.
Participants will include chief executives of ICT and telecommunications companies, data centre operators, internet service providers, banks and fintech firms, regulators, venture capital investors, startup founders, academics, and professional associations.
State governments have been invited as strategic partners, with a dedicated investors’ pitch session allowing subnational governments to showcase digital governance initiatives, infrastructure projects, and investment-ready opportunities.
Sola Afolabi, Chairman of WACC 2026, said the conference continues to play a critical role in shaping dialogue on digital transformation and economic development in Nigeria.
The event will also recognise individuals and institutions, both public and private, whose contributions are shaping Nigeria’s digital and innovation landscape.
Nigeria’s Digital Economy at a Tipping Point
Commenting on the significance of the conference, Olusegun Oruame, CEO of Knowhow Media International, said Nigeria’s digital economy has become one of the country’s strongest growth engines.
“The continuous relevance of this sector cannot be overstated,” Oruame said. “Equally crucial is the need to bring political leaders, policymakers, and the business community together. This convergence is critical to achieving real and sustainable growth.”
