As Nigeria prepares for the pivotal 2027 general elections, the intersection of political leadership and digital economy strategy will take centre stage at the 15th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2026 and the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy Recognition Ceremony, scheduled for June 2026 in Lagos.
The twin events will convene an elite collegiate of policymakers, regulators, investors, technology leaders, and ecosystem builders to examine how emerging digital technologies can drive inclusive growth, governance reform, and national competitiveness.
The convergence reflects a defining moment where technology policy and political leadership align to shape Nigeria’s post-2027 development trajectory.
Yilwatda to Articulate APC’s Digital Governance Agenda
At the heart of the policy conversation is Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who will deliver the Keynote Focus Presentation at WACC 2026’s high-level policy colloquium.
The two-hour colloquium is themed: “Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Yilwatda’s keynote is expected to provide rare, first-hand insight into how the APC-led national government plans to deploy digital tools, innovation frameworks, and technology-enabled governance to accelerate economic growth, strengthen institutions, and deepen inclusion beyond the 2027 elections.
WACC 2026 Theme and Strategic Context
WACC 2026 is anchored on the central theme: “Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools.”
The policy colloquium serves as the strategic nerve centre of the conference and comes at a critical time. Nigeria’s ICT and telecommunications sector now contributes over 18 percent of GDP, positioning the digital economy as one of the strongest drivers of productivity, investment attraction, and job creation.
A Technocrat-Politician Bridging Policy and Execution
A respected academic, digital systems engineer, and political leader, Prof. Yilwatda holds a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering and brings over two decades of experience leading major ICT and digital transformation initiatives. He previously served for 12 years as Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
According to Yilwatda, WACC is strategically aligned with the APC’s vision for inclusive growth and long-term national development beyond 2027. He describes the forum as a timely opportunity to engage policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and investors on how technology can accelerate national development.
“The theme and objectives of this colloquium align strongly with the All Progressives Congress’ commitment to inclusive growth, economic transformation, innovation-led development, and youth empowerment, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the next phase of national development beyond 2027. I commend Knowhow Media International for sustaining a credible, non-partisan platform that bridges policy vision, political leadership, and private-sector execution,” Yilwatda said.
Digital Economy at the Core of Nigeria’s Growth Ambition
Nigeria is targeting a $1 trillion GDP by 2036, requiring sustained annual growth of 10–12 percent over the next decade.
The APC-led government’s growth acceleration plan shifts the country from economic stabilization to active expansion, placing the digital economy at the centre of this ambition.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has repeatedly noted that the expanding digital economy has become a stabilising pillar underpinning Nigeria’s recovery, driving productivity, attracting investment, and supporting macroeconomic reforms.
At WACC 2026, Yilwatda’s keynote is expected to help businesses, investors, and subnational governments better understand government direction, clarifying where public policy targets intersect with private-sector delivery capabilities and investment opportunities.
MOFI Brings Investment Muscle to WACC 2026
Also driving investment-focused conversations is Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, chief executive officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), the Strategic Partner of WACC 2026.
MOFI’s Investment and Institutional Pitch Session is positioned as a major deal-enabling highlight, expected to unlock:
- Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) for subnational digital infrastructure
- Access to federal asset-backed capital
Alignment with the Federal Government’s ₦100 trillion asset management mandate
MOFI’s participation elevates WACC 2026 as a platform where government policy is translated into bankable investment opportunities and infrastructure rollout.
Regulatory Leadership Takes Centre Stage
On the regulatory front, Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), will deliver an Executive Regulatory Address titled: “From Awareness to Accountability: Strengthening Data Protection Compliance in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.”
Also delivering Executive Regulatory Notes is Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general and CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigeria’s Chief Information Technology Officer.
A Defining Platform Ahead of 2027
With elections less than a year away, WACC 2026 offers unmatched access to high-level policy thinking, regulatory clarity, and investment pathways.
Led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC’s digital economy roadmap will be laid bare, positioning WACC 2026 as a defining forum where Nigeria’s political future and digital transformation agenda converge.
