By 
Top 50 2023
This month, May 22, 2025, Nigeria’s commercial capital Lagos will host the 2025 edition of the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025” at The Colossus, Ikeja, Lagos. This exclusive industry recognition event celebrates top influencers, innovators, and policy makers driving transformation across Nigeria’s digital landscape.
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An initiative of Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa, the 50MVPs recognition is a high-profile offshoot of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC), a decade-old platform promoting dialogue and advancement in West Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Celebrating Two Decades of Innovation: From Convergence to Excellence in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
What began in 2004 as the West Africa Convergence Conference and Top 50 Forum has evolved into a prestigious platform that continues to celebrate Nigeria’s legacy of excellence in the ever-evolving ICT and digital economy landscape. For over two decades, the event has spotlighted the nation’s progress in harnessing technology as a force for transformation.
The 2025 Recognition Committee will honour outstanding individuals whose consistent contributions have shaped the industry by:
- Advancing forward-thinking ICT policies
- Creating an enabling environment for tech growth
- Supporting youth empowerment as key players in the digital economy
- Driving the adoption of ICT for transparency, accountability, and good governance
Forum Highlights: Tech for Peacebuilding and Poverty Reduction
This year’s forum will also explore critical issues and opportunities, including:
- Leveraging technology for peacebuilding and sustainable development
- Utilizing data analytics for effective poverty reduction strategies
- Advancing digital transformation as a tool for inclusive growth
The 2025 edition reaffirms the event’s commitment to thought leadership and action in positioning Nigeria’s digital economy as a driver of inclusive development and regional stability.
The business forum will convene key stakeholders including regulators, leaders from Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, and representatives from state governments. Previous editions have featured notable speakers such as Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); and Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty.
According to organizers, the 50MVPs recognizes corporate leaders and change-makers who exhibit vision, resilience, influence, and strategic contributions to Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
“As Nigeria economy continues to evolve in the face of increasing challenges, the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is more than a recognition; it’s a celebration of the digital revolutionaries shaping Nigeria’s future,” said Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think.
A New Era of Recognition: Consolidating Progress and Tackling New Challenges
Held under the theme “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy”, the 2025 edition will feature:
- Industry Conversations on the evolving landscape of Nigeria’s digital economy.
- Insights on emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and blockchain.
- The launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Special Report 2025.
- The Exclusive 50MVPs Industry Business Lunch, a CEOs’ gathering that fosters collaboration between public and private sector leaders.
Prominent participants expected at the event include regulators, tech CEOs, startup founders, policy influencers, and state government representatives.
Selection Criteria and Impact
The rigorous selection process for the 50MVPs is anchored on four pillars:
- Innovation & Vision
- Impact & Influence
- Leadership & Contribution
- Sustainability & Future Prospects
This year’s list celebrates individuals committed to:
- Enabling ICT policy development,
- Supporting youth-led innovation,
- Promoting governance through technology, and
- Creating sustainable digital ecosystems.
“The 2025 Recognition focuses on leaders building bridges between tech innovation and national development,” said Olusegun Oruame, Executive Vice Chairman, Knowhow Media.
Legacy and Industry Support
The 50MVPs initiative builds on the success of previous recognitions like the Nigeria Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers, further institutionalizing the acknowledgment of excellence in the Nigerian tech space. The event is industry-backed, receiving support from key partners, ministries, agencies, and corporate entities within the ICT and innovation ecosystem.
Since 2007, IT Edge News.Africa has remained a trusted voice in Africa’s digital and technology sector, highlighting critical trends, personalities, and policy directions shaping the continent’s tech-driven future.
