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Momentum Grows Ahead of WACC 2026 in Lagos
Momentum is steadily building ahead of the 15th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2026 and the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy, scheduled to hold in Lagos in June 2026. Industry leaders, investors, regulators, and state governments have begun confirming participation, underscoring the event’s growing strategic importance.
RELATED: APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda to keynote WACC 2026 setting technology agenda ahead of 2027 elections
Organisers say the conference comes at a critical moment as Nigeria accelerates its transition into a digitally driven economy.
MOFI Confirmed as Strategic Partner
The Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) has been confirmed as a strategic partner for WACC 2026. MOFI is strengthening engagement around the use of technology, innovation, and investment to drive national development.
Established in 1959, MOFI serves as the Federal Government of Nigeria’s asset-holding and investment management institution. It oversees more than 130 Government-Owned Entities (GOEs). The agency is targeting ₦100 trillion in assets under management within the next decade.
According to MOFI’s Chief Executive Officer, Armstrong Ume Takang, the conference aligns closely with the organisation’s mandate.
“The conference theme aligns with MOFI’s mandate as the Federal Government of Nigeria’s assets and investment management institution. We welcome the opportunity to engage policymakers, investors, and digital economy stakeholders on this platform,” he said, noting MOFI’s commitment to catalysing investment, fostering public-private partnerships, and driving innovation-led growth.
APC National Chairman to Deliver Keynote
The keynote address at WACC 2026 will be delivered by Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Yilwatda, who was recently re-elected at the party’s 8th National Convention in Abuja, described the conference objectives as closely aligned with the APC’s commitment to inclusive growth. WACC aligns with APC’s economic transformation, innovation-led development, and youth empowerment, said Yiltwada. He Nnoted that it is particularly strategic as Nigeria prepares for the post-2027 development cycle.
High-Level Policy Colloquium on Nigeria’s Future
Prof. Yilwatda is expected to speak at a high-level policy colloquium themed:
“Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The session will examine how digital innovation and emerging technologies can support economic growth, governance reform, and improved service delivery as Nigeria enters its next political and economic phase.
“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, commending Knowhow Media International for sustaining a credible, non-partisan platform.
ICT Sector’s Rising Contribution to GDP
WACC 2026 is taking place against the backdrop of rapid growth in Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Industry data show that ICT now contributes over 18% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This remarkable growth is reinforcing its role as a major driver of economic growth and diversification.
By late 2025, estimates placed ICT’s contribution at between 19% and 22% of GDP. This has been fuelled by fintech innovation, a youthful population, and more than 100 million National Identity Number (NIN) enrollments.
Strong Participation from States and Private Sector
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.
Platform for Policy, Investment, and Recognition
The West Africa Convergence Conference is organised by Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa. It has for more than two decades served as a bridge between government policy and private-sector innovation.
Chairman of WACC 2026, Sola Afolabi, said the conference remains critical to shaping dialogue on digital transformation and economic development.
The event will also recognise outstanding individuals and institutions shaping Nigeria’s digital and innovation landscape through the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2026 awards.
Driving Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
Commenting on the significance of the conference, Olusegun Oruame, CEO of Knowhow Media International, said Nigeria’s digital economy has emerged as one of the country’s strongest growth engines.
“The continuous relevance of this sector cannot be overstated. Equally crucial is bringing political leaders, policymakers, and the business community together. This convergence is essential for achieving real and sustainable growth,” he said.
