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Nominations have officially started for the 2026 edition of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy, a flagship recognition platform celebrating visionary leaders who continue to shape and sustain Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
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The 2026 edition will hold under the theme “Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools,” spotlighting innovators, policymakers, and business leaders driving technology-led development across the country.
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The highly anticipated recognition ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM, at The Colossus, Plot 4/5 Sheraton Opebi Link Road, Ikeja, Lagos.
The exclusive industry event will convene senior policymakers, regulators, investors, corporate executives, and technology leaders for a day of thought leadership, strategic engagement, and celebration of excellence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy, also touted as the 50MVPs – 50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy, is an initiative of Knowhow Media, publishers of IT Edge News.Africa and partners.
The recognition programme is a high-profile offshoot of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC)—a decade-long platform that promotes dialogue, innovation, and ecosystem development across West Africa’s technology landscape.
A Legacy of Impact and Recognition
Despite economic, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges, Nigeria’s digital economy continues to advance—powered by the resilience, innovation, and foresight of exceptional leaders across public and private sectors.
To honour these changemakers, Knowhow Media International, in collaboration with an independent panel of industry experts, has sustained this landmark recognition programme to spotlight individuals and institutions whose contributions are enabling transformative growth across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Who the 2026 Committee is Recognising
The 2026 Recognition Committee is honouring corporate institutions and individuals whose work has delivered measurable impact in:
- Advancing digital inclusion
- Strengthening ICT infrastructure
- Driving innovation and entrepreneurship
- Enabling policy and regulatory progress
- Expanding opportunities across key economic sectors
Event Highlights
The 2026 edition will feature a full-day programme of strategic conversations and high-level networking, including:
- Industry Colloquium: Humanising Nigeria’s Digital Economy for People-Centred Impact
- 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy Recognition Ceremony
- Exclusive 50 Digital Economy Leaders Business Lunch
- Launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Special Report 2026
Why Leaders Are Nominated
Nominees are selected through a rigorous, independent process based on four core criteria:
- Innovation and Vision: Pioneering digital ideas and solutions shaping Nigeria’s future
- Impact and Influence: Tangible contributions to growth, inclusion, and socio-economic development
- Leadership and Contribution: Proven excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, and sector building
- Sustainability and Future Readiness: Commitment to scalable initiatives that strengthen the digital ecosystem
Transparent and Independent Selection Process
All nominations are reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry experts, thought leaders, and key stakeholders, who assess contributions across both public and private sectors to arrive at the final list of 50 influential figures redefining Nigeria’s digital economy.
A Lasting Record of Excellence
Beyond the awards ceremony, honourees are celebrated through a commemorative special publication documenting their achievements, insights, and impact. This enduring record serves as both a historical reference and an inspiration for the next generation of digital leaders.
Distinguished Past Honourees
The 2026 inductees will join a distinguished list of past influential figures in Nigeria’s digital economy, including:
- Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Governor of Benue State
- Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Obadare Peter Adewale, cybersecurity expert
- Vincent Olatunji, CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
- Ike Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty
- Ayotunde Coker, CEO, Open Access Data Centres (OADC)
An Exclusive Network of Digital Economy Leaders
Recognition as one of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy places winners in an elite network of policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders shaping both the present and future of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Two Decades of Celebrating Innovation
What began in 2004 as the West Africa Convergence Conference and Top 50 Forum has evolved into a premier platform celebrating excellence in Nigeria’s ICT and digital economy landscape. For over two decades, the initiative has spotlighted the nation’s progress in harnessing technology as a catalyst for development.
The 2026 Recognition Committee will honour individuals whose work has consistently advanced the industry by:
- Promoting forward-looking ICT policies
- Creating enabling environments for tech innovation
- Empowering young people as drivers of the digital economy
- Deploying technology for transparency, accountability, and good governance
Thought Leadership for Nigeria’s Digital Future
According to organisers, the 2026 edition reaffirms the platform’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s digital economy as a driver of inclusive growth, competitiveness, and regional stability.
Speaking on the significance of the recognition, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee and Chairman of Baobab Think, said:
“Amid Nigeria’s shifting economic challenges, the Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy is not just a tribute—it is a testament to the pioneers building the nation’s tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
Held under the theme “Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools,” the 2026 edition will feature:
- High-level industry conversations on Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape
- Insights into emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and blockchain
- The launch of the Nigeria Digital Economy Special Report 2026
- An exclusive CEOs’ Business Lunch fostering collaboration between public and private sector leaders
Prominent participants expected include regulators, technology CEOs, startup founders, policy influencers, and senior state government officials.
Olusegun Oruame, Executive Vice Chairman of Knowhow Media & Market Intelligence International Ltd, emphasised the organisation’s enduring role in shaping industry narratives:
“For over a decade, IT Edge News.Africa has remained an essential voice, documenting the innovators, ideas, and decisions shaping Africa’s digital landscape.”
