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Nigeria takes a monumental step onto the global tech stage this week as it hosts the prestigious IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Africa Summit 2025 (CTU Africa 25) in Abuja. This landmark event, a first for the nation, positions Nigeria as a central leader in the pan-African drive for universal digital access.
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Scheduled for November 27–28 at Baze University, the summit will convene a powerful coalition of innovators, engineers, regulators, and policymakers. Their collective mission is to tackle one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: bridging the deep digital divide. Setting the tone for these critical discussions, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, a respected electrical engineer and National Chairman of the APC, will deliver the keynote address focused on closing Africa’s pervasive access gaps.
Forging African Solutions for Universal Connectivity
Under the theme “Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity,” the summit is dedicated to moving beyond discussion to actionable strategies. The goal is to deliver tangible solutions for the millions of unconnected and underserved communities across Africa, where lack of access hinders economic growth, education, and healthcare.
Eight Strategic Tracks to Drive Actionable Change
The CTU Africa 25 summit is strategically organized around eight core tracks, designed to address every facet of the connectivity challenge:
- Infrastructure and Technologies for Universal Connectivity
- Policy, Regulation, and Sustainable Financing
- Rural and Community-Centric Connectivity Innovations
- Digital Transformation: Smart Cities, Education, Health & Agriculture
- Regional Cooperation & One Africa Network Initiatives
- Sustainable Power & Energy for Connected Communities
- People, Policy, and Sustainability
- Cybersecurity, Data Protection, and Critical Infrastructure
This multi-faceted approach ensures that technical, economic, and social perspectives are integrated to generate scalable and impactful ideas.
Meet the Powerhouse Speakers Shaping Africa’s Digital Future
The summit boasts an influential roster of speakers, reflecting the urgency and importance of its mission. This lineup features top-tier leaders from technology, government, and business, making it one of the most significant digital development assemblies ever hosted in Africa.
Notable confirmed speakers include:
- Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA
- Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director/CEO of NIGCOMSAT
- Rex Mafiana, MD/CEO of FPG Technologies & Solutions Limited
- Ikechukwu Ibeawuchi, Government Affairs Lead, Cisco Nigeria
- Femi Adeluyi, Head of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at NITDA
- Chuks Onuoha, Former Group General Manager IT, NNPC
- Terwase Gbande-Hembaor, Director General, Benue State ICT Agency
Why the CTU Africa 25 Summit Matters for Nigeria and Beyond
With over 2.9 billion people globally still unconnected—a significant portion in Africa—the summit addresses a critical development bottleneck. For Nigerian telecom operators, ISPs, and ICT professionals, the event presents vital opportunities, including:
- Exploring cost-effective solutions for rural connectivity.
- Engaging directly with regulators and international funding bodies.
- Gaining insights that will shape the next decade of connectivity policy.
- Showcasing local innovations on a global stage.
- Forming strategic partnerships for cross-border projects.
A Platform for the Next Generation of Innovators
Emphasizing sustainability, the summit will actively involve students and young innovators. It will host the finals of the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Challenge, providing a platform for the next generation to present practical solutions and connect with global mentors.
A Call to Action for a Connected Africa
The IEEE CTU Africa Summit 2025 is more than a conference; it is a catalytic movement for Africa’s digital future. All stakeholders across the telecom, regulatory, academic, and entrepreneurial sectors are called to participate, partner, and contribute to this pivotal moment in closing the continent’s digital gap.
