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Lagos Hosts High-Level Policy, Investment and Digital Economy Dialogue
This Thursday in Lagos, an elite collegiate of policymakers, regulators, investors, technology leaders and ecosystem builders will convene for the 15th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2026, alongside the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy Recognition Ceremony.
RELATED: WACC 2026: Nentawe Yilwatda charts APC’s vision at Lagos convergence of tech, policy, and politics ahead of 2027 polls
According to Chairman of WACC 2026 Committee, Dr. Sola Afolabi, the conference remains critical to shaping dialogue on digital transformation and economic development.
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The twin events will interrogate how emerging digital technologies can drive inclusive economic growth, governance reform and national competitiveness. It marks a defining moment where technology policy and political leadership converge to shape Nigeria’s post-2027 development trajectory.
Strong Institutional Backing Underscores Industry Confidence
WACC 2026 enjoys robust industry and institutional support led by strategic partners including Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Wema Bank Plc—signalling broad alignment between regulation, finance and digital innovation.
Wema Bank Powers the Digital Economy Narrative
Wema Bank’s strategic partnership reflects one of Nigeria’s most compelling banking transformation stories. Driven by its retail banking pivot and the ALAT digital ecosystem, the bank recorded gross earnings of ₦669.59 billion, a 125.36% surge in profit after tax to ₦194.46 billion, and total assets approaching ₦5.23 trillion.
With a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 28.05%, well above regulatory requirements, Wema Bank exemplifies the financial strength driving Nigeria’s digital transformation. Its support for WACC 2026 sends a powerful signal: confidence in the digital economy is not just strategic—it is bankable.
Yilwatda to Articulate APC’s Digital Governance Vision
At the heart of the policy conversation is Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He will deliver the Keynote Focus Presentation at WACC 2026’s high-level Policy Colloquium.
The two-hour session is themed:
“Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Yilwatda’s address is expected to offer rare, first-hand insight into the APC-led government’s digital agenda beyond the 2027 elections. His remarks will outline plans to deploy digital tools, innovation frameworks, and technology-enabled governance to accelerate growth and strengthen institutions. The address is also expected to highlight strategies for deepening inclusion across Nigeria’s socioeconomic landscape.
WACC 2026 Theme and Strategic Timing
WACC 2026 is anchored on the theme:
“Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools.”
The conference comes at a critical time, with Nigeria’s ICT and telecommunications sector contributing over 18% of GDP. WACC positions the digital economy as a central driver of productivity, investment attraction and job creation.
A Technocrat-Politician Bridging Policy and Execution
A respected academic and digital systems engineer, Prof. Yilwatda holds a PhD in Digital Systems Engineering. He brings over two decades of experience in large-scale ICT transformation. A former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, he previously served for 12 years as Director of ICT at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Describing WACC as a timely, non-partisan platform, Yilwatda noted that the forum aligns strongly with the APC’s commitment to innovation-led growth, youth empowerment and long-term national development beyond 2027.
MOFI Brings Investment Muscle to WACC 2026
Also shaping investment-focused discussions is Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director/CEO of MOFI and Strategic Partner of WACC 2026.
MOFI’s Investment and Institutional Pitch Session is expected to unlock:
- Public–Private Partnerships for subnational digital infrastructure
- Access to federal asset-backed capital
- Alignment with the Federal Government’s ₦100 trillion asset management mandate
Its participation reinforces WACC’s positioning as a platform where policy vision is translated into bankable digital infrastructure and investment opportunities.
Regulators Define Trust, Security and Compliance
Trust remains foundational to a sustainable digital economy. Executive Regulatory Addresses will feature NDPC, examining the shift “from awareness to accountability” in data protection amid AI adoption and election-year data risks. NITDA is outlining priorities around digital infrastructure, talent development, innovation-driven regulation and public–private collaboration.
Operators, Infrastructure and the Digital Backbone
From the operators’ perspective, WACC 2026 will spotlight the infrastructure powering Nigeria’s digital economy. Ikechukwu Nnamani,, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria, will lead discussions on the strategic role of data centres in scaling digital services. He is offering insight on how the sector can attract global capital and enable local content hosting.
Aishat Lewis, CEO of Arise Fund, leads a strategic dialogue on talent funding, job creation, and offshore capital as catalysts for scalable employment. Dr. Yele Okeremi, CEO of PFS Ltd, offers an incisive perspective on the convergence of digital payments, telecoms, and financial services. Yele believes this convergence defines Nigeria’s next frontier of economic integration.
Celebrating the Architects of Nigeria’s Digital Future
A defining feature of WACC is the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy awards. It is often described as the sector’s “Oscars.” The recognition honours individuals and institutions shaping policy, infrastructure, innovation and regulation across Nigeria’s digital landscape.
According to Olusegun Oruame, CEO of Knowhow Media International, the awards are designed not only to recognise excellence but to inspire collaboration and the next generation of digital pathfinders.
Why WACC 2026 Matters
With Nigeria targeting a $1 trillion GDP by 2036 and the digital economy already contributing over 18% of GDP, WACC 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment. As the nation approaches the 2027 elections, decisions around technology, regulation and investment will define economic outcomes for years to come.
WACC once again proves to be the convergence point for technology, policy, and politics. It is the platform where direction is charted, consensus is forged, and the architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation are recognised.
