One of the most important events on the African continent for emerging tech, the Digital Nigeria International Conference is set to return in 2023. Organised and sponsored by NITDA, as well as Domineum Blockchain Solutions in partnership with BSV Blockchain Association, the blockchain segment of the conference will take place on the first day of the event, October 24 at the International Conference Center in Abuja.
Following an incredibly successful event in 2022, more than 10,000 attendees are expected to attend the upcoming conference in person, with another 5,000 set to join via livestream. With high quality speakers and strong interest from investors and engagement of the Nigerian government, the event is of significant international relevance in the emerging tech sector.
Attendees can expect a showcase of emerging technologies such as blockchain, the metaverse, and AI through engaging tech talks, interactive demos, discussions, investor pitches, and workshops. The conference is also set to feature showcases, policy discussions, competitions, networking events, and awards.
Schedule and speakers
The Digital Nigeria International Conference offers a comprehensive three-day programme. The days are divided thematically and offer a complete programme of workshops, pitch presentations and much more.
Highlights include keynote speeches from:
- Olatunbosun Tijani, Nigerian Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
- Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/ CEO, NITDA
- Lorien Gamaroff, CEO of Centbee
- Eva Porras, CEO of Blockchain Smart Technologies
- Dr Catherine Lephoto, Executive Sales Director at VX Technologies
Day 1 of the event will focus on emerging technologies, including tech talks by experts, interactive demos of innovative applications, Roundtable discussions on policy implications, investor pitch sessions for startups, and Workshops covering blockchain development, AI programming, and Metaverse creation.
Day 2 revolves around GovTech and a competition called the Innovation Challenge, featuring presentations on digital initiatives, policy dialogues, a tech competition, networking opportunities with government officials, and an awards night honoring contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy.
Day 3 shifts to consumer tech and the creative economy, featuring keynote speeches from government and tech leaders, panel discussions on challenges and opportunities, a startup showcase for innovative ventures, networking sessions for collaboration, and workshops on UX design, digital marketing, and content creation.
Nigeria – prospects and opportunities for emerging tech
With more than 220 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. Rich in resources and with a developing industry, the country is considered an innovation engine for the region and the entire continent. As the country is still a developing nation and lacks infrastructure in many parts of the country, it presents a special opportunity for emerging tech companies.
The efficiencies that newer technologies can provide have a big impact in Africa. This applies above all to blockchain technology, which can make many processes not only cheaper but also more secure and transparent through micropayments. The power of transactions that cost only a fraction of a cent is showcased by many companies presenting at the conference, such as Centbee, whose CEO, Lorien Gamaroff, will give his keynote speech at the beginning of the first day.
The significance of the event is also highlighted by the Nigerian government’s commitment to train 30,000 developers in the context of the NITDA’s (National Information Technology Development Agency) blockchain scholarship program. So far,12,248 graduates have completed the program and the next cohort of 30,000 is set up to start the program next year. The program is sponsored by the BSV Blockchain Association and is still ongoing.
Join the conference as a participant, sponsor or exhibitor
The event is still open to applicants who would like to sponsor the Digital Nigeria International Conference or exhibit during the event. Engagement in the Digital Nigeria Conference can significantly boost your brand awareness in a key technology market of the future. If you are interested, you can submit a request using this form.
Those who wish to participate in the event can do so online or in person by registering at this link.