WACC 2026 to Spotlight Nigeria’s Digital Economy Future as APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda Delivers Keynote Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria’s technology, telecom, and digital innovation ecosystem will take centre stage at the West Africa Convergence Conference 2026 (WACC 2026), where industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and government officials will gather to discuss the future of the country’s digital economy.

The conference will be held Thursday June 25, 2026 in Lagos alongside the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2026, a major industry recognition platform celebrating individuals driving innovation and transformation in Nigeria’s technology sector. This year’s edition major theme is “Reworking Nigeria Progressively into the Digital Economy with Emerging Digital Tools.”

Organised by Knowhow Media International, publishers of IT Edge News Africasince 2004, the event has become one of the region’s longest-running platforms connecting government policy with private-sector innovation.

APC Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda to Deliver Strategic Keynote on where politics, public policy, and private-sector innovation intersect.

The 2026 edition of WACC will feature a high-profile keynote presentation by Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Professor Yilwatda will deliver the Keynote Focus Presentation at a two-hour high-level policy colloquium themed:

“Leveraging Technology for Development in Nigeria, 2027–2031: Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The session is expected to provide strategic insights into how technology and digital innovation can drive economic transformation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 national elections.

According to organisers, the keynote represents a critical moment where politics, public policy, and private-sector innovation intersect, providing clarity on how the country’s political leadership intends to harness the digital economy as a key pillar of national development.

The keynote presentation will address a distinguished audience of senior stakeholders shaping Nigeria’s economic and digital future.

Participants are expected to include:

• CEOs of ICT and telecommunications companies
• Leaders of data centres, internet service providers, and infrastructure firms
• Executives from banks, fintech companies, insurance and insurtech organisations
• Heads of regulatory agencies and government institutions
• Venture capital investors and startup ecosystem leaders
• Academic leaders and professional associations

The forum will provide a unique policy-forward but non-partisan platform where government leaders engage directly with business stakeholders.

Experts note that the ICT and telecommunications sector now contributes more than 18 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, making technology policy a crucial factor in the country’s economic future.

Why WACC 2026 Matters for Nigeria’s Business Community

For Nigeria’s private sector, particularly companies operating in the digital economy, WACC 2026 represents a strategic dialogue platform where national policy direction meets market innovation.

The event aims to:

• Strengthen collaboration between government and technology businesses
• Mobilise industry stakeholders around Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda
• Encourage investment in infrastructure, innovation, and digital skills development
• Align political vision with private-sector execution capacity

According to Sola Afolabi, the conference builds on more than two decades of thought leadership connecting policymakers and the technology ecosystem.

“Building on over two decades of thought leadership through WACC and our digital economy recognition platforms, this edition reinforces the pivotal role of national political actors in shaping Nigeria’s next development cycle,” Afolabi said.

Strategic Importance of State Government Participation

Organisers have also extended invitations to state governors and members of the National Assembly to participate as Special Guests and Strategic Partners.

The participation of state governments is expected to play a critical role in advancing technology-driven development at the subnational level.

According to Olusegun Oruame, CEO of Knowhow Media, the conference offers state leaders a unique platform to present their development agenda to investors and technology industry stakeholders.

Opportunities for States to Attract Investment

State governors participating in the conference will have the opportunity to present their states’ development priorities during a 20-minute Investors Pitch Session.

This engagement will allow states to highlight:

• Digital economy initiatives
• Infrastructure and connectivity projects
• Technology-enabled governance strategies
• Investment opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship

The platform is expected to attract technology investors, telecom operators, infrastructure companies, and innovation hubs interested in expanding across Nigeria’s states.

Strengthening State–Industry Partnerships

Participation will also allow states to:

• Engage directly with technology investors and global digital infrastructure providers
• Explore public–private partnership opportunities
• Promote youth digital skills and innovation initiatives
• Position their states as emerging digital economy investment destinations

States will also gain national visibility through media coverage and inclusion in the Nigeria Digital Economy Special Report 2026, which will highlight subnational innovation and investment opportunities.

Driving Nigeria’s Digital Future

With Nigeria’s digital economy continuing to expand rapidly, organisers say the 2026 edition of WACC will play a pivotal role in shaping discussions on technology-driven governance, innovation-led economic growth, and public-private collaboration.

As the country approaches the 2027 elections, the conference is expected to serve as an important platform where political leaders, business executives, and innovation stakeholders align their vision for Nigeria’s digital future.