Experts To Promote Digital Sovereignty At Tech Convergence

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) is set to chart a new path through strategic partnerships and clear policy direction that spur innovation and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

This is just as Tech Convergence, the second edition of its flagship digital economy conference, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

With the Theme: ‘Building Nigeria’s Digital Future: The Internet as a Catalyst for Growth,’ the conference is set to convene top stakeholders from government, industry, academia, civil society, and the private sector to deliberate on strategies to position Nigeria as a digital powerhouse in Africa and globally.

While this year’s edition follows the successful debut in 2024, which drew over 400 participants and 25 speakers in Lagos, discussions focused on the internet’s growing role in bridging gaps between the creative sector and digital content.

The upcoming edition will broaden its scope to include critical issues such as digital policy, cybersecurity, infrastructure development, internet governance, and the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

Speaking ahead of the event, NiRA president Adesola Akinsanya underscored the need to protect and strengthen Nigeria’s online identity infrastructure.  He said the digital economy has become one of Nigeria’s most dynamic growth sectors, contributing over 18 per cent to the national GDP. However, Akinsanya stressed the importance of reinforcing local digital systems to ensure sustainability and resilience.

“Nigeria’s digital economy is a powerhouse, but to sustain its momentum, we must fortify our local internet infrastructure and identity. That is the essence of Tech Convergence uniting stakeholders to safeguard our digital sovereignty through the .ng domain and unlock the full potential of a connected Nigeria,” Akinsanya stated.

He noted further that, the internet has moved beyond merely enabling services as it now serves as the engine of digital transformation. While describing the .ng domain as more than just an address, he said, it is a symbol of ownership, trust, and sovereignty in Nigeria’s digital space.

The event chairman, Seun Kehinde, reinforced this vision, describing Tech Convergence 2.0 as a stakeholder-driven forum designed to produce actionable solutions for Nigeria’s digital challenges.

“Tech Convergence is more than just an event; it is a collaborative platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are built, and solutions are crafted. As stakeholders, we share a collective responsibility to ensure the internet continues to drive inclusive growth and innovation in Nigeria,” he noted.

Meanwhile, NiRA has continued to play a strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s internet ecosystem. Beyond its core mandate of managing the country’s top-level domain, the organisation has introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing security, privacy, and capacity development.

NiRA’s chief operating officer, Seyi Onasanya, reiterated the association’s long-term commitment to digital development.  “Our commitment goes beyond managing the .ng domain. We are laying the groundwork for a resilient internet ecosystem that can support startups, SMEs, public institutions and innovators who will shape Nigeria’s digital future,” she said.