InnTech 2025: Africa’s Leaders Unite For Innovation, Sustainability

Africa’s innovation and technology leaders will converge on the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on November 25 for the InnTech Summit 2025, a high-level gathering designed to shape the continent’s future around AI, the digital economy, and sustainability.

Speaking ahead of the event at a press conference in Abuja, at the weekend, the chairman of InnTech Summit, Engr. Ahmed Mansur said the summit represents Africa’s flagship platform for shaping the future of innovation and digital transformation. He said the theme reflects the continent’s recognition that technology must drive not only economic growth but also inclusion, resilience, and sustainability.

He said, “Africa stands at a pivotal moment,” Mansur said. Our goal is to create a space where ideas meet impact — where policymakers, business leaders, innovators, and academia translate Africa’s potential into measurable progress and shared prosperity. As AI, data, and digital innovation reshape societies globally, Africa must not only participate but shape the direction of this transformation.”

Mansur disclosed that the summit has already attracted significant interest from institutional and private sector partners, noting that such collaborations underscore a shared commitment to building a trusted, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for the continent.

Convener of the summit and CEO of iCentra, Taopheek Babayeju, stated that the event will bring together Africa’s foremost leaders, innovators, and policymakers to advance purposeful innovation across the continent.

According to him, the keynote address will be delivered by the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,  Dr Bosun Tijani. At the same time, special guests include Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

“InnTech Summit is Africa’s flagship platform for accelerating innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development,” he said. “Our mission is to connect ideas, people, and technology to drive shared prosperity. A major focus this year is Green Digital Africa and the governance structures needed around AI.”

Babayeju noted that while the government is developing policies to support innovation, the private sector must amplify those efforts. “Government creates the policies, but the private sector drives the economy. That is why InnTech is so important,” he said.

Some of the partners for the summit also emphasised its significance. The founder of Microvis MFB and chairman of Glovis Almond Group, Kayode Akinade, described the initiative as timely. He said, “Ten years ago, the level of digital transformation was nowhere near what it is today. Now is the best time to be involved. We expect fresh insights that businesses can leverage through AI and digital communication to deepen market penetration.”

Similarly, the CEO of Management Edge and technical lead for the summit, Rex Abitogun, said InnTech is positioned to change the narrative. “With the rapid adoption of AI, it’s clear we must stay ahead. From a technical standpoint, participants can expect the very best.”

Other confirmed speakers at the event include: Niyi Yusuf (Verraki Partners), Tayo Aduloju (NESG), Hansatu Adegbite (UN Women), Taopheek Babayeju (iCentra), AbdulAziz Saidu (Cisco), Lola Adey (PIPA USA), Reuben Oshomah (Avanti), Oluseyi Lala (ipNX Business), Chukwuka Amadife (Fiducia International), Rex Abitogun (Management Edge), and Stephen Ambore (Women’s World Banking).

The event organisers said the summit remains open to partnerships and participation from organisations committed to innovation, sustainability, and digital inclusion across Africa. The Summit is promoted by iCentra.