Stakeholders to discuss $180bn African digital economy at summit

Business executives, government officials, and experts will gather in Abuja, Nigeria, from August 12 to 14, 2025, to discuss the future of Africa’s digital economy at the African Digital Economy and Inclusivity Conference.

The conference, themed “AI and Africa’s Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind”, will address how technology, particularly artificial intelligence, can contribute to the continent’s expected $180 bn digital economy by 2025.

The summit will focus on strategies for digital infrastructure expansion, financial inclusion, AI adoption, and cybersecurity, aiming to tackle Africa’s digital divide.

The discussions will explore solutions to increase internet access in rural areas, where 73 per cent of the population still lacks connectivity, limiting their access to e-commerce and digital financial services, organisers said.

Nigeria’s digital economy progress will be a key focus, as the country’s government continues to implement policies to expand broadband access, promote e-commerce, and advance digital financial services.

Commenting on the conference, Team Lead, AFDIEC Organising Committee, Adedayo Oketola, said, “Despite rapid fintech, e-commerce, and AI-driven advancements, Africa still faces significant digital infrastructure gaps.

Many rural Africans lack internet access, with millions still unable to benefit from digital financial services and e-learning platforms.

This disparity hinders the equitable distribution of opportunities associated with the digital economy and draws attention to the urgency for targeted interventions.

“AFDEIC 2025 would be a defining moment for Africa’s digital economy, offering stakeholders an opportunity to engage with policymakers, explore AI’s role in economic inclusion, and forge strategic partnerships that could drive investments in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and fintech.”

The inclusion of AI in Africa’s digital strategy has the potential to revolutionise various sectors, from healthcare to agriculture, education, and governance. AI applications, combined with big data, can provide unprecedented insights and drive evidence-based decision-making.

However, the adoption of AI in Africa is not without challenges. Limited access to advanced computing resources, concerns about data privacy, and the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities are critical issues that require attention.

“AFDEIC 2025 will explore how AI can be harnessed responsibly and equitably to accelerate development across the continent,” Oketola added.

Another critical focus area of AFDEIC is cybersecurity, an increasingly pressing concern in the digital age. As Africa’s digital economy grows, so do the risks of cyberattacks, data breaches, and financial fraud.

“Addressing these threats requires comprehensive strategies that include robust legal frameworks, capacity building for cybersecurity professionals, and fostering a culture of digital security awareness. AFDEIC 2025 will provide a platform for stakeholders to share best practices and innovative solutions to enhance Africa’s resilience against cyber threats,” said Oketola.

According to the marketing lead, AFDEIC Adetoun Tade, governments, private sector leaders, development organisations, and investors have been invited to participate as partners, exhibitors, and sponsors.

She said, “The African digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with AI, mobile payments, and blockchain technology reshaping industries from banking to healthcare. AFDEIC is where to stay ahead of digital trends that will define Africa’s economic future.