Africa’s biggest digital transformation summit is back—here’s why Nigeria’s tech ecosystem should be paying close attention.
From May 26 to 29, Connected Africa Summit 2025 will transform Kenya’s Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort into the continent’s digital headquarters. With a sharp focus on AI, green tech, and digital inclusion, the event draws government leaders, founders, and tech giants from over 50 countries. For Nigerian innovators, it’s not just a conference—it’s a power-packed opportunity.
What’s Happening at Connected Africa 2025
Hosted in Diani, Kenya, this 14th edition of the Connected Summit series is shaping up to be the most impactful yet. With President William Ruto set to open the floor and Ghana’s Hon. Samuel Nartey George joining the speaker list, the summit signals serious continental collaboration.
Key themes include:
- Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation in public and private sectors
- Climate-focused green technologies and sustainability initiatives
- Strategies to close Africa’s digital inclusion gap
- New frameworks for cybersecurity and data sovereignty
Over 10,000 participants have attended past editions, and this year’s crowd is expected to bring together:
- Government regulators
- Tech founders and startup teams
- Telecom and ISP executives
- Investors and policy makers
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Tech Scene
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem—Africa’s largest by volume—is ripe for continental scale. But scaling without policy alignment or infrastructure support is a tough ask. That’s where events like Connected Africa come in.
Here’s what’s on the table:
- Policy Influence: From AI frameworks to data laws, Nigerian startups can help shape pan-African regulation.
- Funding & Partnership Leads: African VCs and international funds will be watching for high-impact, scalable ventures.
- Market Expansion: B2B startups in edtech, mobility, fintech, and healthtech can use the summit to connect with East African partners.
- Thought Leadership: Panels and pitch sessions offer a platform to showcase Nigerian innovation on a global stage.
Here’s What This Means for Nigerians
Founders:
Looking to JAPA with your code? Don’t. This summit is your shot at building in Africa for Africa. It’s where idea-stage meets impact-stage.
Policymakers & Ecosystem Builders:
Now’s the time to collaborate—not compete. With shared tech challenges across borders, cross-country alignment is no longer optional.
Tech Service Providers:
If your product can serve Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, or South Africa, this is your launchpad. Plug into conversations around infrastructure, inclusion, and affordability.
Big Tech + Telcos:
Want to lead Africa’s AI revolution? Diani is where you start the conversation—and possibly, the next consortium.
