By Martin Ekpeke
The continent’s digital and energy transformation gained significant momentum this week as Vertex Next successfully concluded its highly anticipated co-located event: IoT West Africa, Data Centre & Cloud Expo Africa, and Power & Water Nigeria.
The three-day landmark gathering, held in the bustling heart of Lagos, brought together a powerful confluence of policymakers, industry titans, and technology pioneers, all focused on showcasing the pivotal role of IoT, AI, cloud computing, data centers, and digital energy solutions in propelling Africa’s growth across its diverse sectors.
The event commenced with an inspiring welcome address from Anoosh Sirkeck, Chief of Staff and Strategic Growth Leader at Vertex Next. Setting the tone for three days of intensive knowledge exchange, invaluable networking, and crucial collaboration, Sirkeck articulated the event’s overarching vision. “From cutting-edge AI applications to expanding cloud infrastructure, the rise of renewable energy, and the imperative of sustainable smart cities, this event transcends a mere technology gathering; it is about shaping our collective future,” he declared. “Our goal over these three days is simple yet profound: to ignite meaningful partnerships, attract critical infrastructure investment, and empower a new era of digital, inclusive, and sustainable growth across Africa.”
Sirkeck emphasized the transformative potential of the platform, stating, “This is more than a conference; it is a movement towards a future where technology powers opportunity, where sustainability drives development, and where energy isn’t just a resource but a fundamental right. Let us leverage this platform to listen, to learn, and to collaborate. Thank you for being part of this vital journey; together, let’s shape Africa’s intelligent, connected, and prosperous tomorrow.”
The opening keynote, delivered by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships at NITDA, representing the Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, provided a compelling “Bird’s Eye View of IoT: Mapping the Future of Connected Intelligence in Africa.”
Dr. Onumo expertly underscored the profound role of IoT in optimizing operations across a spectrum of African industries. His presentation illuminated the transformative potential of connected devices in shaping the continent’s digital trajectory, emphasizing the critical importance of innovation, collaborative efforts, and the strategic engagement of stakeholders in accelerating the adoption of smart solutions for truly inclusive development.
Dr. Onumo painted a vivid picture of the future, stating, “Think about it – in a while, in Africa, in Nigeria, where our grid system has a self-healing mechanism, that even before they break down, you already know what the costs are going to be.” He further highlighted Nigeria’s unique position, accounting for a significant 40% of Africa’s massive 1.4 billion population, underscoring the immense potential impact of widespread IoT adoption within the nation. The Director-General’s representative also pointed to Nigeria’s enabling environment for mobile penetration, presenting a significant opportunity for the country to align its development and bolster critical sectors through connected technologies.
The healthcare sector emerged as a key beneficiary of IoT, with Dr. Onumo highlighting the promise of wearable devices to bridge the persistent rural-urban healthcare gap. He further elaborated on how smart sensors and real-time data analytics are revolutionizing vital sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and urban planning, citing Nigeria’s Lagos-Ibadan railway modernization as a compelling case study in IoT-driven efficiency. Through platforms like IoT West Africa, NITDA continues to champion the digital transformation agenda, aligning with the Federal Government’s ambitious vision for a connected, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
Building on the theme of infrastructure development, a subsequent keynote address on “Building Digital Infrastructure for Sustainable Rural Electrification in Nigeria” by Dr. Bala Tyoden, Project Manager at the Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria, shone a spotlight on innovative pathways to bridge the electrification gap.
Dr. Tyoden emphasized the potential of hybrid solar-grid systems and blockchain-enabled energy trading as viable solutions for the over 60% of Nigeria’s rural population currently living off-grid. Experts at the event echoed the critical need for robust public-private partnerships to effectively scale decentralized energy solutions across the nation.
The Power Keynote, delivered by Engr. Vincent Ozoude, MD/CEO of Transafam Power, focused on “Strengthening the Utilities Sector with Fast Adoption of Advanced Technologies for Future-Ready Infrastructure.”
Engr. Ozoude stressed the urgent need for modernizing utilities through the integration of advanced technologies, including AI-powered grid management systems and predictive maintenance tools, particularly in light of Africa’s energy demand projected to triple by 2030. He called for immediate and significant investments in smart meters, the seamless integration of renewable energy sources, and robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard critical energy infrastructure.
A dynamic panel session on “Advancing Efficiency, Automation, and Sustainability in the Oil and Gas Sector,” expertly led by Ekeinde Ohiwerei, GM Corporate Services at NLNG, explored the transformative impact of digital twins, edge computing, and automation on reshaping exploration, production, and environmental compliance within the crucial oil and gas industry.
Industry leaders from Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources and prominent energy firms, including Segun Oyeniyi, Division Manager, ICT at Oando PLC, and Alexey Ushakov, Business Development Manager (Segments) at Cummins Inc., engaged in insightful discussions on strategies to effectively reduce gas flaring, enhance operational safety, and align with increasingly critical global net-zero targets.
According to the organizers, Vertex Next, this landmark co-located event has successfully merged over 13,000 delegates, 100 exhibitors, and a diverse range of speakers from both regional and international spheres over the past three years. The core aim of the platform remains to showcase the latest groundbreaking trends in technology, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, ultimately demonstrating how these advancements can empower businesses and individuals to achieve faster and smarter outcomes.
The resounding success of IoT West Africa, Data Centre & Cloud Expo Africa, and Power & Water Nigeria underscores the continent’s unwavering commitment to embracing digital and energy transformation. By fostering collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing, and attracting crucial investment, Vertex Next has once again provided a vital platform for shaping Africa’s intelligent, connected, and prosperous future. The insights and partnerships forged at this landmark event are poised to play a significant role in accelerating Africa’s journey towards a digitally empowered and sustainably energized tomorrow.