Leading figures in technology, government, and development will converge in Abuja for the African Digital Economy & Inclusivity Conference (AFDEIC 2025), aiming to chart a course for Africa’s burgeoning $180 billion digital economy and explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI).
Themed “AI and Africa’s Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind,” the conference will assemble government officials, policymakers, business leaders, tech innovators, academics, and development partners to address critical issues such as financial inclusion, digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption, data governance, and cybersecurity.
Organizers emphasize the urgency of bridging Africa’s digital divide, particularly in rural areas where internet access remains limited. Despite significant growth in fintech, e-commerce, and AI-driven solutions, a 2022 International Telecommunications Union report revealed that 73% of rural Africans lack internet connectivity, hindering their participation in the digital economy. Similarly, a 2024 GSMA study indicated that 61% of rural Nigerians remain disconnected from mobile internet, despite the country’s progress in developing its digital economy through initiatives like the National Digital Economy Policy.
With projections indicating Africa’s digital economy will contribute $180 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025 and exceed $712 billion by 2050, AFDEIC 2025 will serve as a platform for actionable solutions. Discussions will focus on leveraging AI and big data for economic growth, implementing digital identity systems for cross-border trade, and ensuring gender and youth inclusion in the digital workforce.
The conference will feature high-level keynote sessions, panel discussions, and workshops on AI ethics, blockchain applications, cybersecurity best practices, and digital entrepreneurship. Investment and networking forums will connect startups, tech firms, and policymakers with investors and development partners, while a technology exhibition will showcase innovations from African startups, research institutions, and global tech companies.
“Despite rapid fintech, e-commerce, and AI-driven advancements, Africa still faces significant digital infrastructure gaps,” stated Adedayo Oketola, Team Lead, AFDEIC Organising Committee. “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.”
AI’s potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance will be a key focus. Participants will explore how AI applications, combined with big data, can drive evidence-based decision-making and optimize productivity. However, the conference will also address the challenges of AI adoption, including limited access to computing resources, data privacy concerns, and the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities.
Cybersecurity, an increasingly critical issue in Africa’s growing digital landscape, will also be a central theme. Discussions will cover robust legal frameworks, capacity building for cybersecurity professionals, and fostering a culture of digital security awareness.
“The African digital landscape is evolving rapidly, with AI, mobile payments, and blockchain technology reshaping industries,” said Adetoun Tade, Marketing Lead, AFDEIC. “AFDEIC is where to stay ahead of digital trends that will define Africa’s economic future.”
Governments, private sector leaders, development organizations, and investors are invited to participate as partners, exhibitors, and sponsors, contributing to the development of inclusive policies and strategies that ensure no one is left behind in Africa’s digital transformation.