Nigeria Becomes First West African Host of UN Digital Governance Conference ICEGOV

Nigeria will this week host the United Nations’ flagship digital governance conference, ICEGOV 2025, the first time the global event will be held in West Africa. 

The four-day meeting, which begins on November 4 in Abuja, is expected to gather over 400 delegates from more than 50 countries, including government officials, academics, and industry leaders.

The International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), organised by the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) in partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is being held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. 

This year’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” highlights the growing influence of Africa’s largest economy in global technology policy and governance.

ICEGOV has been staged in major cities including Beijing, Athens, Bogota, and Galway. Abuja now joins that list, making it the first city in West Africa, and only the second in Africa, to host the conference since its inception in 2007.

NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the event as a major endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership in digital transformation.

“This moment affirms Nigeria’s place at the table of digital policy and innovation. Our guiding principle has always been to build digital systems that reflect our context, empower our people, and contribute to global progress. 

“Hosting ICEGOV 2025 allows us to exchange knowledge, celebrate innovation across regions, and work together toward a more inclusive and digitally sovereign future.”

Under Abdullahi’s leadership, NITDA has become central to Nigeria’s digital strategy, driving reforms in public administration, advancing local digital skills, and strengthening international partnerships. 

Earlier this year, the Agency co-hosted GITEX Nigeria, further strengthening the country’s standing as an emerging technology hub. ICEGOV 2025 builds on that, placing Abuja as a platform for dialogue on digital sovereignty, collaboration, and innovation in governance.

The programme will feature keynotes, panel sessions, and technical workshops covering digital inclusion, cybersecurity, data governance, and public-sector innovation. 

Researchers will also present academic papers and participate in a doctoral colloquium, while exhibitions will showcase new solutions shaping digital public services.

Ahead of the main conference, two key side events will take place. The West African Governance Forum (WADGoV), scheduled for 3–4 November, will bring together policymakers from across the region to discuss joint efforts on digital governance and cross-border cooperation. 

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) session will focus on refining the E-Governance White Paper and strengthening indicators that guide digital transformation across the African Union.

With the world’s attention turning to Abuja this week, Nigeria’s part in enhancing Africa’s digital economy is coming into sharper focus, anchored on collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

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