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By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigeria is set to strengthen its position in Africa’s digital transformation landscape as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nigeria International Conference on Digital Transformation (NIGERCON 2026) prepares to convene stakeholders from academia, government and industry.
The conference, scheduled for November 5–6, 2026, at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos, is expected to serve as a strategic platform for discussions on emerging technologies, digital infrastructure and innovation-driven development.
Organisers said the event would explore how digital technologies can drive economic growth, research excellence and industrial competitiveness in Nigeria and across the continent.
NIGERCON 2026 will feature technical sessions and discussions covering a broad range of digital transformation themes. These include connectivity and communications, with emphasis on 5G, 6G, advanced telecommunications systems and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Other focus areas include artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning and cybersecurity, alongside robotics, quantum computing, smart city solutions and green energy systems.
The conference will also examine the impact of digital transformation on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, finance and governance, reflecting the increasing role of technology in promoting inclusive development and improving public service delivery.
According to the organisers, NIGERCON 2026 is designed to bridge the gap between government, academia and industry by creating opportunities for collaboration and policy engagement.
With Nigeria’s digital economy contributing significantly to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the conference aligns with national priorities around digital public infrastructure, innovation-led growth and technology-enabled service delivery.
Government ministries, departments and agencies are expected to leverage the platform to engage with emerging research and contribute to policy and regulatory conversations that support innovation while addressing national development priorities.
A key objective of the conference is to promote the translation of research into practical and commercially viable solutions.
Organisers noted that by encouraging collaboration among universities, research institutions, startups and private sector players, the event aims to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate the development of locally relevant technologies.
Discussions will cover areas such as artificial intelligence, next-generation wireless networks, blockchain, cybersecurity, advanced computing and autonomous systems, which are increasingly seen as essential to Nigeria’s future competitiveness.
The organising committee has also announced a call for research papers, inviting scholars and researchers to submit original and unpublished manuscripts on digital transformation technologies.
Submissions are due on June 30, 2026, and must comply with IEEE double-column formatting guidelines, with a maximum length of five pages including figures and references.
For ICT operators, technology firms and sponsors, the conference presents opportunities to engage directly with researchers and policymakers shaping Africa’s digital future, while also showcasing innovative solutions and accessing emerging talent.
NIGERCON 2026 is coordinated by Ifeyinwa Achumba with support from a multidisciplinary organising committee comprising Chukwuemeka Gerald Okafor, Nasir Faruk, Agbotiname Lucky Imoize, Peter Olabisi Oluseyi and other experts from academia and industry.
The organisers said the conference will focus on addressing national challenges through digital technologies and artificial intelligence, particularly in healthcare, education, financial inclusion and infrastructure development.
They added that the event builds on ongoing IEEE initiatives across Africa and reinforces Nigeria’s growing role as a centre for digital policy dialogue, research excellence and technology-driven development on the continent.
