By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigeria is poised to become a central hub for technological advancement, energy solutions, and infrastructure development in Africa as three major industry events converge in Lagos next month. IoT West Africa, Data Centre and Cloud Expo Africa, and Power and Water Nigeria will be held concurrently from May 13–15, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel.
Under the unifying theme of “Digital Africa: Powering a Connected Future,” these co-located summits are anticipated to be a catalyst for significant innovation, investment, and collaborative efforts. Organizers expect the event to solidify its position as the continent’s leading digital infrastructure and energy-focused gathering of the year.
Shitij Taneja, the Managing Director of Vertex Next, the event organizer, conveyed his enthusiasm in a statement released to journalists in Lagos, highlighting the exceptional caliber of thought leaders and visionaries slated to participate in the 2025 editions. Notably, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is confirmed to speak. He is expected to share Nigeria’s strategic vision for the ICT sector, outlining digital economy policies and innovation frameworks designed to empower local tech ecosystems and enhance global competitiveness.
Adding to the distinguished lineup is Mr. Abba Aliyu, the Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). Mr. Aliyu will lead crucial discussions centered on expanding access to sustainable power in underserved communities, emphasizing the role of energy in fostering economic growth, digital inclusion, and rural economic empowerment across Nigeria.
The participation of these key government figures underscores Nigeria’s strong commitment to building a connected, innovation-driven, and inclusive future, leveraging NITDA’s digital economy roadmap and the REA’s ambitious energy infrastructure initiatives.
The three-day event will provide a platform to showcase the latest advancements from over 100 exhibitors and startups hailing from across Africa, Europe, and Asia. Attendees can anticipate witnessing cutting-edge technologies in areas such as smart infrastructure, robust cybersecurity measures, innovative energy solutions, advanced cloud services, and transformative digital platforms.
Among the prominent exhibitors will be Mantrac Nigeria, the authorized dealer for Caterpillar in Nigeria since 1997. The company is set to present its scalable power solutions specifically tailored to meet the demands of Africa’s rapidly growing digital infrastructure. With extensive experience in mission-critical sectors, including telecommunications and ICT, Mantrac will feature its high-performance generator sets, efficient dynamic gas blending (DGB) systems, and comprehensive turnkey solutions engineered for optimal efficiency and maximum uptime. Furthermore, Mantrac offers customized service agreements and DGB retrofit kits designed to deliver significant operational cost savings for large-scale data center operations.
Emad Adib, the Managing Director of Mantrac Nigeria, emphasized the company’s broader commitment, stating, “Our commitment extends beyond simply supplying equipment; we are dedicated to delivering unwavering reliability and business continuity. As data demands continue to escalate, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide sustainable, future-proof solutions that effectively meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Organized by Vertex Next, this significant event series offers a vital platform for industry stakeholders to forge strategic partnerships, gain invaluable market insights, and drive new business opportunities within West Africa’s dynamic technology ecosystem.
“This event truly embodies Africa’s ambitious digital trajectory,” added Shitij Taneja. “With Nigeria at its heart, we are bringing together the critical elements of technology, energy, and infrastructure to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that will shape the continent’s future.”
The summit is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees, feature more than 100 leading companies, and host over 50 expert speakers across the three days, promising a rich environment for innovation, collaboration, and significant business opportunities. Industry professionals and stakeholders are encouraged not to miss this transformative event.