By Juliet Umeh

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association, NiRA, has announced that the second edition of its flagship conference, Tech Convergence 2.0, will be held on Tuesday, October 14, in Abuja, bringing stakeholders together to chart the course for Nigeria’s digital future.

With the theme: “Building Nigeria’s Digital Future: The Internet as a Catalyst for Growth,” the conference is expected to attract policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, academia, and civil society to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Speaking ahead of the event, NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, described the gathering as a rallying point for the nation’s technology stakeholders. He said: “The internet continues to transform Nigeria’s economy, driving expansion in e-commerce, fintech, edtech, creative industries, and digital services. The digital economy now contributes over 18 percent to our GDP, underscoring its role as a critical driver of growth and innovation.”

He further noted the importance of building local resilience: “Nigeria’s digital economy is a powerhouse, but to sustain its momentum, we must fortify our internet infrastructure and identity. Tech Convergence is designed to unite stakeholders to safeguard our digital sovereignty through the domain and unlock the full potential of a connected Nigeria.”

The Event Chairman, Mr. Seun Kehinde, highlighted the collaborative nature of the programme. According to him: “Tech Convergence is not just another tech event. It is a collaborative platform where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are built, and solutions are crafted. We all share a collective responsibility to ensure that the internet continues to power inclusive growth and innovation for Nigeria.”

Building on the success of the inaugural edition in Lagos in 2024, which hosted over 400 participants and 25 speakers, Tech Convergence 2.0 will expand its scope to address pressing issues such as policy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, local content, and emerging technologies.

NiRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Seyi Onasanya, reaffirmed the association’s wider mission beyond domain management. She said: “Our work with initiatives like WHOIS Privacy Redaction, DNSSEC, and the .ng Academy is building a safer, more resilient internet ecosystem. By training thousands of Nigerians in digital skills, domain entrepreneurship, and internet governance, we are empowering startups, SMEs, and public institutions that will shape the future.”

This year’s conference will feature keynote addresses from senior government officials, industry captains, and international experts. Highlights will include a startup showcase, panel sessions, and extensive networking opportunities. The event will adopt a hybrid model, combining limited physical participation in Abuja with wider virtual attendance through NiRA’s website and social media platforms.

NiRA has opened registration and urged participants to sign up early due to limited physical slots.

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