Africa’s digital destiny will take centre stage from October 28 to 29, 2025, at the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), set to hold at Merit House in Abuja under the theme, “Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global Digital Order.”
At a time when artificial intelligence (AI), smart systems and data technologies are redefining the way societies function, reshaping economies, and transforming governance globally, DACE 2025 is sounding a timely and bold call to action: Africa must lead, not lag, in this transformation.
Organisers of the event say the goal is to move beyond passive consumption and dependency. Instead, the continent must position itself as a proactive contributor to the creation of global digital norms and technology governance frameworks.
“This year’s conference is about shifting from passive adoption to active leadership,” said Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Consult, organisers of the event. “Sovereign Intelligence is more than just a theme. It is a movement – an affirmation that Africa must take control of its digital resources, create its own ethical frameworks, and assert its voice in shaping how technology evolves on a global scale.”
Woherem explained that the conference will serve as a high-level, cross-sectoral platform aimed at positioning Africa not as a mere recipient of technological decisions made elsewhere, but as a co-author of emerging global AI governance standards. He added that these discussions are closely aligned with the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and reflect a push for a self-determined digital ecosystem built on African priorities and realities.
“The urgency of this moment cannot be overstated,” he continued. “As the global digital infrastructure takes shape, Africa still imports the bulk of its technology, tools that are foreign-owned and disconnected from our cultural realities. Our data is often stored offshore, our languages and contexts are invisible in AI systems, and our experts are absent from decision-making tables. This must change.”
According to Woherem, Digital Africa 2025 is about reclaiming agency: “We must take control of our data, our narratives, and our technological development. Africa must stop being only users of foreign systems and start becoming creators of its own.”
One of the major objectives of this year’s edition is to push for African ownership of digital infrastructure, data governance frameworks, and technology standards. Organisers hope to inspire African leaders, policymakers and institutions to embrace innovation and regulation that is conceived and developed by Africans, for Africans.
Another key focus is the amplification of African voices on the international stage. Organisers believe Africa must do more than ask for inclusion – it must shape global conversations around AI and tech policy by asserting its own values, wisdom, and cultural perspectives in the development of intelligent systems.
“The conference will spotlight homegrown innovation,” said Nneoma Ofodile, General Manager of Digital Africa. “Startups and tech developers from across the continent will showcase digital solutions already being used to solve local challenges in areas like health, agriculture, education, and finance. These solutions prove that Africa is not waiting to catch up – it is already generating intelligent, scalable answers to complex problems.”
Nneoma added that another core goal of the event is to empower African youth through digital skills, research opportunities, and leadership development. Organisers are committed to building a generation of young African tech leaders who can shape global digital trends from a place of strength and ownership.
Regional cooperation will also be a key theme. The conference will promote cross-border collaboration among African nations to harmonise laws, share infrastructure and build integrated digital ecosystems. Policy sessions will explore how countries can co-create platforms and frameworks that reflect shared goals and local realities.
While global partnerships will be on the table, DACE 2025 will emphasise African engagement with institutions such as UNESCO, the UN and the OECD – not as passive recipients, but as co-creators of inclusive and ethical AI standards.
Throughout the two-day event, participants can expect a blend of high-level panels on digital law, tech sovereignty, and innovation policy, as well as practical workshops tailored to developers, educators, and youth leaders. Innovation showcases will highlight the work of African tech hubs, while closed-door strategy sessions will support inter-country digital alignment.
At the end of the conference, a detailed roadmap will be released, outlining actionable steps towards digital sovereignty for African nations. The event also aims to deepen relationships among African innovators, regulators, and thinkers, and to boost the global visibility of African contributions to digital policy.
“Ultimately, Digital Africa 2025 is about reclaiming power, voice, and independence,” said Nneoma. “It is not just a conversation about technology – it is a statement about the future we want to own. Africa must not merely catch up; Africa must lead.”
As preparations gather pace, DACE 2025 is calling on visionary partners, sponsors and institutions to join the mission of building a digitally sovereign, inclusive and self-empowered Africa.
