LAGOS SUMMIT TO EXPLORE AFRICA’S DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE GAPS

African policymakers, investors, technology executives, and infrastructure operators are set to converge in Lagos next month to examine the challenges limiting the expansion of digital infrastructure across the continent.

The third edition of Hyperscalers Convergence Africa is scheduled to hold on September 4 in Lagos under the theme, “Africa’s Great Digital Buildout.” The summit will focus on the infrastructure requirements needed to support Africa’s growing digital economy.

Discussions will centre on data centres, cloud computing, connectivity, energy supply, artificial intelligence, and the financing needed to expand digital infrastructure.

The summit will also examine issues around data sovereignty, infrastructure resilience, AI readiness, and regional digital integration as African economies seek to build capacity for emerging technologies and digital services.

The Director of Infrastructure, Energy, Industrialisation, Trade and Regional Integration at the African Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD, Amine Idriss Adoum, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

His participation is expected to bring a broader continental perspective to discussions on how digital infrastructure can support industrialisation, cross-border trade, and regional economic integration.

Stakeholders are expected to discuss the policy and regulatory frameworks required to attract investment into data centres, cloud infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and related digital services.

Energy is also expected to feature prominently, as reliable and affordable electricity remains critical to the operation and expansion of data centres and other digital infrastructure.

The organisers said the summit would provide an opportunity for policymakers, investors, technology companies, and infrastructure providers to identify practical solutions to Africa’s digital infrastructure challenges.

The discussions come as demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, and other technology-driven services continues to grow across African markets.

Stakeholders said closing the continent’s infrastructure gaps would be essential to ensuring that Africa can fully participate in the global digital economy and benefit from emerging technology opportunities.