The role of technology in everyday life has become increasingly prominent, with many aspects of daily life now dependent on digital systems. From waking up and checking phones to sending money, ordering food, and working remotely, technology has become an integral part of modern life. This shift has led to a growing interest in exploring the potential of technology to drive growth and development in Africa. The upcoming TeXcellence 5.0 conference in Lagos aims to delve into this topic.
Scheduled to take place on October 13, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, TeXcellence 5.0 will focus on the theme "Accelerating Africa's Digital Future." The conference is the fifth in a series that began with TeXcellence 3.0 in 2024, which explored the potential of new technologies, including AI. The subsequent conference, "Future-Forward Africa" in 2025, examined how to prepare Africa for the opportunities and challenges presented by digital growth.
This year's conference seeks to address the next logical question: how to accelerate progress in Africa's digital development. While the continent has made significant strides in digital growth, there are still notable gaps that need to be addressed. For instance, while bank transfers may be instantaneous within Nigeria, cross-border transactions remain a challenge. Additionally, many businesses are still trying to understand the practical applications of AI beyond basic tasks.
The conference will feature discussions on various topics, including AI, payments, digital identity, fraud, public-sector technology, and Africa's creative economy. A diverse range of speakers will participate in these discussions, including technology builders and business leaders like Dotun Adeoye, Mosope Okanlawon, and Togbe Romaric Agbagla. Governance and public-sector voices, such as Dr. Joe Abah and Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, will also be represented.
The intersection of technology and creativity will be another key area of discussion at the conference. African creatives, including musicians and filmmakers, are finding global audiences through digital platforms. However, questions remain about ownership, rights, and the ability of creatives to build sustainable businesses. Speakers like Stella Fubara and filmmaker C.J. "Kenneth" Gyang will share their insights on these issues.
The conference aims to bring together voices from different sectors to explore the complexities of Africa's digital future. By examining the challenges and opportunities presented by digital growth, the conference hopes to identify practical solutions to accelerate progress. The emphasis on collaboration and knowledge-sharing reflects the recognition that technology is no longer the exclusive domain of "tech people."
Ultimately, the goal of TeXcellence 5.0 is to make Africa's digital future work better for more people. With its diverse range of speakers and topics, the conference is poised to generate valuable insights and discussions about the future of technology in Africa. Key points to be discussed include the need for faster progress in digital development, the importance of addressing gaps in digital infrastructure, and the potential for technology to drive growth and development in Africa.
Key points
- The conference will focus on "Accelerating Africa's Digital Future"
- Discussions will cover AI, payments, digital identity, and other topics
- The event aims to bring together diverse voices to explore Africa's digital growth
