TLDR: The 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE) is set for October 28-29, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. Under the theme ‘Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global AI Order,’ the conference aims to position Africa as a leader in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape, focusing on technological sovereignty, ethical AI, and indigenous innovation to prevent digital recolonization.
Abuja, Nigeria – All is now set for the 13th Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition (DACE), scheduled to take place on October 28 and 29, 2025, in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This year’s pivotal gathering, themed ‘Sovereign Intelligence: Africa’s Voice in the Global AI Order,’ is poised to address how the African continent can assert its technological sovereignty and forge its own path in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI).
The conference will convene policymakers, innovators, researchers, and investors to explore strategies for leveraging digital technologies to accelerate Africa’s development. Organizers are calling for a significant shift from dependency to leadership in AI, digital infrastructure, and data governance, emphasizing that Africa must control its digital assets and cultural narratives amidst global technological shifts.
An impressive lineup of keynote speakers has confirmed their attendance, including Dr. Armstrong Takang, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), who will open the conference on Day 1. Prof. Latif Ladid, Founder and President of the IPv6 Forum and Chair of the AI & Blockchain Global Forum, will anchor Day 2, highlighting what it takes for Africa to remain safe, independent, and powerful in the new AI era. Dr. Vincent Olagunju, National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), is also among the confirmed speakers.
Dr. Evans Woherem, Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult and convener of DACE, underscored the urgency of the conference’s theme. “We are entering an era powered by artificial intelligence,” Dr. Woherem stated. “Just as electricity became the invisible force behind modern civilization, intelligence will soon be embedded in almost everything. AI will not only exist as a standalone technology but will also be integrated into our daily lives, from cars to communications, healthcare, governance, and even social interaction.” He likened the current global competition in AI development to an ‘arms race,’ with major powers vying for dominance, warning that Africa must not stand aside or risk being ‘digitally recolonized.’ “Whoever controls intelligence will control the world,” he cautioned.
The conference aims to equip Africa with the tools, strategies, and partnerships to become a proactive co-author of the digital future. Discussions will focus on critical areas such as AI ethics, data sovereignty, indigenous innovation, and the continent’s role in shaping future global intelligence systems. Dr. Woherem further argued that Africa must contribute to setting global standards in technology and AI ethics, incorporating its human-centered values into system design and governance. “Africa is the cradle of humanity, and we must lead in humanizing technology, ensuring that AI serves people, not the other way around,” he added.
DACE 2025 is designed to foster high-level dialogues on digital sovereignty, policy innovation, and cross-border cooperation. It will also feature exhibitions of homegrown startups, developer workshops, and showcases of African-built AI tools for sectors like health, agriculture, finance, and education. With over 500 attendees and more than 36 speakers expected, the event promises unparalleled networking opportunities and privileged access to strategic partners, investors, and potential buyers.
Also Read:
- Uganda to Host Landmark GAIME Conference 2025: Africa’s Premier AI Summit
- Africa Emerges as a Leader in Ethical AI Innovation
The organizers hope to inspire African leaders and institutions to embrace innovation and regulation built by Africans, for Africans, thereby amplifying African voices on the global stage. As preparations intensify, DACE 2025 invites visionary organizations, sponsors, and partners to join its mission of building a digitally sovereign and inclusive Africa.
