NATION DIGITAL SUMMIT

5th Edition: 19th to 21st Feb, 2025

TRANSFORMATIVE INNOVATIONS

Shaping Africa’s Future for Sustainable Prosperity

Nation

DIGITAL SUMMIT 2025

Shaping Africa’s Future for Sustainable Prosperity

The Nation Africa Digital Summit serves as a premier platform for uniting business leaders, policymakers, academia, and key stakeholders from across the continent. Featuring sought-after experts in the digital domain, the summit offers invaluable insights from transformative enterprises that have scaled from SMEs to industry leaders by embracing a digital-ready culture.

As organizations in Africa navigate the evolving digital landscape, many are adopting innovative transformation strategies to remain relevant and competitive. The pursuit of differentiated experiences and impactful solutions has become a cornerstone for success.

In a world increasingly interconnected through digitization, the nuances of cultural and societal diversity remain as vital as technological advancement. Innovation stands as the defining measure for organizations seeking to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing environment, making platforms like this summit crucial for shaping Africa’s digital future.

Significance

Discover why the Nation Digital Summit matters and join visionary leaders to shape Africa’s future, driving innovation and collaboration for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Africa’s Digital Economy Potential

The African digital economy is projected to reach $712 billion by 2050, driven by increased internet penetration, mobile adoption, and innovative startups. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and fragmented regulatory frameworks hinder progress.

Bridging the Digital Divide

While urban hubs like Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg are at the forefront of digital innovation, rural and underserved regions remain disconnected. The summit addresses these gaps by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action-oriented solutions.

Policy and Innovation Synergy

Policymakers and innovators must work together to create an enabling environment for sustainable digital transformation. The summit provides a platform for these key players to converge and co-create impactful strategies.

Catalyzing Growth Across Sectors

From fintech to health tech, e-commerce to smart cities, digital transformation is redefining industries across the continent. This summit showcases success stories, best practices, and groundbreaking innovations that inspire progress.

Theme Relevance

Shaping Africa’s Future for Sustainable Prosperity

Unprecedented Growth Potential

Africa’s digital economy has shown immense promise, with rapid adoption of mobile technology, increased internet penetration, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem. However, to sustain this growth, there is a need for transformative innovations that address structural challenges and create equitable opportunities.

Resilience Through Digitalization

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tools across the continent, from telemedicine to remote work platforms. These shifts underscored the critical role of innovation in ensuring business continuity and societal resilience.

Demographic Dividend

With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent has a significant advantage in terms of a young, dynamic, and tech-savvy population. This theme highlights the importance of nurturing this demographic to drive innovation and economic growth.

Climate Action Through Innovation

As climate change disproportionately impacts African nations, digital tools can play a pivotal role in climate adaptation, resource management, and reducing carbon footprints. The theme aligns with the global push for sustainable development while focusing on Africa’s unique context.

The future of Africa lies in its ability to embrace and adapt to technological advancements

By 2030, Africa could be home to over 600 million internet users, making it one of the fastest-growing digital economies globally. Investments in AI, blockchain, and fintech are expected to reshape industries. (World Bank)

Event Details

Digital Summit 2025

Date

Wed 19th – Fri 21st February 2025

Time

From 9:00 am EAT

Location

Diani Reef Beach Resort, Ukunda

Event Format

Keynote Addresses
Panel Discussions
Case study Presentations
Workshops/Master classes
Fireside Chats
Networking Sessions

Previous Events

Year On Year Topics Discussed

After Four Editions

Shaping Africa’s Digital Future for Innovation, Sustainable Growth, Inclusive Development, and Prosperity

400+ Delegates
100+ Guest Speakers
50+ Partners
25M+ on social
8M+ Impressions

The Goal

Nation Digital Summit is an event that aims to help organizations implement the best technology and digital strategies in accordance with global trends and consumer needs. The summit offers opportunities for learning, networking, and celebrating with partners, customers, digital experts and industry leaders.

Keynote Speakers

Distinguished Experts in Various Fields

Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS, MBS 🇰🇪
Principal Secretary - State Department of ICT and Digital Economy 🇰🇪
Eng. John Tanui – CEO Konza Technopolis
Dr. Rilwan Adan MD MRCP MPH 🇰🇪
Head of Lions Diabetes Care Center and CMO at Baobab Circle
Dr. Rilwan Adan MD MRCP MPH 🇰🇪

Dr. Rilwan Mohamed Adan is a distinguished Physician and Diabetologist, currently serving as the Head of the Lions Diabetes Care Centre in Nairobi and the Chief Medical Officer at Baobab Circle. With a keen interest in digital health, Dr. Adan is committed to leveraging technology to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Dr. Adan’s educational background is robust and diverse. He holds an MBChB in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Nairobi, an MSc in Public Health from Warwick University, and a Higher Diploma in Diabetology from Cardiff University. Additionally, he has earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes from Cardiff University, which underscores his specialized expertise in diabetes care and management.

As a member of the Kenya Medical and Dentists Board and the Kenya Medical Association, Dr. Adan is actively involved in the medical community. His role extends beyond clinical practice as he participates in significant global health initiatives. Notably, he is a member of the Steering Group on Women and NCD Labs, facilitated by the George Institute for Global Health on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), focusing on addressing non-communicable diseases among women.

Dr. Adan’s contributions to public health are not limited to his clinical practice. He is a respected public health medicine specialist who frequently appears on television and radio, sharing his expertise on diabetes and public health. His role as a resource person at various local and international Continuing Medical Education (CME) events and programs highlights his commitment to education and knowledge dissemination in the medical field.

In his leadership positions, Dr. Adan demonstrates a commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative approaches and community engagement. His work at the Lions Diabetes Care Centre and Baobab Circle reflects his dedication to improving patient outcomes and his passion for integrating digital health solutions into traditional healthcare models.

Tomiwa Aladekomo 🇳🇬
Nigerian media executive, internet entrepreneur and politician
Tomiwa Aladekomo 🇳🇬

Tomiwa Aladekomo is the CEO of Big Cabal Media, which publishes the tech and youth publications, TechCabal and Zikoko. Big Cabal is building the next generation of African media brands and creating some of the most exciting original content from the continent. An experienced executive, Mr. Aladekomo has worked extensively across media and marketing roles in Nigeria and North America. He has taken Big Cabal through a transformation that’s made it one of the most exciting new media companies on the continent, telling Africa’s stories in depth and in innovative and fresh ways.

He is passionate about Nigeria and Africa as a whole. This passion fuels the pace-setting work he does at Big Cabal Media, and also as a Board Member of the Africa Tech & Creative Group; which is working to ensure that the implementation of the AFCFTA (Africa Continental Free Trade Act) works for tech, creative and small business communities all over the continent.

Tomiwa has a BSc in Business Administration from Boston University and an MSc. in Anthropology from Columbia University, New York. He is a fellow of the Archbishop Tutu Leadership Fellowship, run by the African Leadership Institute.

John Kamara 🇰🇪
Founder, Afyarekod Healthcare AI Centre of Excellence Africa
John Kamara 🇰🇪
Ken Mwenda 🇰🇪
Co-Founder and Managing Director of eMobilis Technology Institute
Ken Mwenda

Ken Mwenda Gikunda is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of eMobilis Technology Institute. He undertook his Degree at Queens University in Canada before completing his MBA at the University of Victoria with an International Exchange at Edhec in Lille, France. Ken is passionate about Youth Empowerment, impactful skills development and equipping young people for the future of work to enable them to access technology and digital opportunities both locally and globally. He has worked for Technology firms, Industry Associations and a Chamber of Commerce in Canada before moving back to Kenya and working in the banking field for 4 years including at Citibank and Absa formerly Barclays. He also has over 12 years of experience in the Education and Training sector.

In 2012, he was selected for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that included an Innovation Summit in Washington and a 2-week Mentorship program in Chicago. He is a speaker at several Universities and has been a judge at several forums. He was selected in 2013 as an Acumen East Africa Fellow. In 2014, he was named in the Institut Choiseul’s Top 100 Africans, a study which identifies and ranks the top 100 young African economic leaders of tomorrow. In 2015, iHub acknowledged him as a Top 100 contributor to Kenya’s technology community. He’s been involved with mentoring young men and women through the Presidential Digital Talent Program and has previously been a Project Lead on several software development builds.

Ken is an active thought leader involved in supporting and co-designing Digital Economy interventions. This includes implementation of the Government of Kenya’s Ajira Digital program; a program driven by the Ministry of ICT and
Youth Affairs to anchor Kenya as one of the top freelancing and BPO hubs in the world by equipping thousands of youths with work readiness skills to earn a dignified income through digital and digitally-enabled work.

Dr. Ehud Gachugu 🇰🇪
Director Ajira Digital Program - Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).
Dr. Ehud Gachugu 🇰🇪

Dr. Ehud Gachugu is a distinguished leader in youth employment and skills
development, boasting over 20 years of expertise in designing and implementing impactful programs both in Kenya and internationally. He is currently, the AG DCEO and Global Director of Youth and Jobs as well as the Director Ajira Digital Program at Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).

Currently, he serves as the Acting Deputy CEO and the Global Director of the Youth and Jobs Department at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), where he also directs the Ajira Digital Program, a government-led initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Digital Economy, with strategic support from the Mastercard Foundation. Dr. Gachugu oversees a range of transformative youth employment programs, including the Dual TVET Program, Digital Explorer Program, Digital Skills and Employment Advancement Program, and Twende Digital Program.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gachugu has been pivotal in advancing youth
employment pathways by promoting digital skills, entrepreneurship, and TVET
(Technical and Vocational Education and Training) development. Additionally, Dr. Gachugu’s work encompasses technical oversight in areas such as digital economy initiatives, labor intermediation services, embedded research, and extensive private-public partnerships, which collectively enhance employment opportunities for Kenyan youth. Prior to his leadership roles at KEPSA, Dr. Gachugu held senior positions with the USAID-funded Kenya Youth Employment and Skills Project at RTI International, the World Bank’s Kenya Youth Empowerment Project, and as the Executive Director of the Eastleigh Community Centre, an NGO supporting youth livelihoods in Nairobi.

Bernard Kariuki 🇰🇪
Director of Corporate Training and Development - Moringa School
Bernard Kariuki 🇰🇪
Allen Olayiwola
Azure Solutions Architect, DevOps Engineer, Cloud Strategist, Enterprise Architect
Allen Olayiwola

Olayiwola Allen is a self-directed and highly accomplished Systems Administrator, Cloud Architect, and DevOps Engineer with a strong track record of leading cross-functional technical teams in designing and developing industry-leading platforms. He specializes in cloud automation, enterprise infrastructure, and business process reengineering, helping organizations maximize performance and efficiency through cutting-edge technology.

Known as an innovative thinker, Olayiwola has extensive expertise in business automation and transformation, leveraging emerging technologies to pioneer new solutions. His leadership style is characterized by strong technical acumen, process optimization, and a strategic approach to technology adoption.

As the CTO of eSolutions Consulting, he is driving digital transformation initiatives, helping businesses seamlessly transition to the cloud with highly redundant and secure infrastructures.

Professional Expertise

  • Cloud Solutions Architecture – Designing scalable and resilient infrastructures in Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
  • DevOps & Infrastructure Automation – Implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Bicep, Terraform, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Enterprise IT Strategy & Digital Transformation – Enabling organizations to modernize IT operations and business processes through cloud adoption.
  • Smart Workplace Implementations – Leading the deployment of SharePoint intranet portals, Microsoft 365 environments, and hybrid cloud solutions.
  • Security & Compliance – Implementing secure, governance-focused cloud architectures.
  • Process Optimization & System Performance – Finding creative and efficient solutions to enhance performance, scalability, and reliability.

Key Accomplishments

Government & Enterprise Projects

  • Technical Lead for the Ghana Government Rollout of Microsoft 365 across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), supporting over 1,000,000 users.
  • Lead Technical Consultant for the deployment of Microsoft 365, Azure, and On-Premise Infrastructure for the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), including the Smart Workplace SharePoint Intranet Portal for over 9,000 users.
  • Successfully deployed an Always-On Highly Available SQL Failover Cluster to support the New Sea Ports in Tema, Ghana, ensuring data integrity, uptime, and performance.

Technical Expertise

  • Microsoft Technologies – Active Directory, Windows Server, Exchange Server, Microsoft SharePoint Server, System Center Suite, Power BI, SQL Server, Office 365, Azure.
  • Cloud & VirtualizationAzure, AWS, Google Cloud, Hyper-V, VMware, Cloud-Hybrid Deployments.
  • Automation & DevOps – Bicep, Terraform, PowerShell, YAML, Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD Pipelines.
  • AI & Data Analytics – AI Bots, Power BI, SQL Server, Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence.
  • Operating Systems – Windows, Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, Red Hat), macOS.

Current Initiatives & Future Aspirations

  • Developing an automated Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) deployment framework using Bicep to enhance cloud efficiency.
  • Educating IT leaders and professionals through a YouTube channel, focusing on cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud), enterprise IT strategy, and business process reengineering.
  • Enhancing security expertise to complement DevOps and cloud automation.
  • Improving cognitive abilities and communication skills through structured learning and vocabulary expansion.
  • Aggressively pursuing fitness goals, incorporating daily workouts and morning walks to boost overall performance and mental clarity.

Leadership & Vision

Olayiwola Allen is highly organized, innovative, and an expert problem solver, excelling in guiding teams through aggressive project timelines while ensuring seamless cloud adoption, automation, and IT transformation. He envisions a future where businesses can operate in fully optimized, secure, and resilient cloud environments, leveraging automation, AI, and smart workplace solutions to drive efficiency.

With his extensive cloud expertise, technical leadership, and passion for innovation, he continues to lead digital transformation efforts that impact industries on a large scale.

Benaiah Wepundi
Founder & Chief Maverick - Payd HQ
Benaiah Wepundi

Benaiah Wepundi is a visionary serial entrepreneur and the driving force behind PaydHQ, pioneering global banking solutions tailored for gig workers worldwide – with the goal of making gig work a reliable source of income for young Africans. Benaiah is a trained software engineer with expertise and experience in product development, business strategy, branding, and marketing.

Benaiah also serves as the Business Development and Product Lead at Vabu, an event ticketing and experience management platform building monetization tools for the the experience economy.

Before his current ventures, Benaiah progressed from a software engineer to CTO, and eventually COO at Cyphon AI – an AI consulting firm based in the US. Benaiah is passionate about applications of fintech, web3, and AI solutions in building African solutions to perennial
global problems.

Sally Njogu 🇰🇪
Strategy Director - VervePro Consulting
Sally Njogu 🇰🇪

Discussion Topics

Panel Discussion Topics & Case Studies

Day 2

Overview of Africa’s potential in driving innovation across industries

Digital transformation across African industries

Setting the stage for Africa’s digital future through innovation and collaboration

Overview of Africa’s potential in driving innovation across industries

Exploring health tech innovations and the role of digitalization in healthcare in Kenya

Highlighting how emerging technologies, data-driven solutions, and strategic investments are driving scalable and sustainable healthcare innovations

Strategies to safeguard data while promoting inclusivity.

Insights into how fintech is enabling financial access for underserved populations.

Showcase of startups innovating in digital venture entrepreneurship and market expansion.

Day 3

Leveraging technology and innovation to create sustainable, smart African cities

Leveraging affordable technology for inclusive learning

Focus on sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and digital inclusion

Digital services that transform governance and citizen engagement

The rise of digital currencies, regulatory challenges, and opportunities in Africa’s financial ecosystem

Inspirational talk from a global leader on driving innovation and sustainability in Africa

Exploring the financial opportunities within Africa’s digital content ecosystem

Summary of the summit’s insights and next steps for stakeholders

Closing with appreciation, key takeaways, and a vision for future innovation

Masterclasses

Panel Discussion Topics & Case Studies

Topic

Discussion

Facilitators

Innovation for Action
Exploring actionable steps to implement
digital innovations across industries in
Africa
Digital4Africa
Policy for Digital Transformation
Understanding regulatory frameworks and enabling policies for sustainable growth Ajira
Future-Proofing Business Strategies
Insights into leveraging technology to adapt
and thrive in evolving markets
SmartWorkplace

Delegates Packages

Join us for the 5th Nation Digital Summit

Professional Package
Kshs. 175,000VAT Inclusive
  • Accommodation: A luxurious 3-night stay (19th to 21st February)
  • Conference Access: Entry to all summit sessions, panels, and keynote addresses.
  • Gala Dinner: Invitation to the exclusive pre-event dinner on 19th February
  • Culinary Delights: Daily tea and lunch breaks curated to enhance networking opportunities during the conference (19th to 21st February).
Essential Package
Kshs. 140,000VAT Inclusive
  • Conference Access: Entry to all summit sessions, panels, and keynote addresses.
  • Gala Dinner: Invitation to the exclusive pre-event dinner on 19th February
  • Culinary Delights: Daily tea and lunch breaks curated to enhance networking
  • opportunities during the conference (19th to 21st February).

Sponsor Packages

Be a corporate sponsor of the Nation Digital Summit

Sponsorship

Digital Media Benefits

Legacy Media Benefits

On-Ground Benefits

Summit Access

Cost

Visionary Partner Package
X Spaces

Webinars

Digital Magazine Placement

Summit Newsletter Sponsorship

Custom Video Series

Display Advertising

Podcast Integration
Three full-page ads in Daily Nation and Business Daily.
60-second prime-time TV commercials on NTV for three days.
Countdown Clock Sponsorship: Exclusive branding on TV and summit website countdown clocks.
Event Highlight Segments: Sponsored recap highlights aired on NTV and streamed digitally.
Exclusive Newspaper Inserts: Custom-branded inserts distributed to Daily Nation readers pre- and post-event.
Live Event Coverage: Branding on NMG’s live event streams on NTV, Nation.Africa, and YouTube channels.
Logo placement on event signage, banners, and stages.
Branded attendee badges and lanyards.
Masterclass Sponsorship: Host a branded masterclass with a speaking opportunity.
Exhibition booth at the event
5 delegates on full board, including accommodation, meals, and all-inclusive transport (return-flights & airport transfers)Kshs. 3.5M + VAT
Innovator Partner Package
X Spaces: Host a pre-event Twitter Space with summit speakers, positioning your brand as a thought leader.
Webinars: Sponsor and moderate a digital masterclass session (pre- or post-event).

Digital Magazine
Placement

Custom Video Series

Social Media Takeovers

Display Advertising
Two full-page ads in Daily Nation and Business Daily.
60-second prime-time TV commercials on NTV for two days.
Event Highlight Segments: Sponsored recap highlights aired on NTV and streamed digitally.
Exclusive Newspaper Inserts: Custom-branded inserts distributed to Daily Nation readers pre- and post-event.
Logo placement on event signage, banners, and stages.
Branded attendee badges and lanyards.
Masterclass Sponsorship: Host a branded masterclass with a speaking opportunity.
Exhibition booth at the event
4 delegates on full board, including accommodation, meals, and all-inclusive transport (return-flights & airport transfers)Kshs. 2.5 M + VAT
Trailblazer Partner Package
Digital Magazine Placement

Summit Newsletter Sponsorship

Social Media Takeovers

Display Advertising
One full-page ads in Daily Nation and Business Daily.
Event Highlight Segments: Sponsored recap highlights aired on NTV and streamed digitally.
Logo placement on event signage, banners, and stages.
Branded attendee badges and lanyards.
Exhibition booth at the event
3 delegates on full board, including accommodation, meals, and all-inclusive transport (return-flights & airport transfers)Kshs. 1.5 M + VAT
Catalyst Partner Package
Summit Newsletter Sponsorship

Social Media Takeovers

Display Advertising
Half-page ads in Daily Nation and Business Daily.
Event Highlight Segments: Sponsored recap highlights aired on NTV and streamed digitally.
Logo placement on event signage, banners, and stages.
Branded attendee badges and lanyards.
Exhibition booth at the event.
2 delegates on full board, including accommodation, meals, and all-inclusive transport (return-flights & airport transfers)Kshs. 1.0 M + VAT

To register as a corporate sponsor, write to
summit@ke.nationmedia.com

The future of Africa is digital. We are seeing an entire generation of young people who are creating the next wave of innovation. It's a place where technology and entrepreneurship can take off and lead to a brighter future for the continent.

Mark Zuckerberg
CEO of Meta

Event Program

Tentative Program for the 5th Nation Digital Summit

The summit’s program provides comprehensive details on the masterclasses, keynotes, and other events scheduled to take place.

From The Past

A few photos from previous events

Register

Join us for the 5th Nation Digital Summit

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