Nigeria’s digital infrastructure push converges in Lagos as IoT West Africa returns

Nigeria’s fast-growing digital infrastructure market will take centre stage later this month as industry leaders, investors and policymakers gather in Lagos for one of West Africa’s largest technology events, amid a multi-billion dollar build-out across the region.

The combined platform: IoT West Africa, Power & Water Nigeria, and Data Centre & Cloud Expo Africa, will run from April 28 to 30 at the Landmark Centre, bringing together more than 5,000 stakeholders across telecoms, cloud computing, energy and artificial intelligence.

The event comes as Nigeria positions itself as a regional hub for digital infrastructure, driven by rising data demand, expanding mobile connectivity and increased investment in cloud and AI technologies.

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Global technology firms including Microsoft, Google and Amazon Web Services are ramping up commitments to African cloud regions, while telecom operators such as MTN Group and Airtel Africa continue to expand 4G and 5G networks across the country.

At the same time, Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency is investing in power infrastructure upgrades seen as critical to sustaining data centres, telecom towers and digital services.

The convergence of power, connectivity and cloud capacity is reshaping Nigeria’s economic outlook, particularly as businesses accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence across banking, logistics and public services.

Organisers say this year’s edition will focus heavily on critical infrastructure, including national grid resilience, fibre networks, subsea cables and edge computing systems that underpin the digital economy.

“This is where the full digital infrastructure ecosystem meets, from energy providers to hyperscale data centre operators,” the organisers said in a statement.

The event will also feature a strategic partnership with the Africa Data Centres Association, aimed at deepening discussions on cross-border connectivity, investment flows and regulatory alignment in Africa’s fast-evolving data centre market.

Confirmed speakers include Abba Aliyu of the Rural Electrification Agency, Emomotimi Agama of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission, and Transcorp Energy’s Christopher Ezeafulukwe, alongside executives from global infrastructure and technology firms.

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Exhibitors such as Itel Energy, Vertiv and Jubaili Bros are expected to showcase solutions spanning renewable energy, cooling systems and digital infrastructure support.

Beyond exhibitions, the platform will host startup pitch sessions, investor engagements and a live podcast series, reflecting growing interest in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem from both local and international players.

Analysts say the event highlights Lagos’ role as a key gateway for digital investment into West Africa, as governments and companies seek to bridge infrastructure gaps and unlock new growth opportunities in the region’s digital economy.