The 2024 Digivation Future Summit & Awards, Africa’s premier gathering of futurists, brought together industry stakeholders, regulators, and policymakers to address the critical need for an equitable balance between fostering innovation, preserving culture, and implementing effective regulations within Nigeria’s technology space. This year’s theme, “Governance, People, Innovation, and the Future Economy,” set the tone for a thought-provoking event that emphasized the significance of digital innovation in driving positive change across various aspects of life, including business, entrepreneurship, culture, and entertainment.
In his opening remarks, the convener of the summit, Dr. Bayero Agabi, underscored the event’s focus on understanding the key parameters through which digital innovation and creativity can transform society. “We are at the intersection of tradition and technology,” Dr. Agabi stated. “Our goal is to explore how we can harness the power of digital innovation to create a future that is inclusive, culturally rich, and economically vibrant.”
The summit was marked by a series of engaging panel discussions, keynote addresses, and cultural performances, all highlighting the impact of digital innovation on people’s lifestyles, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Nollywood actor Yemi Solade, in an insightful interview, spoke passionately about youth engagement and capacity building, stressing the importance of equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving digital economy.
During the panel sessions, stakeholders unanimously agreed on the importance of embracing innovation and skills acquisition as key drivers of growth and development. They emphasized the need for government to demonstrate political will, openness, and collaboration, particularly with youth engagement, to create an enabling environment for technological advancement.
One of the standout panel discussions, anchored by Hilary Damissa, featured prominent voices such as Mr. Timothy Ajayi, representing the Director-General of FIRO, Mr. Peter Okemhe, representing the Group GMD, and Dr. Mrs. Markie Idowu of Express Payments. Engr. Fisayo and Bradley Shaw, who joined via Zoom, also contributed to the discourse. The panelists shared their perspectives on how digital innovations are shaping the future of economies, with a focus on the role of AI and its potential impact on businesses, governance, education, and the creative industry, both locally and globally.
The event also featured powerful analogies and insights from Tim Akano, MD of New Horizon, who spoke about the positive disruptions of technology in the global AI era. Dr. Helen Emore, MD of Scientia & Partners, added a dynamic touch by delivering her speech while engaging with traditional dances, symbolizing the harmonious blend of culture and technology that the summit aimed to promote.
Throughout the event, stakeholders highlighted the transformative power of digital innovation and creativity. They stressed the importance of staying informed and adaptable in an era where AI and other technological advancements are rapidly reshaping the global landscape.
The Digivation Future Summit & Awards continues to be a crucial platform for providing actionable insights into the future of technology and its intersection with culture and entrepreneurship. As the world moves forward into an increasingly AI-driven era, the need for balance, collaboration, and inclusivity remains paramount.
