Business Metrics Limited has unveiled the Rural Connectivity Summit (RuralConnect Summit), a first-of-its-kind, seven-year programme designed to drive internet inclusion and unlock the untapped economic opportunities of rural Nigeria.
The inaugural edition is scheduled for October 22, 2025, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, under the theme: “Rethinking Digital Connectivity to Unlock Rural Economic Potentials.”
Despite advancements in major cities, over 20 million Nigerians still live without modern connectivity, leaving rural dwellers isolated from digital tools that power trade, healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.
The RuralConnect Summit will bring together stakeholders from government, telecoms, tech, finance, civil society, and grassroots communities to chart solutions around affordable infrastructure rollout, innovative financing, digital skills development, and policy reforms.
Convener, Omobayo Azeez, stressed that the event is a movement rather than a conference.
“We cannot speak of digital transformation while millions remain excluded. This summit sets a seven-year agenda to ensure no community is left behind,” he said.
Business Metrics, known for its influential dialogues such as the 2022 National Forum on 5G Readiness and advocacy for Nigeria’s Dig-Once Policy, says the initiative will establish a legacy platform where public and private players collaborate to democratise digital access.
The October gathering will set measurable targets to monitor progress and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to bridging its rural-urban digital divide.
