Lagos is host to Nigeria’s 50 Most Valued Personalities in digital economy

ONE of Nigeria’s most profound gatherings for 2024, the 50 Most Valued Personalities (MVPs) in Digital Economy, will be hosted by Lagos State.

The country’s commercial capital of over 20 million people was recently ranked ahead of Dubai and other major cities as the 19th best city to visit in the world by the renowned British Media and Hospitality Company, Time Out.

The ‘50 MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy’ underscores the challenges and progress in one of Africa’s most exciting transformative journeys into the new economy, said chairman of the nomination team for 2024, Dr Sola Afolabi, who is also the Chairman of Baobab Think.

Part of the official statement read, “Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, cybersecurity threats, regulatory hurdles and the digital divide between urban and rural areas, Nigeria’s digital economy is experiencing pulsating growth and transformation. This remarkable progress is fuelled by advancements in technology, internet connectivity and innovation.

“With a population exceeding 200 million people and a youthful demographic, Nigeria presents a vast opportunity-market for digital products and services.

“The 2024 MVPs have demonstrated their commitment to seizing these opportunities through innovation, dogged entrepreneurship and remarkable dedication to pushing the levers for the right policies, investments and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“Across subsectors such as mobile connectivity, e-commerce, fintech innovation, tech hubs and startups and government initiatives, the 2024 MVPs have played a pivotal role in heightening the potential of Nigeria’s digital economy in a robust manner. We are delighted to celebrate them, believing that history will always remember this moment and remember them as unique achievers.”

This year’s event builds on more than a decade of industry gathering under the auspices of the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) and last year’s hosting of Nigeria’s Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers, which focused more on the institutions that have enabled Nigeria’s digital economy.

The 2024 assembly is recognising individual’s commitment to fostering an inspiring leadership for sustainability of the sector.

The tied-in one day industry colloquium, industry lunch and recognition ceremony will feature presentation on ‘Nigeria’s Digital Economy and Building Synergy across Sectors and Stakeholders to Expand Opportunities for Young People’ and a conversation on ‘Enabling the Pipe in the Digital Economy for Job Placements to Ensure Life After Capacity Training.’

According to the boss of Knowhow Media, Olusegun Oruame, “The gathering shines the light on the pioneers, the disrupters and the young turks in a way that uniquely narrates Nigeria’s bolstering strides in the last decades in spite of frightening challenges and most  importantly, who and what’s coming next.”