Abuja: The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) says it is in talks with Nokia in order to showcase startups at the upcoming Connecting the Unconnected (CTU) Africa Summit 2025. IEEE General Conference Chair for the summit, Chukwuemeka Okafor, made this known in a news briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the maiden summit is scheduled to hold from Nov. 27 to Nov. 28 and has the theme: ‘Bridging Digital Frontiers: African Solutions for Universal Connectivity.’ Okafor stated that a special startup showcase would enable African innovators to present their solutions to potential investors, adding that IEEE was already in discussions with Nokia to support this initiative.
Okafor emphasized that the event would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to address Africa’s connectivity challenges and opportunities, as well as deliberate on regional collaboration models. He highlighted that the programme aims to position Africa, particularly Nigeria as the host, to become an innovation hub, not just a consumer market, by extending internet connectivity to underserved and unreached areas.
The summit will revolve around eight critical tracks, each focusing on a key pillar of Africa’s connectivity ecosystem. These tracks include Infrastructure and Technologies for Universal Connectivity, policy, regulation, sustainability, financing and receptivity community-centric connectivity innovations, and digital transformation in sectors like Smart Cities, Education, Health, and Agriculture.
Other tracks include Regional Cooperation such as the One Africa Network and Cross-Border Initiatives, Sustainable Power and Energy for Connected Communities, people, policy, and sustainability, as well as Cybersecurity, data protection, and critical infrastructure. According to Okafor, the summit will also foster collaboration between governments, industry players, and development partners, aiming to develop actionable policy recommendations for universal connectivity across Africa.
The tracks are designed to bring together major stakeholders to comprehensively address Africa’s connectivity gaps. The two-day event will feature keynote addresses from global technology leaders, government officials, and policy experts. It will also include panel discussions, technical paper presentations, hands-on workshops, and an exhibition area showcasing innovative connectivity solutions.
Okafor mentioned that IEEE is exploring deeper collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), particularly in rural telephony initiatives aimed at connecting over 100 million Nigerians currently outside network coverage. Part of the discussion will focus on sustainable financing models and policy frameworks to attract investors to rural connectivity projects.