Coker, NSIA Executive, Others to Speak at Techeconomy’s GrowthX Conference

Senior executives from Nigeria’s technology, financial services and digital infrastructure sectors are expected to converge in Lagos for the inaugural GrowthX Conference, organised by technology media organisation Techeconomy.

Among the key speakers announced for the event are Ayotunde Coker, Chief Executive Officer of Open Access Data Centres (OADC), and Abraham Durosawo, Vice-President at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The conference is scheduled to hold on September 24 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, with discussions expected to centre on data localisation, artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and fintech regulation.

Techeconomy said the event would provide a platform for industry leaders, regulators, investors and technology professionals to examine emerging trends and policy developments influencing Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

A major focus of the conference will be the implications of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recent data localisation directive for the country’s digital payments ecosystem.

The panel, titled “Data Localisation, Identity & the Future of Secure Payments in Nigeria,” will explore how data residency requirements could affect payment security, operational resilience and cross-border digital connectivity.

Other speakers listed for the event include Blessing Ehize, Chief Technology Officer at First City Monument Bank (FCMB); Krishnan Ranganath, CEO of UniCloud Africa; and Hakeem Adeniji-Adele, Deputy Managing Director of eTranzact International.

Also expected at the conference are Adeshina Adewumi, Founder and CEO of Trade Lenda; Roseline Ilori, Founder and CEO of Bridge57 Solutions; and Philip Aiwekhoe, Chief Information Security Officer at NPF Microfinance Bank.

AI, FINTECH AND REGULATION TAKE CENTRE STAGE

Artificial intelligence is expected to feature prominently at the conference as stakeholders examine Africa’s prospects of moving beyond the adoption of imported AI technologies towards the development of systems designed around the continent’s unique economic and social needs.

Techeconomy said a panel titled “Building AI for Africa: Innovation, Infrastructure and Inclusive Growth” would examine the infrastructure, innovation ecosystem and skills required to develop locally relevant AI solutions.

“The session will consider the infrastructure, innovation and skills required to build AI solutions targeted at African economic and social challenges,” the statement reads.

Fintech regulation and the cost of expanding technology-driven financial businesses will also come under scrutiny.

A third panel, titled “Fintech at a Crossroads? Innovation, Regulation and the Cost of Scaling in Nigeria”, will examine the relationship between fintech innovation, regulatory compliance and the ability of companies in the sector to achieve sustainable growth.

The discussion is expected to be particularly relevant as Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem continues to expand while operators face increasing regulatory requirements, rising infrastructure costs and growing demands for stronger consumer and data protection.

Other speakers announced for the conference include Adefola Amoo (rtd), Founder of GridCodes; Victor Daniyan, CEO of Nearpays Technologies; Rarzack Olaegbe, Producer of The Fintex Show on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM; and Elsie Godwin, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Cashwise Finance.

Speaking on the objectives of the conference, Peter Oluka, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Techeconomy, said GrowthX was conceived as a platform for stakeholders across Nigeria’s digital economy to engage on issues affecting the sector.

“We want the conversations at GrowthX to be useful to the people building, regulating, funding and using digital services in Nigeria,” Oluka said.

“The speakers bring different experiences to the table, and that is important because digital growth does not depend on one sector alone.”

The organiser said the conference would commence at 9 a.m., while the Technology Innovation and Leadership Awards (TiLAwards) gala is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The event is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the technology, financial services, investment, telecommunications and regulatory communities, with discussions aimed at examining how Nigeria can strengthen the infrastructure and policy environment needed to support sustainable digital growth.