For the first time, Nigeria will host the United Nations’ flagship Digital Governance Conference, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of technology governance.

The 18th edition of the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025) will hold in Abuja from November 4 to 7, 2025, marking a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa’s growing digital ecosystem.

Organised by the United Nations University (UNU-EGOV) in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the conference will gather more than 400 delegates from over 50 countries, including experts from government, academia, and the private sector.

Themed “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion,” ICEGOV 2025 underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in advancing technology-driven governance across the continent.

Since its inception in 2007, ICEGOV has been hosted in major cities such as Albany, Athens, Galway, Beijing, and Bogotá. Abuja’s selection makes it the first West African city and only the second in Africa to host the UN-backed event.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, described ICEGOV 2025 as a testament to Nigeria’s rising credibility in global technology governance.

“This moment affirms Nigeria’s place at the table of digital policy and innovation,” Abdullahi said. “Our guiding principle has always been to build digital systems that reflect our context, empower our people, and contribute to global progress. Hosting ICEGOV 2025 allows us to exchange knowledge, celebrate innovation, and work toward a more inclusive and digitally sovereign future.”

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Under Abdullahi’s leadership, NITDA has developed one of Africa’s most dynamic digital governance ecosystems, advancing data-driven policymaking, nurturing digital talent, and strengthening international partnerships. Earlier this year, Nigeria co-hosted GITEX Nigeria, reinforcing its ambition to become Africa’s leading technology hub.

ICEGOV 2025 will further that momentum, positioning Abuja as a key venue for dialogue on digital sovereignty, collaboration, and public-sector innovation.

The four-day event will feature keynote speeches, workshops, roundtable discussions, paper presentations, a doctoral colloquium, and exhibitions showcasing innovations in artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.

Two major sideline events will complement the main programme:

• The West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGoV), scheduled for November 3–4, 2025, will convene representatives from West African countries to deepen collaboration and explore regional opportunities in digital governance.

• The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) session will focus on refining the E-Governance White Paper, conceptual framework, and governance indicators guiding digital transformation across African Union member states.

With Nigeria hosting ICEGOV 2025, the nation strengthens its position as a continental leader in digital innovation and governance reform, while advancing the UN’s vision of inclusive and sustainable digital development.