Table of Contents
- UNU-EGOV's Support for ICEGOV
- Closing Ceremony Highlights
- Conference Theme
- Benefits of Knowledge Exchange
- Embracing Digital Transformation
- Government's Readiness
- Conference Participation Statistics
The United Nations University on E-Governance, UNU-EGOV, has announced that it will continue to support the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance, ICEGOV, in promoting digital transformation across Africa.
Ms. Delfina Soares, Director of UNU-EGOV, made this statement during the closing ceremony of the 18th edition of ICEGOV, which was organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, in Abuja.
The theme of the conference was “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance Through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion.”
Soares emphasized that over the years, ICEGOV has functioned as a global platform for countries to collaboratively reflect on digital transformation, policy development, and governance innovation.
She mentioned that Nigeria and other participating nations would directly benefit from the enhanced knowledge exchange, peer engagement, and international networking that occurred during the event.
Soares, who pointed out that Nigeria has been involved in ICEGOV activities since 2018, stated that the country's ongoing participation demonstrates its increasing commitment to modern digital governance.
“One of the outcomes is the strengthened community that was present; there was also a significant exchange of information regarding the latest developments in frameworks, policies, and challenges of digital governance.
“This knowledge will undoubtedly benefit Nigeria and the countries that participated in the conference. UNU-EGOV remains dedicated to organizing and supporting this conference to enhance digital governance,” she said.
Prof. Adegboyega Ojo, Programme Chair for ICEGOV 2025, remarked that Africa must adopt emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in ways that align with the continent’s context and governance realities.
“Africa needs to take ownership of its digital transformation because it will not be handed to us. Africa understands its own challenges, so it must adapt the ideas discussed here, such as AI for governance, in ways that are compatible with its systems,” he stated.
Additionally, Dr. Lukman Lamid, Special Assistant to the NITDA Director-General on Innovation and Research, mentioned that the federal government is prepared to integrate the conference’s outcomes into its digital economy policy frameworks.
Lamid highlighted that part of the recommendations included strengthening digital public infrastructure, with a focus on broadband penetration and connectivity.
“The initiative to deploy 95,000 km of fiber optic cable by 2027 aims to ensure that more Nigerians have internet access. This will enhance the digital economy and diversify the broader economy, focusing on building digital infrastructure,” he said.
The conference attracted 508 participants, including 369 delegates and 308 paper authors, representing 51 countries.
It featured 102 international participants, 151 paper submissions, and seven accepted papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICEGOV?
ICEGOV stands for the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance, which focuses on advancing digital governance through collaboration and innovation.
What are the benefits of participating in ICEGOV?
Participants benefit from knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, and insights into the latest developments in digital governance practices.
How is Nigeria involved in ICEGOV?
Nigeria has been participating in ICEGOV activities since 2018, reflecting its commitment to enhancing modern digital governance.
