Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has pledged full support for the successful hosting of the IEEE Connecting the Unconnected Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CTU-EMEA) Summit 2025, scheduled to take place from November 27 to 28 at Baze University, Abuja.
The Summit, a flagship initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), will convene global technology leaders, researchers, engineers, and policymakers to explore innovative strategies for advancing digital inclusion across the EMEA region.
In a major announcement, the Summit’s organizing committee confirmed Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as the Keynote Speaker. Prof. Yilwatda, a distinguished electrical engineer and academic, will deliver a keynote address titled “Beyond Access: Technology as an Enabler of Humanitarian Impact and Inclusive Development.”
He is also slated to receive the IEEE Recognition Award during the event in honour of his contributions to technological advancement and inclusive development.
“The vision of the CTU-EMEA Summit aligns strongly with my lifelong commitment to leveraging technology for social transformation, inclusive growth, and human development,” Yilwatda said in a statement. “I look forward to contributing to this global dialogue on how digital innovation can advance connectivity and human dignity across Africa and beyond.”
In a formal communication to the Local Organizing Committee, NSE Executive Secretary, Engr. Abubakar Halilu Mu’azu, assured that the Secretariat would mobilize members nationwide to attend the Summit.
He emphasized that such global engagements “expand technical knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s global engineering reputation.”
The Summit comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s digital economy, with over 2.9 billion people globally still offline — many of them in Africa. According to UNESCO, women in several African countries are 30–50% less likely than men to access the internet.
Studies also show that every 10% increase in internet penetration can boost per capita GDP growth by 1.2% in emerging markets, underscoring the economic imperative of universal connectivity.
The CTU-EMEA Summit will feature a comprehensive programme including:
- An opening ceremony with ministerial and industry leaders
- Eight technical tracks covering infrastructure, policy, rural connectivity, and digital transformation
- High-level panels with African and international experts
- Research paper presentations and innovation workshops
- A technology exhibition showcasing connectivity solutions
- Social and networking events, including a Welcome Cocktail on November 26 and a Gala Dinner on November 28
Speaking on behalf of the organizing team, Chukwuemeka Okafor, media interface for the Summit, said confirmed speakers include senior government officials, telecom CEOs, development partners, and leading academics.
“This is not just another conference — it’s a platform for shaping policies and forging partnerships that will define Africa’s digital future,” Okafor stated.
Founded in 1884, IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization, boasting over 423,000 members across more than 160 countries. The CTU programme is IEEE’s global initiative aimed at reducing the digital divide through innovation challenges, strategic partnerships, and international summits.
IEEE Regional Representative, Engr. Abdulateef Aliyu, described the Summit as “a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to host world-class technology forums” and an opportunity for global participants to learn from African innovations.
Prof. Ifeayinwa Achumba, Chair of the IEEE Nigeria Section, highlighted the national significance of the event, stating: “When global leaders converge in Abuja, they will see Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s connectivity agenda. This Summit highlights that African-led solutions are not only viable but scalable across the continent.”
Ravenewsonline reports that the IEEE CTU-EMEA Summit 2025 is expected to catalyse new partnerships, policy frameworks, and technological innovations aimed at bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive development across Africa and beyond.
