The 12th edition of the eWorld Forum will hold on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On.”
Since its inauguration in 2010, the eWorld Forum has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for dialogue on information and communications technology (ICT), bringing together policymakers, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology companies, investors, academics and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the country’s digital economy.
The 2026 edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s GSM revolution, which began with the commercial rollout of GSM services in August 2001. Over the past two and a half decades, mobile telecommunications have transformed virtually every sector of the economy, reshaping communication, commerce, banking, education, healthcare, governance, entertainment and social interaction while accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth.
The forum will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the industry’s achievements over the last 25 years, examine current challenges, and chart the path forward in key areas such as broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management and Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.
A major highlight of the event will be the public launch of two books authored by veteran ICT journalist, Publisher of eWorldnews and Convener of the eWorld Forum, Aaron Ukodie.
The first book, Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, has been specially published to commemorate the silver jubilee of GSM in Nigeria. The publication chronicles the remarkable evolution of the nation’s telecommunications industry and documents the vision, policies, investments, innovations and contributions of the pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions, companies and individuals whose collective efforts transformed Nigeria into one of Africa’s largest telecommunications and digital markets.
The book serves as a follow-up to Ukodie’s earlier publication, Nigerian Drivers of Digital Prosperity: The Trajectory of the Digital Evolution, Sector Analysis and Players’ Contribution, further preserving the history of Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The second publication, The Pilgrim Trail, is a deeply personal memoir that recounts the author’s life journey, professional experiences, Christian faith and reflections on God’s sustaining grace. The memoir also documents Ukodie’s recovery from the stroke he suffered in 2023 and how, despite prolonged physiotherapy and physical limitations affecting his right hand and right leg, he successfully completed both books. The work stands as a powerful testimony of resilience, perseverance, hope and unwavering faith.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ukodie said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to document both the history of Nigeria’s GSM revolution and my personal journey in The Pilgrim Trail.
“These books preserve important history while bearing testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness in my life. I look forward to sharing them with the public at the forum.”
Although both books will be officially launched during the forum, The Pilgrim Trail is already available for pre-launch orders.
According to the organisers, eWorld Forum 2026 is expected to be a landmark gathering that will celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest technological success stories while preserving the history of the country’s digital transformation for future generations.
The forum will also honour the institutions, organisations and individuals whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s GSM revolution and continue to drive innovation across the nation’s digital ecosystem.
