10:00 -10:05
Welcome Address
Vertex Next
10:10 – 10:20
Opening Keynote – Safeguarding Nigeria’s Digital Economy: Data Protection, Privacy, and the Role of Data Centre
Brief: This session explored the critical role of data centres in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy by ensuring robust data protection, privacy, and regulatory compliance. It examined Nigeria’s evolving data protection landscape, the responsibilities of data centre operators in securing sensitive information, and the alignment with global best practices and standards. The discussion also highlighted cybersecurity risks, data sovereignty, and the importance of resilient, compliant infrastructure in building trust, enabling digital services, and supporting Nigeria’s growing digital and cloud-driven economy.
Speakers
Ina Alogwu
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer | T2 Mobile
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere
President | Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria
Dr. Vincent Olatunji
National Commissioner/CEO | Nigeria Data Protection Commission
Biodun Ogunleye
Honorable Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
10:25 – 11:00
Opening Visionary Panel Discussion – Role of Digital Twins for Data Center Optimization in Nigeria
Brief- Harnessing digital twins and AI-driven modeling to simulate energy, cooling, and grid interactions in real time. Enhancing uptime, operational foresight, and resource efficiency across large-scale facilities.
Speakers
Prof. Ibrahim A. Adeyanju
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer | Galaxy Backbone Limited
Kayode Akomolafe
Digital Transformation Director | Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Abideen Yusuf
General Manager, Microsoft Nigeria & Ghana | Microsoft
Morris Nmor
Regional Lead for Anglophone West Africa, Uptime Institute
11:05 – 11:25
Networking Break I
11:30 – 11:55
Fireside Chat- Role of Colocation in Enabling Africa’s Data Centre Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges
Brief- This topic explores how colocation services are crucial in driving Africa’s digital transformation by offering businesses secure, scalable, and cost-effective data solutions. As demand for cloud services, digital platforms, and e-commerce rises, colocation centers provide the reliable infrastructure necessary for growth. However, challenges such as limited connectivity, regulatory complexities, and high energy costs persist. The session delves into how overcoming these obstacles can unlock vast opportunities for businesses and accelerate Africa’s digital future.
Speakers
Akinsehinwa Akin-Taylor
Investment Principal | African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM)
Lars Johannisson
CEO | Rack Centre
Yashnath Issur
CEO | Nxtra by Airtel
Gary Chomse
Regional Director- Central & Southern Africa | Vertiv
Wole Abu
Managing Director | Equinix
12:00 – 12:15
Keynote Address– Liquid Cooling 3.0: Immersion and Direct-to-Chip Cooling for Data Centers in Nigeria’s High-Ambient Climate
Brief- This topic explores around the adoption of Liquid Cooling 3.0 technologies—particularly immersion and direct-to-chip cooling—to address the operational challenges of data centers in Nigeria’s high-ambient climate. It examines how these advanced systems enhance cooling efficiency, improve energy utilization, and support higher computing densities. The discussion also considers local implementation factors, including power infrastructure, cost efficiency, and scalability.
Speakers
Ina Alogwu
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer | T2 Mobile
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere
President | Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria
Luther Ogabji
Application Engineer- Thermal Sales | Vertiv
Biodun Ogunleye
Honorable Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
12:20 – 12:30
Special Presentation: Why Digital Infrastructure Projects Succeed or Fail: Lessons from Delivering the Backbone of West Africa’s Digital Future
Brief- This session explores the critical factors that determine the success or failure of digital infrastructure projects across West Africa, including regulatory alignment, power reliability, financing, and execution strategy. Drawing on lessons from backbone connectivity and data center development, it highlights how resilient, scalable infrastructure can accelerate cloud growth, broadband expansion, and long-term digital transformation in Nigeria.
Speakers
Ina Alogwu
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer | T2 Mobile
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere
President | Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria
Gerald Madondo
Country Manager-Nigeria | Turner & Townsend
Biodun Ogunleye
Honorable Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
12:30 – 13:20
Networking Lunch Break
13:25 – 13:55
Executive Dialogue- The Lagos-Abuja Digital Corridor Building Africa’s Next Data Centre & Cloud Hub
Brief- This topic explores around the emergence of the Lagos–Abuja Digital Corridor as a strategic axis for Nigeria’s growing digital infrastructure. It highlights the region’s potential to become Africa’s next major cloud hub through investments in connectivity, data centers, and broadband expansion. The discussion emphasizes how this corridor can drive regional integration, attract hyperscale operators, and position Nigeria as a key player in the continent’s digital economy.
Speakers
Ebenezer Dare
Executive Director | Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA)
Solomon Edun
Global Head of Strategic Services and Head of Europe & Africa | International Data Center Authority (IDCA)
Vivek Mittal
CEO | AfiDA
Benjamin Amafonye
Project Architect | Royal Haskoning DHV
14:05 – 14:40
Panel Discussion- Data Centers as the Processing Core of Nigeria’s Digital Banking Architecture
Brief- This topic explores around the critical role of data centers and cloud infrastructure in modernizing Nigeria’s banking and financial ecosystem. It discusses how these technologies enable secure, real-time transactions, improve operational reliability, and enhance customer experiences. The topic also emphasizes how robust digital infrastructure supports innovation in fintech, digital payments, and core banking modernization across Nigeria’s financial landscape.
Speakers
Emmanuel Adediran
Director | Casa Microfinance Bank
Echezona Agubata
CTO | Coronation Merchant Bank
Premier Oiwoh
MD | NBISS Plc
Morounfolu Aderibigbe
Sales Director | Rack Centre
Dr. Krishnan Ranganath
CEO | UniCloud Africa
Morounfolu Aderibigbe
Sales Director | Rack Centre
Moderator
Doris Dike
Angela Chilotam Nnamani
Head- Returns Payment Processing Unit | Nigeria Revenue Service
14:45 – 15:05
Networking Break II
15:10 – 15:30
Spotlight Address: Air Cooling and Advanced Power Distribution: Enabling the Next Generation of High-Density Data Centres in Africa
Brief: This session explores how advanced air cooling technologies and intelligent power distribution systems are enabling high-density, AI-ready data centres across Africa. It highlights innovations in precision cooling, airflow optimization, and energy efficiency that support scalable, resilient infrastructure in high-ambient environments.
Speakers
Ina Alogwu
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer | T2 Mobile
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere
President | Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria
Georges Dubien
MEA Sales Director – Datacenters | Exagate & Boreas
Biodun Ogunleye
Honorable Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
15:35 – 15:50
Closing Keynote – From the Edge to the Future: The Rise of Hyperscale in Nigeria
Brief: This topic explores the growth of hyperscale data centers in Nigeria, driven by the rise of cloud services, 5G, and edge computing. It will focus on how scalable, energy-efficient infrastructures are supporting Nigeria’s digital economy and expanding access to low-latency services nationwide. The discussion will highlight the role of modular and off-grid solutions in bridging the digital divide, positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s tech evolution.
Speakers
Ina Alogwu
Chief Digital & Innovation Officer | T2 Mobile
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere
President | Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria
Dr Ayotunde Coker
CEO | Open Access Data Centres
Biodun Ogunleye
Honorable Commissioner Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
15:55 - 16:00
Vote of Thanks
Vertex Next