The organisers of the annual Africa’s Beacon of ICT Merit and Leadership (ABoICT) Lecture and Awards have announced the theme for the 2026 edition. This year’s focus is on how artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping business efficiency and operations across industries in Nigeria and beyond. The event, marking its seventeenth year, has secured a reputation as one of the most respected platforms in the nation’s information and communications technology landscape. It is scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos.
According to Ken Nwogbo, Editor-in-Chief of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, the publication that organises the event, this year’s edition is being tagged the “Digital Transformation Edition 2026”. The aim is to recognise individuals and organisations that have driven meaningful digital change in their sectors. These champions of innovation were nominated and voted for by readers of Nigeria CommunicationsWeek, reflecting industry sentiment and public appreciation.
Nwogbo said the lecture will examine how emerging digital technologies are powering efficiency gains, streamlining processes, and cutting costs in business environments. “This year’s event is all about celebrating the minds and organisations that have moved beyond hype to deliver real digital value,” he told journalists at a press briefing.
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Digital Transformation Through Artificial Intelligence and IoT
One of the core themes of the event will be the practical impact of AI and IoT on operational efficiency. Experts have increasingly highlighted that these technologies are no longer optional tools but essential drivers of competitive advantage in modern business. AI systems are enabling automation of repetitive tasks, analysing vast troves of data for insight, and optimising decision-making processes. IoT devices, meanwhile, are connecting equipment, systems, and people in ways that allow for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and streamlined workflows across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and services.
The lecture will explore how digital transformation powered by AI and IoT reduces operational costs, improves productivity, and enhances service delivery. Such discussions are timely, coming at a moment when businesses in Nigeria are grappling with competitive pressures both locally and globally. According to research into technology adoption, businesses that embrace these tools often report significant improvements in operational performance, with AI’s analytic power playing a particularly strong role in decision support and performance management.
Industry voices have also emphasised the importance of integrating these technologies responsibly. Beyond efficiency gains, there is a growing understanding that digital adoption must consider cybersecurity, data protection, and ethical frameworks. These elements are critical to ensure trust, sustainability, and long-term value creation as adoption deepens across sectors.
Honouring Nigeria’s Tech Pioneers
In addition to the lecture, the ABoICT Awards ceremony will celebrate outstanding achievements in ICT across Nigeria. Over the years, the event has honoured leaders who have made profound contributions to the industry’s evolution and helped position the country as a vibrant hub of digital innovation. Previous speakers and honourees include top policymakers, corporate executives, and technology founders who have shaped the sector’s narrative.
The platform has become a showcase for excellence and a benchmark for professional recognition in Nigerian tech. Names that have previously graced the stage range from seasoned regulators and ICT executives to visionary entrepreneurs who have built firms with a deep impact on the economy and society.
This year’s agenda is expected to stimulate conversations about how businesses can harness digital tools for strategic growth, build resilience in operations, and elevate customer experiences. For smaller enterprises, insights shared could be instrumental in guiding digital adoption journeys that improve sustainability and market relevance. For larger corporations, the focus on efficiency is likely to resonate with efforts to innovate at scale and sustain competitiveness.
Charting the Future of Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Beyond celebration and recognition, the ABoICT Lecture and Awards serve as a catalyst for deeper thought and action. With digital transformation accelerating worldwide, Nigeria’s ICT community is being reminded of the pivotal role that technology plays in economic growth and operational excellence. As stakeholders prepare to convene in Lagos this May, there is an air of anticipation around the ideas and insights that will emerge from the discussions.
In a landscape where AI and IoT are becoming increasingly intertwined with business strategy, events like ABoICT help bridge the gap between theory and application. They give voice to success stories, shed light on challenges, and offer a platform for networking, collaboration, and learning. For many, this will be an opportunity to benchmark practices, share case studies, and champion a future where digital tools are harnessed not only for profit but for broader economic development.
As the countdown to May 30 continues, industry watchers and participants alike are preparing for a lecture that promises to be more than a speech it aims to be a rallying point for organisations aspiring to thrive in a digital age.
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