The fourth edition of Texcellence, CWG Plc’s acclaimed flagship technology conference, recently concluded in Lagos, Nigeria, solidifying its position as one of Africa’s most influential gatherings dedicated to technology and enterprise advancement. Held at the prestigious Landmark Event Centre, Texcellence 4.0 attracted hundreds of prominent business leaders, innovators, and policymakers, all eager to explore how the African continent can effectively harness technology to achieve global competitiveness.

Operating under the pertinent theme, “Future-Forward Africa: Leveraging Technology for Global Competitiveness,” the conference curated a dynamic and comprehensive program. This included impactful keynote sessions, engaging fireside chats, and high-level panel discussions, all meticulously designed to foster dialogue around critical pillars such as innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within Africa’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem.

The event convened a diverse and powerful assembly of participants, ranging from C-suite executives and key ecosystem enablers to cutting-edge innovators. A distinguished lineup of speakers graced the Texcellence 4.0 stage, sharing invaluable insights and perspectives. These luminaries included Adewale Adeyipo, Group CEO of CWG Plc; Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, founder of Futurwise; Ade Buraimo, CEO of Alpha Morgan Capital; Gbolahan Joshua, Group COO of FCMB; Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres; Dr. Joe Abah, Country Director of DAI; Afolabi Sobande, COO of CWG Plc; Ashraf Zaki, Executive Chairman of Vericash; Mobolaji Adeoye, Founder and Managing Partner of Consonance Capital; Ashley Immanuel, COO and Co-founder of Semicolon; Radoslav Dimitrov, Senior Director of Borica AD; and Silas Adekunle, CEO of Awarri, among others.

Discussions throughout the conference delved into a series of transformative themes crucial for Africa’s technological ascent. These included “Africa, Technology & the World: Powering the Future of Global Innovation,” which explored the continent’s potential as a global innovation hub. “The Future of Finance: Defining Africa’s Role in the Global Digital Financial System” addressed the continent’s evolving financial landscape. Other key conversations focused on “Market-Creating Innovation: Building Prosperity from the Ground Up” and “Africa Without Borders: Building African Companies with Global Footprints,” highlighting the ambition for cross-border African enterprises.

A consistent message from speakers underscored the imperative for robust infrastructure, agile systems, and forward-thinking policies. This collective emphasis aimed at strategically positioning Africa not merely as a consumer of technology, but crucially, as a significant global producer and innovator. Adewale Adeyipo, in his compelling keynote address, highlighted the urgency of Africa’s digital evolution, asserting, “Today, we are positioned to transition from a continent of potential to a global economic powerhouse. By 2040, Africa will be home to the world’s largest youth population, with unparalleled capacity and creativity to drive innovation and growth worldwide.” This optimistic sentiment resonated deeply across all discussions, as thought leaders and investors meticulously examined Africa’s readiness to scale its digital transformation efforts.

Further reinforcing this vision, Ayotunde Coker, CEO of Open Access Data Centres, elaborated on Africa’s notable progress in connectivity and infrastructure. He stressed the critical need for corporations to "adopt agile systems to compete in a connected world," highlighting the dynamism required for success in the modern digital economy.

Beyond facilitating insightful dialogue, Texcellence has progressively strengthened its reputation as a vital convening platform for fostering meaningful collaboration, attracting significant investment, and sparking innovation across Africa’s diverse technology ecosystem. The conference has clearly evolved into a powerful catalyst for forming strategic partnerships that are instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of business, advancing digital infrastructure, and promoting economic empowerment throughout the continent.

The success of Texcellence 4.0 was also made possible by the unwavering support of leading brands committed to Africa’s growth and digital transformation. Dell Technologies served as the Platinum Sponsor, with Vericash as the Gold Sponsor, and Infobip as the Innovation Partner. Additional supporting partners included Wavetec, Ausso Leadership Academy, The Macallan, Loxea-BYD, Fifthlab, and Bowagate Ltd, among others. As CWG Plc’s annual flagship technology conference, Texcellence consistently aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue, serving as a pivotal meeting point for industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, and investors to exchange ideas and design solutions for Africa’s digital future.