Lagos is fast emerging as Africa's own Silicon Savannah, a thriving hub where digital innovators, entrepreneurs and policymakers come together to shape the technology-driven future of the continent.
This reality will be celebrated at the upcoming 9th Tech Innovation Awards (TIA), a prestigious platform that honors visionaries driving Africa’s digital transformation.
Building on the success of its eighth edition, which highlighted unprecedented achievements in Africa’s ICT and digital economy landscape, the 9th TIA will take place on November 29, 2025 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event will honor outstanding individuals, organizations and government entities whose innovations are driving Africa's digital development in sectors such as telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech and sustainable technology.
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Organized by InstinctWave Group in partnership with Digital Economy Magazine, the awards underline Nigeria's important role as a hub of technological progress on the continent. Organizers have opened submissions to innovators, startups and institutions from across Africa, cementing Lagos' position as a magnet for digital excellence and collaboration.
Akin Neftal, Chief Executive Officer, Instinctwave Group, said, “The Tech Innovation Awards has consistently served as a beacon for Africa’s growing digital economy, where groundbreaking ideas not only get the recognition they deserve, but also ignite the collaborative ecosystem. As we gear up for the 9th edition, we are more committed than ever to fostering an inclusive platform that empowers diverse innovators across telecommunications, AI And empowers us to tackle critical challenges in sustainable technology, ensuring that Nigeria leads the global innovation narrative.”
Emphasizing the transformative potential of the event, Naftal affirmed that, “Through the TIA platform, we have seen how visionary leaders and organizations, armed with bold technologies, are breaking down barriers to digital inclusion and economic empowerment in Africa, transforming Lagos into a true silicon savanna that rivals the world's leading tech hubs. For the 9th Awards, we encourage all trailblazers to submit their stories of resilience and ingenuity. We invite you to join us, knowing that this celebration will not only honor excellence but also chart the next wave of investments and policies that will redefine the technological destiny of our continent for generations to come.
With a rigorous selection process ensuring merit-based recognition, the 9th TIA will highlight innovations that enhance connectivity, promote economic inclusion and promote sustainable development, which align with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the global quest for equitable digital access.
This year’s edition features a dynamic lineup of categories designed to celebrate excellence in Africa’s evolving technology ecosystem.
The Sustainable Innovation category includes awards such as Best Bank in Sustainability and Innovative Renewable Energy Provider of the Year, which recognize organizations leading in eco-friendly and socially responsible practices.
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Under Financial Inclusion, awards such as the Financial Inclusion Bank of the Year and the Cross-Border Fintech Solution Award will highlight innovators increasing access to essential financial services across the continent.
The Ingenuity & Infrastructure category will celebrate both individuals and corporations through honors such as Technology Person of the Year and Innovative Tech Delivery Company of the Year. Additional awards such as Connectivity & Cloud Services Company of the Year and Digital Bank of the Year will highlight milestones in digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Key sectors that are transforming Africa's economy are also in focus, with Agritech Innovation of the Year and
Innovative Shipping Company of the Year recognizes how technology is revolutionizing agriculture and logistics, two industries vital to Africa's long-term competitiveness.
In addition to celebrating excellence, the Tech Innovation Awards have become a catalyst for growth and collaboration across Africa's tech ecosystem. Previous editions have helped transform startups into regional forces, amplify underrepresented voices, and attract billions in digital infrastructure investment. Organizers say this legacy reflects TIA's role in shaping Africa's innovation story, which is inclusive, sustainable and future-focused.
