Lagos now a ‘Silicon Savannah’ as TIA set to celebrate Africa’s innovators
Lagos is fast emerging as Africa’s own Silicon Savannah, a thriving hub where digital innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers converge to shape the continent’s technology-driven future.
This reality will be further celebrated at the upcoming 9th Tech Innovation Awards (TIA), a prestigious platform that honours the visionaries driving Africa’s digital transformation.
Building on the success of its eighth edition, which spotlighted groundbreaking achievements across 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 recognise outstanding individuals, organisations, and government entities whose innovations are propelling Africa’s digital evolution in fields such as telecom, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and sustainable technology.
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Organised by the InstinctWave Group in partnership with Digital Economy Magazine, the awards underscore Nigeria’s pivotal role as a hub for technological advancement on the continent. The organisers have opened submissions to innovators, startups, and institutions from across Africa, reinforcing Lagos’s position as a magnet for digital excellence and collaboration.
Akin Naphtal, chief executive officer of InstinctWave Group, said, “The Tech Innovation Awards have consistently served as a beacon for Africa’s burgeoning digital economy, where groundbreaking ideas not only receive the recognition they deserve but also ignite collaborative ecosystems. As we gear up for the 9th edition, we are more committed than ever to fostering an inclusive platform that empowers diverse innovators to tackle pressing challenges in telecom, AI, and sustainable tech, ensuring Nigeria leads the charge in the global innovation narrative.”
Naphtal emphasised the event’s transformative potential, affirming that, “Through the TIA platform, we have witnessed how visionary leaders and organisations, armed with audacious technologies, are dismantling barriers to digital inclusion and economic empowerment in Africa, turning Lagos into a veritable Silicon Savannah that rivals the world’s foremost tech hubs. For the 9th awards, we invite all trailblazers to submit their stories of resilience and ingenuity, knowing that this celebration will not only honour excellence but also blueprint the next wave of investments and policies that will redefine our continent’s technological destiny for generations to come.”
With a rigorous selection process ensuring merit-based recognition, the 9th TIA will spotlight innovations that enhance connectivity, foster economic inclusion, and drive sustainable growth, aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the global pursuit of equitable digital access.
This year’s edition features a dynamic lineup of categories designed to celebrate excellence across 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, recognising organisations leading the charge in eco-friendly and socially responsible practices.
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Under Financial Inclusion, awards like Financial Inclusion Bank of the Year and Cross-border Fintech Solution Award will spotlight innovators expanding 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 like Connectivity & Cloud Services Company of the Year and Digital Bank of the Year will highlight milestones in digital infrastructure and connectivity.
Key sectors transforming Africa’s economy are also in focus, with the AgriTech Innovation of the Year and
Innovative Shipping Company of the Year recognising how technology is revolutionising agriculture and logistics, two industries critical to Africa’s long-term competitiveness.
Beyond celebrating excellence, the Tech Innovation Awards have become a catalyst for growth and collaboration across Africa’s tech ecosystem. Past editions have helped scale startups into regional powerhouses, amplified underrepresented voices, and attracted billions in digital infrastructure investments. This legacy, organisers say, reflects TIA’s role in shaping Africa’s innovation story, one that is inclusive, sustainable, and future-focused.
