Keynote Panel: Closing the Digital Divide Through Access, Affordability and Local Services

08 Sept 2026
ITW Keynote Stage, Floor 1
Data Centre Operators , Cloud, AI & Hyperscalers , Government & Policy , Market Growth , Datacloud
  • Why network coverage does not automatically lead to adoption or usage

  • The role of affordability, devices and digital literacy in closing the usage gap

  • How local data processing and services support jobs, innovation and AI readiness

  • What operators, platforms, and governments can do to turn infrastructure into impact

  • How local data processing and services supports jobs, innovation and AI readiness

Chairperson
Mea Thompson
Mea Thompson, Founder & CCO - unconnected.org
Speakers
Ayotunde Coker
Ayotunde Coker, Chief Executive Officer - Open Access Data Centres
Ike Nnamani
Ike Nnamani, CEO - DIGITAL REALTY, NIGERIA
Thelma Quaye
Thelma Quaye, Chief Digital Infrastructure, Skills and Empowerment Officer - Smart Africa
Samatar Omar Elmi
Samatar Omar Elmi, Chief ICT Specialist - African Development Bank
Lydia Carroon
Lydia Carroon, Director of Strategic Partnerships - MICROSOFT