TOLU JOHNSON
Business Metrics Limited has announced the launch of the Rural Connectivity Summit (RuralConnect Summit), a pioneering seven-year initiative designed to tackle Nigeria’s persistent digital divide and unlock the economic potential of rural communities.
The maiden edition of the Summit is scheduled for Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, under the theme: *_“Rethinking Digital Connectivity to Unlock Rural Economic Potentials.”_*
The RuralConnect Summit seeks to address the stark reality that, while cities such as Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt enjoy advanced internet infrastructure, over 70% of Nigeria’s rural population remains digitally excluded.
Official estimates reveal that more than 20 million Nigerians currently lack any form of access to modern connectivity—a figure larger than the population of many African countries.
Organisers of the Summit explained that this situation not only reflects a serious access gap but also highlights a significant untapped opportunity for innovation, market growth and inclusive development.
Over the course of the day, the Summit will gather telecommunications operators, government regulators, policy makers, technology firms, financial institutions, donor agencies, civil society groups, community leaders and grassroots representatives.
Together, these stakeholders will explore action points and practical solutions for extending digital access to rural Nigeria and reduce digital divide.
Dialogue at the Summit is anchored on key pillars such as unconventional infrastructure rollout, policy reforms, innovative financing models, digital literacy programmes, collaborations and use cases in agricultural technology integration, and enhanced access to healthcare and education.
Omobayo Azeez, Convener and Partnership Coordinator for RuralConnect Summit, explains that: “Digital transformation cannot be said to be successful if millions of Nigerians in rural areas remain cut off. The Rural Connectivity Summit is not just another conference – it is a movement to bridge the divide, create opportunities, and ensure that connectivity becomes a catalyst for national growth. We are setting a seven-year agenda that will continue to drive practical solutions until no community is left behind.”
According to him, the initiative builds on Business Metrics Limited’s strong track record of shaping national dialogues around Nigeria’s digital economy and telecommunications sector.
Its past programmes include the first national forum on 5G readiness in 2022, advocacy for a Dig-Once Policy to accelerate fibre deployment, high-level summits on indigenous content development, and Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) protection, among others.
With the Rural Connectivity Summit, Business Metrics Limited seeks to create a legacy platform where government, private sector, and development partners work hand-in-hand to democratise access to digital technologies and transform the fortunes of rural communities across Nigeria.
The October gathering will therefore not only mark the beginning of this multi-stakeholder journey but will also set measurable benchmarks for progress in the years to come, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainable digital transformation.
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