ATII to Host Groundbreaking African Industrial Forum on July 10
By Adesuwa Adigwe, Technology Correspondent
The African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) is gearing up to host the inaugural edition of its much-anticipated African Industrial Forum (AIF) on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Spearheaded by Nigerian-born Professor Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua—globally celebrated as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Cybernetics—the virtual summit seeks to fast-track Africa’s ascent as a manufacturing giant powered by smart technology.
Under the theme “Africa’s Future: Shaping Global Industries Through Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence,” the forum aims to catalyse cross-sectoral collaboration and spotlight Africa’s potential in redefining global value chains. The event’s timing couldn’t be more strategic, following Nigeria’s remarkable 67% increase in manufacturing foreign direct investment, reaching $1.59 billion in 2023 alone.
The summit will focus on five transformative pillars: advancing smart manufacturing via AI and automation, bridging workforce skill gaps, mobilising domestic industrial investment, empowering youth for future-fit jobs, and fostering synergistic alliances across government, academia, and the private sector.
Calling on Africans at home and in the diaspora, Professor Ekeng-Itua framed the event as both a rallying cry and blueprint for action:
“This is more than a forum—it’s Africa’s call to shape its destiny. Through unity and innovation, we will build an industrial legacy that reflects our ingenuity.”
She added, “We must ensure Africa becomes an industrial innovator by design. This summit will connect education to employment and vision to implementation—empowering our youth to lead the charge.”
Confirmed speakers span an impressive roster of African changemakers:
- John Kamara, Founder of the AI Centre of Excellence Africa (AICE) and Afya Rekod
- Dr. Akanimo Odon, Director of African Strategic Partnerships at ARIP, Lancaster University
- Dr. Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Administration, NUPRC
- Dr. Edem Wornyo, Strategic Research Leader at Google
- Ene Sandra Macharm, Head of Global Partnerships at GET.transform
In addition to keynote sessions and high-impact panel discussions, the programme will honour pioneers in African industrialisation with special recognition awards. Attendance is free and open to all. The summit begins at 3:00 PM WAT and will be hosted online via Zoom. Participants can register at aiforum.afritechi2.com/reg.
About ATII
ATII is a catalyst for cutting-edge research translation, enabling innovation across Artificial Intelligence, Clean Tech, Climate Resilience, and more. It supports policy-driven solutions and promotes Indigenous and African-led advancements in healthcare, agriculture, education, and gender equity.
With events like the AIF, ATII continues to shape an ecosystem where innovation and inclusion drive Africa’s industrial rebirth.
–– Adesuwa Adigwe is a Lagos-based technology journalist covering innovation and development across Africa.
