16th ǼLEX Lecture explores digital economy’s role in Africa’s growth

ǼLEX, one of the largest full-service commercial and litigation law firms in West Africa, has announced its 16th Annual Lecture scheduled to hold Wednesday, 30 November 2022.

The 16th ǼLEX Annual Lecture, which will hold virtually (Zoom) beginning from 2:00 West African Time (WAT), will focus on digital technology as a fundamental force for change in Africa.

Themed “Digital Economy: Africa’s Catalyst for Regional Growth and Transformation”, the lecture will feature a panel discussion to be moderated by Dr Segun Aina, President, Africa Fintech Network and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Fintech Association of Nigeria, with Mr Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, SSA to the President on Digital Transformation, Mrs Dawn Dimowo, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Google, and Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, DG/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as discussants.

ǼLEX, in a statement ahead of the lecture, said the panel discussants will bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to enrich the discussion relating to how digital technology is helping to support economic growth, deepen democratic governance, and expand civil society engagement in Africa.

The ǼLEX Annual Lecture was instituted in commemoration of the ǼLEX partnership formed in 2004 and forms part of the firm’s commitment to raising awareness on critical economic, political, social and developmental issues in Africa.

The 2022 lecture builds on the successes of the past 15 editions during which ǼLEX has brought together distinguished speakers, panellists, and participants to dissect the various challenges facing Africa in leadership, politics, amongst other things, while proffering solutions to these challenges.

The maiden edition of the lecture in 2005 held under the theme “The Regulator in a Deregulated Economy”, followed by “Competition Policy as an Engine for Economic Growth” in 2006. 

Over the years, the lecture series has hosted distinguished personalities from various walks of life as speakers, including Major General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and, currently, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, renowned banker and businessman; Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State among others.

Prof Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, a former Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos; Prof Lumumba from Kenya; Ibukun Awosika, Founder/CEO, The Chair Centre; Frank Nweke Jnr, Former Minister of Information; Remi Sonaiya; Leke Alder; Ibijoke Faborode have also featured at different times.