Experts say Africa can leapfrog traditional development pathways by empowering youths, fostering innovation, and strengthening academia-industry collaboration.
Africa has a chance to fast-track sustainable development through digital transformation, says Prof. Clement Kolawole. Speaking at the 2026 Trinity University/Industry Management Leadership Production Development Conference in Yaba, Lagos, he highlighted that innovation, youth empowerment, and strong partnerships are key to inclusive growth.
The two-day conference, themed “Leveraging Digital Transformation for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Africa: An Academic-Industry Discourse,” features panels, keynotes, and a blockchain workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and practical solutions.
Prof. Olalekan Asikhia noted that digital transformation’s success depends on governance, inclusive strategies, and bridging Africa’s digital divide, citing issues like unreliable electricity, high data costs, and low digital literacy. He stressed that academia-industry collaboration is essential to convert research into real-world innovations.
Representing Lagos State’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Olatubosun Alake emphasized stronger synergy between universities and industry to deliver scalable solutions, drive economic transformation, and enhance global competitiveness.
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