The fifth edition of the DOA Business Series has brought together regulators, investors, business leaders and technology experts to discuss the future of Nigeria’s digital economy, with startup Bunce emerging as the winner of the 2026 Next Big Bet Pitch Competition and receiving prizes worth ₦10 million.
Organised by Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe (DOA), the event took place on 4 June 2026 at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s theme, “Regulation, Capital and Business Competitiveness: Nigeria’s Digital Frontier,” focused on the role of policy, investment and infrastructure in driving sustainable digital growth.
Throughout the summit, speakers agreed that innovation alone will not determine Nigeria’s digital future. They stressed that reliable infrastructure, patient investment and effective regulation are equally important for building a competitive and resilient economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said trust created through sound regulation encourages investment, which in turn supports the digital infrastructure needed for economic development.
He pointed to the growth of Nigeria’s data centre industry, highlighting facilities operated by Equinix, Rack Centre, NTT Nigeria and Airtel, as well as planned projects such as LG3 and Kasi Cloud. According to Dr Maida, these investments represent more than technology assets because they improve connectivity for communities and create new opportunities for businesses.
He also acknowledged challenges including infrastructure shortages, energy constraints, skills gaps and regulatory hurdles, but urged government agencies, private companies and investors to work together to overcome them and accelerate digital transformation.
The first panel discussion examined the financing and infrastructure needed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy. Industry leaders from finance and technology sectors discussed broadband quality, investment in digital infrastructure and the importance of stable regulatory policies to attract long-term funding.
A second panel focused on artificial intelligence, data governance and digital innovation. Speakers explored how Nigeria and Africa can play a larger role in the global AI economy while protecting data privacy, encouraging responsible innovation and creating value from locally developed technologies. They argued that African businesses should aim to build and own digital solutions instead of relying mainly on imported technologies.
One of the event’s biggest highlights was the final of The Next Big Bet Pitch Competition, a platform created to support promising early-stage technology startups.
After presentations from six finalists, Bunce was selected as the 2026 winner and awarded cash and prizes worth ₦10 million, along with access to investor networks and increased market visibility. Judges praised the startup’s business model, scalability and commercial potential.
The organisers noted that Bunce follows in the footsteps of 2025 winner Trashcoin, a climate technology startup that uses artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to improve waste collection and recycling in Nigeria.
The event’s lead sponsor, i-invest, also promoted financial inclusion by rewarding six attendees with fixed-term investments through its digital investment platform.
Speaking after the event, DOA Managing Partner Adeleke Alex-Adedipe said the next stage of Nigeria’s digital economy will depend on effective execution, adding that collaboration between regulators, investors, innovators and infrastructure providers will be essential for long-term competitiveness.
DOA confirmed that details for the sixth edition of the Business Series and the next round of The Next Big Bet Pitch Competition will be announced in due course.
