NOTAP Announced as Official Partner of the African Forum Networking Session at SCEWC25, Barcelona
The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), under the chairmanship of Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, has been officially unveiled as the Official Partner of the African Forum Networking Session at the upcoming Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC25), taking place from November 4–6, 2025, at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Spain.
The African Forum, themed “Margins to Maritime Hub – The Collaborative Rise of Africa’s Cities in the Global Neutral Trade Corridor,” is being co-hosted by the African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF) and The Borderless Project (TBP). The session will spotlight Africa’s growing role in the emerging Neo-Polar Neutrality Global System (NPNGS), a visionary global framework redefining how trade, technology, and urban systems can operate beyond traditional geopolitical boundaries.
As part of this partnership, NOTAP will host and sponsor the Networking Reception following the Africa Forum session, providing an exclusive platform for policymakers, city leaders, global strategists, and technology innovators to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new collaborations.
“Africa’s cities are entering a transformative era, one defined by innovation, connectivity, and neutrality. NOTAP’s partnership at SCEWC25 reflects Nigeria’s growing leadership in shaping the continent’s role in the new global economy,” said Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Chairman of NOTAP.
The Networking Session, to be held immediately after the Africa Forum panel, will bring together leading voices from across Africa, Europe, and Asia to discuss collaborative opportunities in building sustainable, connected, and economically inclusive cities across the continent.
David Olatunji, The Convener of African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF), added: “We are honoured to have NOTAP as the official partner for this year’s networking event. This partnership embodies the spirit of cross-continental collaboration that lies at the heart of the Neo-Polar Neutrality Global System, where Africa’s innovation ecosystem takes its rightful place in the global architecture of trade and technology.”
The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC25) is the world’s leading event for urban innovation, bringing together over 25,000 participants from 800+ cities and 140 countries, including policymakers, investors, and technology leaders shaping the cities of tomorrow.
This collaboration marks a milestone in advancing Africa’s Smart City and Neutral Trade Corridor Agenda, positioning NOTAP and its partners at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation and sustainable urban growth.
The Role of NOTAP in Africa’s Innovation Landscape
NOTAP’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship; it underscores Nigeria’s commitment to technology transfer and innovation promotion across the continent. With a focus on acquiring and promoting technologies that drive economic growth, NOTAP has been instrumental in bridging the gap between local industries and global advancements. This partnership at SCEWC25 aligns perfectly with NOTAP’s mandate, enabling African nations to adopt cutting-edge solutions in smart infrastructure, AI-driven trade systems, and sustainable urban planning. Drawing from my expertise in global innovation trends, such collaborations are crucial for accelerating Africa’s digital leap, where technology acquisition can reduce dependency on foreign imports and foster homegrown solutions tailored to African challenges like urbanization and climate resilience.
Implications for Global Trade and Urban Development
This milestone not only elevates Nigeria’s profile but also sets a precedent for cross-border cooperation in neutral trade frameworks. The NPNGS theme highlights how Africa’s cities can transition from margins to maritime hubs, integrating into global corridors like the proposed Transatlantic Maritime Railbridge. From an expert perspective, this could unlock trillions in trade value, similar to successful models in Asia’s free trade zones, by emphasizing neutrality to mitigate geopolitical risks. For urban development, it means resilient cities with multimodal connectivity, empowering SMEs and attracting FDI, paving the way for inclusive growth and positioning Africa as a co-architect of the future global economy.
For Media Inquiries: African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF) Email: [email protected] Website: www.ascif.org
