ESRI West Africa User Conference 2025

[Ekpereamaka_Juliet_Ibenegbu]

The Esri West Africa User Conference 2025 was more than just an industry gathering it was a vibrant platform where geospatial innovation met collaboration, knowledge exchange, and personal milestones. Over two impactful days, experts, practitioners, and visionaries from across the region came together to explore how geospatial technologies are driving solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges. For me, it was both a professional and deeply personal journey that culminated in receiving an Award of Appreciation  a moment that reminded me of how far I’ve come and why representation matters.

The opening day set the tone for everything that followed. It began with a warm welcome address by Akua Aboabea Aboah, Managing Director of Sambus Geospatial, followed by remarks from Karim Assem of Esri, who underscored the transformative role of geospatial technology in addressing critical issues across the continent. Keynotes brought together powerful voices from government and industry, emphasizing the role of location intelligence in governance and sustainable development. Among the highlights were an address delivered on behalf of His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the SSA on Enterprise Development, a keynote delivered on behalf of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, a keynote by Dr. Idris Mohammed Jega representing Dr. Matthew Adepoju of NASRDA, a keynote by Surv. Abdulganiyu Abebomehin, Surveyor General of the Federation, on Location Intelligence and Sustainable Development, and a keynote delivered on behalf of Hon. Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem.

Practical sessions brought these themes to life. Iyinoluwa Ojumu, Training Lead (Abuja) at Sambus Geospatial Nigeria, delivered an engaging session on ArcGIS Field Maps and Mobile GIS Workflows, showing how these tools streamline field data collection and decision-making. Real-world user stories followed: Emmanuel Avula from the Nigerian Communications Commission shared applications of GIS in telecom regulation, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation presented insights on mapping and petroleum operations, and Babatunde Olushola Emmanuel of Ikeja Electric demonstrated “The Power of Place” in electricity distribution. In the afternoon, Adel Bolbol Fernández of Esri delivered a thought-provoking session on “Petroleum: Mapping the Future of Energy,” illustrating how spatial intelligence is shaping the future of the energy sector.

The day ended with a panel discussion on Geospatial Innovation for Resilience, Efficiency, and Economic Growth. I had the privilege of serving as a panelist alongside Olumide Adewebi and Akinola Komolafe, where we explored practical ways to integrate geospatial solutions into environmental and community development across West Africa. Being the only woman on the panel was both humbling and empowering. It reminded me of how far women have come in the geospatial industry and why it is crucial to keep creating spaces where women’s perspectives, expertise, and leadership are not only included but valued.

The second day was filled with technical depth, industry insights, and inspiring stories. It began with highlights from the first day before Esri’s Adel Bolbol Fernández introduced Digital Twin – An Overview, demonstrating how digital replicas of real systems can transform planning and resource management. He later returned with a deep dive on Essential ArcGIS Tools for Design & Construction, while Jibril Salawu of Sambus Geospatial Nigeria explored Advanced Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing, showing how GIS supports predictive insights.

User stories showed GIS in action across multiple sectors: predictive data solutions by Ben Onyibe of Support Systems Limited, environmental safety applications by Surv. Temitope Manuel of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, the Segilola mineral exploration story by Habeeb Yusuf, and innovative applications from Red Wire. A strong environmental focus followed with Clarissa Augustinus and David Elegbede of the FIG Climate Compass Task Force and the University of Lagos, who spoke about Geospatial Applications for Climate Action. David outlined sixteen key geospatial climate actions, highlighted the role of surveyors, and delivered a powerful call to action for professionals to lead in building climate resilience. His message was clear: GIS is not just technical it is central to addressing the climate crisis.

The day also featured exclusive sessions on Oil & Gas and Design & Construction, a sponsor spotlight featuring Milsat, Sacredion Limited, Trimble Inc., and the Nigerian Postal Service, and a series of inspiring lightning talks. These included GIS for environmental monitoring by Prof. Ademola Omojola of the University of Lagos, AI-powered survey plan digitization by Teqbridge Limited, and geospatial cold chain vaccine distribution in Abuja by COOPERATIVE INFORMATION NETWORK (COPINE). The conference concluded with the announcement of the YSA Winners and Hackathon Results, celebrating young innovators shaping the geospatial future of Africa.

As the second day unfolded, one thing stood out strongly to me: the call to collaboration. From climate change to healthcare access, our challenges are regional, and so must be our solutions. Strengthening partnerships and data sharing across West Africa is essential if geospatial intelligence is to drive meaningful sustainable development.

Amid all of this, one moment will stay with me forever. On September 10th, 2025, I stood on stage to receive an Award of Appreciation for my support and partnership. As I held the award in my hands, with the lights shining and the applause filling the hall, I paused to take it all in. Because for me, this wasn’t just about the award itself. It was about the journey that led me here from the girl who once sat quietly at the back of the room, doubting her voice, to the woman now recognized on a regional stage for her contributions to geospatial development.

I am deeply grateful to Esri and Sambus Geospatial Nigeria for this recognition. These organizations have done more than provide tools; they have created opportunities, nurtured communities, and invested in the future of geospatial innovation in Africa. I dedicate this award to African Women in GIS, a community that has given me strength and sisterhood, and to every young girl and woman in geospatial who is quietly doubting herself. If you have ever wondered whether your voice matters or whether you belong, let this be your reminder: you are enough, your voice matters, and there is space for you in this industry.

Standing on that stage reminded me that geospatial work is not just about maps and data it is about people, equity, and lifting others as we rise. It is about shaping the future of our continent through technology, collaboration, and representation. The Esri West Africa User Conference 2025 brought together government, industry, academia, and communities to showcase how geospatial intelligence is driving resilience in health, energy, environment, and infrastructure. As I look forward to the 2026 edition in Ghana, I carry with me gratitude, inspiration, and renewed commitment. The journey is far from over. Together, through collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation, we can continue to shape a geospatial future that works for everyone.