…Nigeria positions GITEX 2025 as a platform for digital growth
Leading technology brands, including IBM, Meta, and MTN, will join policymakers and innovators at the inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA 2025, scheduled for 1–4 September in Abuja and Lagos. The event, recognised as West Africa’s largest technology and startup gathering, is expected to advance Nigeria’s ambition of building a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.
The programme is being held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Lagos State Government has also endorsed the event, which is organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
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Digital transformation and talent development
Nigeria’s growing digital economy is being driven by government policy, multinational technology firms, and an expanding startup ecosystem. Central to this ambition is the development of talent and infrastructure to achieve digital sovereignty.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. He said:
“Building and deploying AI infrastructure and solutions for Nigeria and Africa is not only a technological advancement, but also a chance to redefine our place in the global digital economy. Our success in delivering on this will ensure that we evolve from being passive consumers of AI to becoming net producers of talent and solutions that can compete and thrive internationally. As the global tech community turns its attention to Nigeria at GITEX NIGERIA, we must seize this opportunity to demonstrate what is possible in our tech ecosystem, showcase the depth of our innovation and the boldness of our ideas.”
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Abuja and Lagos to host events
GITEX NIGERIA 2025 begins in Abuja on 1 September with a Government Leadership and AI Summit. This forum will bring together decision-makers to discuss the future of digital infrastructure, AI, and innovation.
From 3–4 September, the event transitions to Lagos with two key programmes. The GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference will take place at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, while the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival will be held at the Landmark Centre.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “Lagos is and continues to be a city that facilitates progress. As we collectively build our city into the preferred destination for innovation and digital solutions, GITEX NIGERIA’s shared ambition will place Lagos at the heart of Africa’s digital future.”
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Strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the event as a milestone for Africa’s technological development. He said:
“We are committed to cultivating a Nigerian digital ecosystem that becomes a global benchmark for equitable AI advancement; one that is synonymous with inclusive access to AI technologies, infrastructure, and solutions. GITEX NIGERIA is more than an event, it is the cornerstone for Africa’s digital renaissance and a catalyst for developing world-class AI infrastructure which promotes scalability, sovereignty & global competitiveness.”
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Global firms deepen presence in Nigeria
Technology multinationals are strengthening their role in Nigeria’s digital growth. IBM, operating in West Africa through MIBB, is investing in talent development and local partnerships.
Vishnu Taimni, General Manager of IBM operated by MIBB, said: “Nigeria is a strategic priority for IBM operated by MIBB, anchored in decades of trusted partnerships across public and private sectors. As the country accelerates its digital agenda, GITEX NIGERIA offers a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration and reaffirm our commitment to co-creating technologies that empower industries and communities for the future.”
Companies such as Cisco, AWS, Kaspersky, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will also participate, highlighting the growing scale of international engagement in Nigeria’s technology sector.
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Lagos startup ecosystem in focus
Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is central to the country’s innovation drive. According to the Financial Times, Lagos is home to 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies. The GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival will showcase this ecosystem while hosting the country’s largest investor programme.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will use the platform to present timbuktoo, a pan-African initiative designed to connect startups with public and private capital. The initiative seeks to empower entrepreneurs tackling large-scale global challenges.
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Supporting government’s economic vision
GITEX NIGERIA aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises digital transformation, job creation, and economic diversification. The country is banking on technology to boost productivity, strengthen infrastructure, and build a skilled workforce that can contribute to long-term economic growth.
With Nigeria’s economy projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, events such as GITEX NIGERIA are positioned as platforms to unite stakeholders across technology, government, and industry in pursuit of this vision.
Partnerships for the future
The event is supported by partners including the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Space42. Together with international firms and Nigerian startups, the event seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for innovation in Africa.
