Nigeria is at the forefront of Africa’s digital economy, and its tech ecosystem is gaining momentum through government initiatives, global tech enterprises and a flourishing startup scene. This growth is set to propel the country toward its ambitious goal of becoming a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.
At the heart of this ambition is the inaugural Gitex Nigeria 2025, a premier event bringing together local and international decision-makers to focus on digital transformation. The event, held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to take place in Abuja and Lagos from September 1-4, 2025.
It is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The event is endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organized by KAOUN International, the global organizer of GITEX events.
The forum kicks off on September 1 with a high-level Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja, designed to unite international leaders in driving the growth of digital infrastructure and AI.
Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of this moment.
“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,” he said.
He added that the goal is to transform Nigeria from a passive consumer of AI to a global producer of talent and solutions.
The event will then move to Lagos from September 3-4, with two key locations:
- Eko Hotel Convention Centre will host the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference.
- Landmark Centre will welcome the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival.
Together, these events will form West Africa’s largest gathering of technology visionaries and industry leaders. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State stated that GITEX NIGERIA’s shared ambition will place Lagos at the heart of Africa’s digital future, positioning the city as a destination for innovation.
Global tech giants are increasingly investing in Nigeria to nurture local talent, support infrastructure, and provide tailored solutions. This expansion is often driven by multi-sector public-private partnerships.
Vishnu Taimni, General Manager of IBM operated by MIBB, affirmed the company’s commitment to Nigeria. “Nigeria is a strategic priority for IBM… 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.”
The GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival in Lagos, an undisputed innovation hub, will be the country’s largest and most globally diverse investor program. It will facilitate curated meetings between startups, investors, and industry leaders. To further capitalize on this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will present its pan-African timbuktoo initiative at the event, aiming to connect public and private capital to support startups tackling global challenges.
The event is supported by partners including AWS, Cisco, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Kaspersky, among others.