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Nigeria is translating bold digital ambitions into tangible national transformation, accelerating socio-economic development through progressive policy, AI innovation, and human capital development to deliver lasting benefits for its citizens.
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GITEX NIGERIA, West Africa’s largest tech, AI and startup event, spotlights Nigeria’s progress from aspiration to action, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading AI and digital economy growth markets.
A two-city GITEX in Nigeria
Under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GITEX NIGERIA takes place across Abuja and Lagos from 31 August–3 September 2026. 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 organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
The second edition with the theme: Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation, comes as Nigeria advances its national digital transformation agenda through landmark reforms that are translating future-oriented policy into measurable delivery.
Under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the country is addressing growing digital skills demand while expanding its national talent base. Since its inception, 3MTT has generated 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, with more than 135,000 Nigerians trained through three cohorts, learning extended to over 300,000 people through community resources, and 15,000 job and opportunity pathways created.
Showcasing Nigeria’s investment in digital talent and infrastructures
Complementing its investment in digital talent, Nigeria has also advanced Project BRIDGE from policy to delivery, establishing a national ICT backbone that expands universal connectivity and underpins long-term digital transformation.
Designed to stimulate economic growth, strengthen digital inclusion, and accelerate skills development, the initiative is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 Nigerian youths, increase internet penetration to more than 70%, and extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments across underserved communities nationwide.
GITEX NIGERIA reinforces Federal Government’s digital transformation mandate
Building on this momentum, GITEX NIGERIA reinforces the Federal Government’s digital transformation mandate, convening global technology leaders, investors, and public-private partners to accelerate the next phase of Nigeria’s digital growth.
The event will mobilise the transnational alliances and strategic partnerships needed to scale AI infrastructure, elevate strategic investment, strengthen digital resilience, advance innovation ecosystems, and support West Africa’s long-term pursuit of digital sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “Building on the momentum forged through the implementation of Project BRIDGE, our national blueprint for expanding digital infrastructure and connecting communities across Nigeria, our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is clear: to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination, and a globally competitive AI-powered economy.
“Nigeria is a nation galvanised by the prospect of promoting equitable access, accelerating cross-continental progress, and serving as a central architect of Africa’s transition from a traditional consumer to a trusted producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.”
Nigeria: An emerging AI epicentre where policy, innovation & capital converge
Opening in Abuja on 31 August, the GITEX NIGERIA Government Leadership and AI Summit will bring together ministers, governors, and regulators to address the critical questions surrounding West Africa’s digital public infrastructure.
The GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference and Startup Festival both return for the second successive year, joined by the debuting FDX NIGERIA by GITEX, dedicated to finance and digital asset exchange. Introduced to inspire radical financial inclusion across West Africa, the latter will serve as a strategic catalyst to leapfrog legacy systems and bring millions of businesses into the formal economy, bridging the gap between emerging tech innovation and global capital.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “Africa’s digital rise is deeply intertwined with that of Lagos State. With a gross state product estimated at around US$259 billion in purchasing power parity terms, and contributing more than 30% of Nigeria’s GDP, Lagos stands at the forefront of technological transformation, attracting talent, capital, and innovation from across the continent and beyond.
“This is why we are delighted to welcome GITEX NIGERIA once again – a unique event certain to elevate our mission to support a smarter, more connected, and globally competitive African economy, while cementing Lagos’ position as a gateway to opportunity for Nigeria and beyond.”
Defining Nigeria’s digital future
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency, added: “Nigeria’s digital future will be defined not only by the technologies we adopt, but by the resilience, trust, and governance frameworks we build around them.
GITEX NIGERIA seamlessly complements this mandate, creating a unique environment for the dialogue needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption, develop a secure digital economy, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
The global expertise, investment, and partnerships forged through this event will help shape an AI ecosystem that is secure by design, inclusive by nature, and built to support the long-term competitiveness and prosperity of Nigeria and West Africa.”
Building new foundations for future digital growth
Nigeria has risen to the forefront of Africa’s digital economy with a powerful ecosystem that is both homegrown and resilient – fuelled by government initiatives, global tech enterprises, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Through programmes such as the 3MTT, Project BRIDGE, and the National AI Strategy, Nigeria is strengthening the foundations required to scale talent development, digital infrastructure, investment attraction, and responsible AI adoption – reinforcing the nation’s position as a leading force in Africa’s digital transformation and a key architect of the continent’s projected US$1 trillion AI economic uplift by 2035.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, added: “GITEX NIGERIA sends a clear, unequivocal message to the world: West Africa is open for business, ready to translate bold ideas and technological ambition into prosperity, resilience, and enduring global leadership for generations to come.
This is a genuine prospect that GITEX is proud to help bring to life – and we are excited to facilitate the conversations and connections that actuate strategies, strengthen regional competitiveness, and unlock scalable growth for the increasingly globalised digital ecosystems of Nigeria and West Africa.”
For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit: www.gitexnigeria.ng.
