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By Seun Hassan
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially launched the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Roadshow in Enugu (Southeast) and Gombe (Northeast), mobilizing and spotlighting innovative startups across Nigeria under the theme “Bridging Nigeria’s Innovation with Global Opportunities.”
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The roadshow aims to identify high-potential startups in every region and prepare them for global visibility through GITEX Nigeria 2025, which takes place September 1–4 in Abuja and Lagos.
Organized by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) with support from the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the roadshow encourages inclusive participation from the six geopolitical zones and promotes Nigeria’s innovation potential on the world stage.
Enugu Hosts South East Regional Pitch Event
In Enugu, the kick-off point for the southeastern states, 20 startups pitched their solutions. After a rigorous evaluation, CloudAudit, Switch Electric, and CareerAid emerged as the top three winners. These startups will exhibit at GITEX Nigeria in Lagos and compete for a chance to represent Nigeria at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai.
Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem and pledged collaboration with NITDA to empower local entrepreneurs.
Dr. Nkem Momah, NITDA’s Southeast Zonal Head, highlighted the focus on startups solving critical problems in energy, education, and job creation, which align with reshaping Nigeria’s digital economy.
Adanma Chinyere Otuonye, CEO of Sparks, praised the region’s entrepreneurial energy, urging for a shared vision among stakeholders to convert innovation into scalable impact.
Ndubuisi Edeh, SA to Enugu State Governor on Digital Economy and MSMEs, and Mr. Akande Ojo, who represented the DWTC, reinforced the need for startups to develop globally competitive but locally impactful solutions.
Gombe Roadshow Spotlights Northeast Innovation
In Gombe, the second stop of the roadshow, 21 startups from the northeastern states participated in pitching sessions. After keen competition, Floews, D-rydes, and Naijamade were selected as the top regional innovators.
Nurudeen Mohammed Manzo, Chairman of Taraba ICT Forum and NACCIMA Youth Coordinator, emphasized that regional collaboration is key to building Nigeria’s digital future.
“This is not just a competition—it’s a catalyst for national collaboration. Imagine a startup in Gombe connecting with a designer in Enugu and an investor in Lagos,” Manzo stated.
Dr. Abdullahi Ahmed Bappah, Gombe’s Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, praised NITDA’s visionary efforts to promote digital inclusion and empower youth entrepreneurs across the country.
Building Toward GITEX Nigeria 2025 and Dubai Global Stage
The GITEX Nigeria Roadshow continues its nationwide tour, selecting the best regional startups to participate in GITEX Nigeria 2025 and ultimately GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai. The initiative strengthens Nigeria’s presence in global technology exhibitions and underscores the country’s growing digital innovation ecosystem.
NITDA’s strategic focus through ONDI ensures that regional talents are recognized, connected, and supported to scale globally, in line with Nigeria’s Digital Economy Agenda.
