Oluchi Chibuzor
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; propelling Nigeria’s future with tech opportunities in talent development and digital infrastructure to help achieve the goal of $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Central to Nigeria – and Africa’s – ambitions of digital sovereignty lie in the opportunity to upskill, operate and expand grassroots talent and organisations. Perfectly timed to support these ambitions is the inaugural edition of GITEX NIGERIA which will act as a convergence point for key local and international decision makers, not only in tech but across multiple sectors embracing digital transformation.
Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, GITEX NIGERIApremieres across Abuja and Lagos. 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 Lagos State Government, and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
A high-level Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja takes place on the opening day in September to forge a united future for international leaders driving the growth of digital infrastructure, AI, and innovation.
Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, 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..”
The GITEX NIGERIA programme then transitions to Lagos, headlining across two locations from 3-4 September. The Eko Hotel Convention Centre hosts the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference, while the Landmark Centre welcomes the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival. Combined, it will be West Africa’s largest gathering of technology visionaries, industry leaders, and decision-makers overseeing digital transformation of non-tech sectors.
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.”
Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said: “We are committed to cultivating a Nigerian digital ecosystem that becomes a global benchmark for equitable Al advancement; one that is synonymous with inclusive access to Al 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 Al infrastructure which promotes scalability, sovereignty & global competitiveness.”
