Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General/CEO of NITDA (2nd left); Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International (2nd right); and Other Officials at the MoU Signing Photos: NITDA
*The Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency, signs a Memorandum of Understanding to host GITEX, the world’s largest technology fair, for the first time in 2025
*Nigeria has positioned itself as the fastest-growing country for developers in Africa, with vast potential for untapped talents, says Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As part of its mandate to enhance the Information Technology (IT) sector of the Nigerian economy, the Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to host the world’s largest technology fair, GITEX, for the first time in 2025.
ConsumerConnect reports the agency Thursday, May 30, 2024, disclosed Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITDA, and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organisers of GITEX signed the agreement.
Inuwa addressing a global audience at the GITEX Global event, in Dubai, UAE
Speaking on the significance of signing the MoU, Inuwa said: “Bringing GITEX to Nigeria will introduce the experience of the best tech conference to our country.”
GITEX aligns with Renewed Hope Agenda for tech sector ─Inuwa
The Director-General of NITDA equally emphasised this strategic tech initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to reform the economy to deliver sustained growth.
Inuwa also noted: “President Tinubu is big and loud on trade and economic diversification, and you cannot trade in isolation.
“The President has mandated us to facilitate parts of this diversification.”
According to him, the Information Technology (IT) sector regulator recognises that in today’s interconnected world, no country can thrive in isolation.
He further explained that economic prosperity is increasingly tied to the ability to engage with global markets and integrate into the international trade ecosystem.
It is noted that in line with this vision, President Tinubu has given a clear mandate to the government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to actively facilitate and support initiatives that contribute to economic diversification vis-a-vis the current administration’s redefined priority areas.
The NITDA highlighted these include fostering the development of new industries, promoting innovation, and creating an environment conducive to technological advancement.
Inuwa stated: “The President’s directive is clear: we must build bridges with the rest of the world and leverage these connections to boost our economic growth.
“Through initiatives like GITEX Nigeria, we are creating platforms for our tech ecosystem to shine, demonstrating that Nigeria is not only open for business but is also a hub of innovation and creativity.”
Nigeria is fastest growing country for developers in Africa, says LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International
In her remarks on the development, Trixie LohMirmand, Chief Executive of KAOUN International, expressed the organisation’s excitement about the partnership.
She cited the impressive track record of Nigerian teams at GITEX pitch competitions over there years, noted NITDA.
LohMirmand affirmed that Nigeria has positioned itself as the fastest-growing country for developers in Africa, with vast potential for untapped talents.
The CEO of KAOUN International stated:
“By bringing GITEX to Nigeria, we aim to explore the country’s 8 in sectors like AI, digital health, and FinTech.
“The initiative aims to not only showcase local advancements but also integrate the Nigerian tech scene with the wider GITEX network, providing Nigerian startups with a platform to connect with new markets.”
While a date for GITEX Nigeria has not been announced yet, NITDA emphasised this agreement “marks a significant step forward in positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global tech scene, and affirms President Tinubu’s strong stance on economic diversification and international trade integration to drive a comprehensive strategy to transform Nigeria’s economy.”
