By Chinenye Anuforo
In a move designed to propel the nation’s technological sector, the Federal Government (FG) through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to host GITEX, the world’s largest technology exhibition, for the first time in 2025.
The agreement was formalized by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General and CEO of NITDA, and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organizers behind GITEX.
Highlighting the importance of the MOU, Abdullahi stated, “Bringing GITEX to Nigeria will introduce the experience of a premier technology conference to our nation.”
He further emphasized how this strategic initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reform agenda, focused on achieving sustainable growth. “President Tinubu strongly advocates for trade and economic diversification, and such endeavors cannot flourish in isolation. The President has tasked us with facilitating aspects of this diversification,” Abdullahi remarked.
Recognizing the interconnected nature of the modern world, the NITDA head acknowledged that isolation hinders national growth. Economic prosperity is increasingly tied to global market engagement and integration into the international trade ecosystem.
President Tinubu, in line with this vision, has issued a clear directive to government agencies to actively support initiatives that contribute to economic diversification, aligning with his administration’s redefined priorities. This includes fostering the development of new industries, promoting innovation, and creating an environment conducive to technological progress.
“The President’s directive is unequivocal: we must build bridges with the international community and leverage these connections to propel our economic rise. Initiatives like GITEX Nigeria create platforms for our tech ecosystem to shine, demonstrating that Nigeria is not just open for business but is also a hub of innovation and creativity,” Abdullahi elaborated.
LohMirmand expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, citing the impressive track record of Nigerian teams at past GITEX pitch competitions. She acknowledged Nigeria’s position as Africa’s fastest-growing developer nation, boasting immense potential for untapped talent.
“By bringing GITEX to Nigeria, we aim to explore the country’s potential in sectors like AI, digital health, and fintech. This initiative not only aims to showcase local advancements but also to integrate the Nigerian tech scene with the broader GITEX network, providing Nigerian startups with a platform to connect with new markets,” she said.
While a specific date for GITEX Nigeria has not yet been announced, this agreement signifies a crucial step forward in positioning Nigeria as a prominent player in the global tech landscape. It further underscores President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to economic diversification and international trade integration as key drivers of Nigeria’s comprehensive economic transformation strategy.
