The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global digital economy, with Lagos being a hub of energy and ambition.
Speaking at the GITEX 2025 event in Lagos, themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria,” Dr. Tijani highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in digital infrastructure, skills, and research that drives economic growth and transformation.
According to Dr. Tijani, Nigeria is solidifying its position as a leader in Africa’s digital economy through strategic global technology partnerships, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and forward-thinking government initiatives.
The minister stated that the digital economy’s growing contribution to Nigeria’s GDP currently stands between 16% and 18%, with a target to increase this figure to 21% by 2027 and added that the government has funded over 55 academic research projects and will announce another research scheme on October 1st to support 75 research projects.
Dr. Tijani emphasized the importance of empowering the private sector to lead through initiatives like the AI Collective, where Nigerian companies are building real-world solutions with artificial intelligence.
In a welcome address, Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Lagos as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, Africa’s undisputed innovation capital, and home to the continent’s largest number of tech hubs.
He noted that the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference is doing more than just showcasing technology but building partnerships, sparking innovation, and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“Today, as we explore the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, we are doing more than just showcasing technology; we are building partnerships, sparking innovation, and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.”
Lagos is not just a city; it is a movement. With 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as highlighted by the Financial Times, Lagos embodies a vibrant innovation ecosystem fuelled by supportive public policies, dynamic private enterprises, and a resilient startup culture.
Events like GITEX Nigeria amplify our collective efforts.
They create exciting new opportunities for talent development, expanding digital infrastructure, and forging strategic partnerships that will help us reach our economic goals.’
We are not just crafting a digital Nigeria; we are shaping a digital Africa that will inspire the world.
“I encourage each of you to embrace this moment, connect, innovate, and help create a future that reflects our boldest dreams.” Sanwo Olu said.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, said Gitex Nigeria is not just another conference but a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead in the future economy.
He listen the boundless opportunities in sectors like agriculture, health, and fintech, emphasizing the need to build solutions that will solve problems in all critical sectors and added that the success of Nigeria’s fintech sector, noting that out of 8 or 9 unicorns in Africa, 5 originated from Nigeria and this shows that the country’s potential is not limited to fintech, but can be replicated in other sectors such as agriculture, health, and security.
While fintech is a rocket fuel in terms of innovation, we have boundless opportunities in other sectors like agriculture, health, and many more.
Therefore, we need you to be part of that journey with us to see how we can build solutions that will solve problems in all these critical sectors,” Inuwa added.
The NITDA DG emphasized that Nigeria’s vision is clear, with a focus on economic diversification and inclusivity.
The Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Trixie LohMirmand, called for deeper global collaboration to secure Nigeria’s place in the AI economy.
She commended the resilience in Nigeria’s startups and stressed that Nigeria must claim its seat at the global digital table, pointing out that Gitex is a vital platform for startups, SMEs, and innovators to access international partnerships.
The GITEX Nigeria event brought together global tech leaders to drive technology opportunities, talent development, and digital infrastructure, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and positioning Nigeria for significant growth in the digital sector.
Reporting by Chioma Ezike
