After more than a decade of active participation in GITEX Dubai, Marrakech, and Berlin, Nigeria has hosted its own international technology exhibition for the first time in Abuja. The landmark event, GITEX Nigeria, unites policymakers, investors, startups, and global tech giants in a bold statement of the country’s ambition to be Africa’s leading digital hub.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed Lagos has attracted over $6bn in tech startup investment since 2019, now accounting for more than 70% of Nigeria’s inflows and producing most of Africa’s unicorns. The ICT sector, contributing 16–18% to GDP, is projected to hit 21% by 2027. Government programs like Project BRIDGE (90,000km fibre backbone) and 3MTT (digital skills for youth) reinforce this growth trajectory.
The exhibition signals Nigeria’s arrival as a global innovation powerhouse. It is expected to attract long-term FDI, scale youth-driven solutions, and foster collaborations across smart mobility, health tech, AI, and green energy. With over 650 startups and 200 investors from 40 countries in attendance, GITEX Nigeria is more than a conference—it is a movement, showcasing Lagos as Africa’s “innovation capital” and Nigeria as a frontline player in shaping the world’s digital economy.
