Nigeria is set to reinforce its position as one of Africa’s leading digital economy and artificial intelligence (AI) hubs as the second edition of GITEX Nigeria holds from August 31 to September 3, 2026, across Abuja and Lagos.
Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the technology, AI and startup event is being organised by KAOUN International in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with endorsement from the Lagos State Government.
With the theme, “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” GITEX Nigeria 2026 will convene government leaders, global technology companies, investors, innovators and startups to deepen collaboration, accelerate AI adoption and strengthen Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
The event comes as Nigeria continues to record significant milestones in its digital economy programmes. Under the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, more than 1.87 million registrations have been recorded across the country’s 774 local government areas, while over 135,000 Nigerians have completed training through three cohorts. The programme has also extended learning opportunities to more than 300,000 people and facilitated about 15,000 job and career pathways.
Nigeria is also advancing Project BRIDGE, a nationwide ICT backbone initiative aimed at expanding broadband connectivity, promoting digital inclusion and supporting economic growth. The project is expected to generate about 20,000 direct jobs and over 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 youths, increase internet penetration beyond 70 percent, and provide high-speed internet access to underserved communities across the country.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria remains committed to building the foundations for digital sovereignty and an AI-driven economy.
He noted that Project BRIDGE and other digital initiatives are positioning the country to become a trusted producer and exporter of digital technologies while promoting equitable access, innovation and cross-border collaboration across Africa.
The Government Leadership and AI Summit will open in Abuja on August 31, bringing together ministers, governors, regulators and technology experts to discuss digital public infrastructure, AI governance and policy frameworks for sustainable digital development.
The event will later move to Lagos, where participants will attend the Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, Startup Festival and the inaugural FDX Nigeria by GITEX, a new platform dedicated to finance and digital asset exchange designed to promote financial inclusion and connect African innovators with global capital.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described Lagos as a major driver of Africa’s digital economy, noting that the state’s growing innovation ecosystem continues to attract investment, talent and technological advancement from across the continent.
NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said GITEX Nigeria aligned with the agency’s commitment to responsible AI adoption, digital trust and secure technology governance.
According to him, the event will facilitate global partnerships, attract investments and support the development of an AI ecosystem that is secure, inclusive and capable of driving long-term economic growth across Nigeria and West Africa.
Organisers said GITEX Nigeria will further strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by connecting policymakers, innovators, investors and technology companies to unlock opportunities in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech and digital infrastructure.
They noted that Nigeria’s ongoing investments in digital skills, infrastructure and innovation are positioning the country to play a leading role in Africa’s projected US$1 trillion AI economy by 2035, while enhancing its competitiveness in the global digital landscape.
