Nigeria is set to make history as the first West African nation to host the globally acclaimed Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), in a bold move that signals the country’s emergence as a rising force in digital innovation and technology leadership on the continent.
Spearheaded by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with KAOUN International, the prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Abuja and Lagos from September 1st to 4th, 2025. It is expected to draw over 1,000 startups, more than 100 investors, and over 20,000 participants from across the globe.
This groundbreaking development was unveiled during the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) at NITDA headquarters in Abuja, signaling a united front among key public and private sector stakeholders to deliver a transformative tech event that could redefine the region’s digital future.
More than just a conference, GITEX Nigeria themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria” is seen as a strategic platform to showcase local innovation, attract foreign investment, and unlock new opportunities across sectors like Fintech, Healthtech, Agritech, Edtech, Telecom, and data centres.
In Abuja, the event will spotlight national policy and innovation strategies with a Government Leadership and AI Summit, bringing together decision-makers and global tech leaders to drive conversations around AI adoption, digital public infrastructure, and smart governance. In Lagos, attention will shift to the startup ecosystem, with exhibitions, pitch sessions, and investor meetups aimed at scaling Nigerian innovations for global markets.
Representing NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa at the LOC inauguration, Mr. Olawumi Oladejo, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, said the event reflects Nigeria’s readiness to lead the digital transformation agenda in Africa.
“Hosting GITEX in Nigeria is not just about showcasing tech; it’s about repositioning our country as a global destination for innovation, partnerships, and investment,It’s part of our broader strategic agenda under the SRAP 2024–2027, and it aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision.”he noted.
Also speaking, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, shared the broader ambition behind GITEX Nigeria: to transform six Nigerian startups into global success stories within three years, anchored on pillars of enablement, engagement, and knowledge transfer.
According to him, a majority of participating startups 78% expect direct investment outcomes from the event, reinforcing its potential as a catalyst for economic diversification and digital inclusion.
As GITEX expanded its footprint beyond the Gulf and North Africa into West Africa for the first time, all eyes will be on Nigeria to set the tone for what could become a continental shift in tech leadership.
