Nigeria is positioning itself as Africa’s hub for innovation, technology, and the future economy, as the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, declared that “technology, not oil, will power Nigeria’s future.”
Speaking at the ongoing GITEX Nigeria in Lagos, Tijani reaffirmed Lagos as Africa’s undisputed innovation capital, noting that the city attracts over 2,000 new residents daily growth that continue to fuel startups, creativity, and technology. He highlighted that Nigeria has become Africa’s largest telecom market, with ICT contributing between 16 and 20 percent of GDP, surpassing oil. By 2027, the sector is projected to reach 21 percent, with technology companies already dominating the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“Nigeria’s technology sector must not only grow our GDP, it must also drive inclusive prosperity for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tijani stressed.
In his speech,the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Lagos has become the “factory of unicorns,” producing five of Africa’s most successful startups. He urged investors and innovators to explore vast opportunities beyond FinTech, especially in agriculture, healthcare, and security, as Nigeria builds a resilient future economy.
While speaking at the event,Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s role as the epicentre of Africa’s digital and economic transformation, citing over $6 billion in startup funding between 2019 and 2024, expanded submarine cable infrastructure, and the presence of more than 70 percent of Africa’s unicorns in Lagos.
He highlighted youth-driven innovations such as the Card Project, designed to integrate rail, road, and waterway transport services into a seamless system. According to him, governance in Lagos is now digital, inclusive, and data-driven ensuring technology underpins sustainable growth.
“Lagos remains committed to partnerships, collaboration, and advancing Africa’s digital economy,” Sanwo-Olu affirmed.
