As Nigeria gears up to host GITEX in September 2025, the country’s technology ecosystem is mobilising to ensure that the event boosts the tech landscape and showcases the vast potential of Nigerian startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Key stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and members of the Nigerian House of Assembly, are at the helm of this effort, putting comprehensive plans in place to ensure the event’s success.
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NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi reassured attendees during a breakfast meeting on the sidelines of GITEX Global in Dubai, that Nigeria is poised to make GITEX 2025 a landmark event. Abdullahi emphasised that the country’s tech agenda closely aligns with global trends, focusing on economic growth through digital innovation.
He highlighted Nigeria’s current drive to enhance productivity through technology: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a pro-business president, and he has mandated our ministry to accelerate the Nigerian economic growth by enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation.”
Abdullahi underscored the significance of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s key initiatives—the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme. This initiative, which aims to equip 3 million Nigerians with digital skills, has been set up to empower the country’s workforce and significantly boost local startups and SMEs. With a skilled workforce, these businesses will be better positioned to compete on the global stage, expanding their reach and potential.
Lagos as a tech hub for Africa
Lagos state, already a recognised leader in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, is gearing to play a critical role in the GITEX Nigeria event. Olatunbosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasised that Lagos will be a key player in the upcoming event, leveraging its unique position as a leading African tech hub. With 80-90 percent of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem based in Lagos, the state is an ideal showcase for the innovation and progress that have taken place in the Nigerian tech sector.
Alake noted that “Lagos is the fifth or sixth largest economy in Africa if it were a country on its own, and 80 to 90 percent of the startup ecosystem resides in Lagos.” His remarks highlight the scale of opportunity that GITEX Nigeria offers, both for local businesses looking to connect with international investors and partners and for foreign entities seeking to engage with the thriving tech community in Lagos.
Collaboration and opportunities for growth
In addition to discussing Nigeria’s digital workforce development, Abdullahi called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance Nigeria’s digital infrastructure. He acknowledged the challenges but reiterated the country’s determination to harness the opportunities presented by the digital revolution. Nigeria missed out on the first and second industrial revolutions, but now, with strategic investments in technology, the country is well-positioned to take full advantage of the global shift towards digital transformation.
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In particular, GITEX Nigeria 2025 will provide a platform for startups and SMEs to showcase their innovations, forge international partnerships, and gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies. With government initiatives like the Art of Technology (AOT) already fostering young talent in the state, Lagos is primed to offer the global stage a glimpse into its growing tech prowess. The city’s innovation ecosystem will be on full display, providing both local and international businesses with a chance to collaborate and grow.
GITEX Nigeria 2025: A new horizon for African businesses
For African startups and SMEs, GITEX Nigeria presents a significant opportunity to engage with global stakeholders. The event is expected to attract investors, tech leaders, and innovators from across the world, providing Nigerian businesses with a platform to not only expand their reach but also gain insights into new technologies that could drive further growth.
As Nigeria prepares to host GITEX 2025, the focus remains clear: to position the country as a digital leader in Africa, creating a thriving environment where startups and SMEs can flourish. Through strategic collaboration, workforce development, and global exposure, the stage is set for Nigerian innovation to take centre stage.