Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Lagos at the centre of Nigeria’s push to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Speaking at the opening of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is determined to build a future anchored on innovation, technology, and digital solutions.
“Today, as we explore the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, we are doing more than just showcasing technology; we are building partnerships, sparking innovation, and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030,” he said.
The governor described Lagos as “not just a city, but a movement,” noting that the state hosts 23 of Nigeria’s fastest-growing companies, as listed by the Financial Times. He stressed that Lagos embodies a “vibrant innovation ecosystem fuelled by supportive public policies, dynamic private enterprises, and a resilient startup culture.”
Sanwo-Olu said the GITEX platform would amplify ongoing efforts to drive talent development, expand digital infrastructure, and forge strategic partnerships for economic growth. “We are not just crafting a digital Nigeria; we are shaping a digital Africa that will inspire the world,” he added.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Government in partnership with KAOUN International, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is hosting global tech firms such as IBM, Meta, MTN, AWS, and Cisco, alongside local startups.
Minister highlights urbanisation pressure
In his remarks, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani pointed to Lagos’s rapid urbanisation, noting that the city receives about 2,000 new residents daily. He warned that such growth increases the urgency for robust digital infrastructure.
The minister also announced the launch of a new programme on October 1 that will fund an additional 75 research projects in the digital sector, expanding opportunities for Nigerian researchers, entrepreneurs, and diaspora innovators.
Tijani stressed the need for stronger collaboration between startups, corporates, and government to scale innovation and build resilience across the country’s digital ecosystem. “Nigeria must build a resilient global digital system that goes beyond merely keeping pace with developments if it is to secure its future in the digital economy,” he said.
Beyond the keynote addresses, GITEX Nigeria 2025 is unfolding as a multi-layered showcase of ideas, innovation, and investment. The two-day expo and conference in Lagos brings together more than 100 global technology firms, 3,000 professionals, and a vibrant mix of startups exploring cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, and IoT.
Running alongside the expo is the GITEX Startup Festival at Landmark Centre, where over 1,000 startups are pitching to 300 investors managing more than US$200 billion in capital. The festival has become a stage for early-stage founders to connect with global venture capital and corporate partners, with live pitch battles and investor matchmaking sessions generating buzz.
Earlier on Monday, GITEX Nigeria’s Government Leadership and AI Summit in Abuja convened policymakers and tech leaders to discuss AI governance and digital infrastructure. Together, these events underline Nigeria’s ambition to position itself as Africa’s digital powerhouse.