Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, says Nigeria is a goldmine for Artificial Intelligence that has the capacity to transform the African continent.
Speaking on Tuesday at the ongoing GITEX Global 2024, the world’s largest tech gathering which held in Dubai, Ms LohMirmand urged global investors not to underestimate the Nigerian AI market, stating it had the key to unlocking the future of AI in Africa.
“AI is reshaping the global economy, and Africa, particularly Nigeria is a key stakeholder in this transformation,” Ms LohMirmand said in a statement on Wednesday.
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Nigeria’s tech ecosystem comprised of no fewer than 220 million people of which 60 percent majority was made up of young vibrant Gen Zs under 25 years.
The Dubai World Trade Centre chief said although the Nigerian AI market was highly competitive, only investors willing to take risks could benefit from the West African nation’s ripe AI market.
“With high risk comes high reward, and Nigeria is primed to become the continent’s AI powerhouse,” Ms LohMirmand stated.
The Executive Vice President said that foreign media might not have extensively covered the innovations and transformations that have shaped the Nigerian tech ecosystem but that she was willing to beam the spotlight on the strides the African nation was making.
“A lot has happened since the AI strategy was developed, with initiatives and roadmaps that are actively shaping the Nigerian ecosystem. You may not hear about this while abroad, but that’s why it’s important for us to create a pathway for you.”
She announced that GITEX had entered strategic alliances with the government and private sector ro showcase the Nigerian tech ecosystem and that investors eyeing the Nigerian are in for a ride.
“Through our trusted partnerships with government stakeholders and the private sector, we aim to offer an immersive, firsthand experience of Nigeria’s ecosystem. Investors can then witness the energy, ambition, and talent of this remarkable country,”
Per a memorandum of understanding signed by Ms LohMirmand and Director-General Kasifu Inuwa of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), GITEX Nigeria 2025 is scheduled to hold in Nigeria between September 1 and 4, 2025.in both Lagos and Abuja.
“We are focused on creating opportunities for both Nigerian startups and global investors. The time is right, and Nigeria is ready to shine on the global AI stage,” the Dubai World Trade Centre boss stated.
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GITEX Global 2024
At least 6,500 exhibitors and 1800 startups are participating at the week-long GITEX Global event in Dubal which began October 14 and will end 18.
Also, 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries and their government representatives were at the GITEX Global event.
24 startup companies from Nigeria travelled to Dubai to attend the tech event, according to Ms LohMirmand.
“Out of over 6,000 startups in Nigeria, we could only bring 24 companies to this event, but this alone powerfully showcases the potential, energy, passion, and talent that Nigeria holds.”
She said the startups will “have access to mentorship, capital, and a chance to benchmark your innovations against global standards—an invaluable opportunity in this age of AI.”
“Nigeria has always been there, and GITEX has engaged with the country for years. The answer to ‘Why now?’ is simple: the time is right, and with AI, the opportunities in Nigeria have never been more promising,” stated Ms LohMirmand.