GITEX Nigeria Inauguration in Lagos Sparks Digital Future for West Africa
The second edition of GITEX Nigeria officially opened in Lagos yesterday, marking a pivotal moment in West Africa’s journey to become a leading player in the global digital economy. The event, which brought together tech entrepreneurs, government officials, investors, and startups from across the continent, aims to position Lagos as Africa’s innovation capital and accelerate the region’s digital transformation.
Following a highly successful Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja, the event transitioned to Lagos, Nigeria’s financial hub, for two days of groundbreaking product showcases, strategic dialogues, and networking. The inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent figures from government and industry, underscored Nigeria’s and Lagos’s ambitions to lead Africa’s technological advancement.
Supported by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and endorsed by the Lagos State Government, GITEX Nigeria is organised by KAOUN International—global organisers of the renowned GITEX series. His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR patronised the event, highlighting its national significance.
Lagos, ranked as the world’s fastest-growing tech hub in the 2025 Dealroom Global Tech Ecosystem Index, has demonstrated remarkable growth with an 11.6-fold increase in enterprise value, reaching US$15.3 billion, and producing five unicorns—more than any other African city. Home to nearly a thousand startups, Lagos accounts for around two-thirds of Nigeria’s entire startup ecosystem and hosts 23 of the 28 Nigerian companies recognised in the Financial Times’ 2025 ranking of Africa’s fastest-growing firms.
Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised the city’s role as a continent-wide innovation leader: “What happens in Lagos sets the direction for Africa, a continent of 1.4 billion people. Our goal is to establish Lagos not only as Nigeria’s commercial capital but as Africa’s innovation hub—achieved through infrastructure, talent, policy, and strategic execution.”
Africa’s Digital Integration and Nigeria’s Ambition
The event also highlighted the importance of building interoperable digital infrastructure across Africa. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressed that Africa possesses the talent and innovation necessary to shape its own digital future. “We must connect our digital ecosystems into a single continental market, enabling businesses to operate, transact, and expand seamlessly across borders,” he said.
Nigeria’s national digital vision was further reinforced by NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who outlined the country’s commitment to digital sovereignty and innovation. “We want Nigeria to be an active builder of technology, not merely a consumer. Our focus is on data, cloud, AI, and operational sovereignty—creating an environment where homegrown solutions thrive,” he stated.
Strengthening Trust and Security in Digital Ecosystem
The inauguration also celebrated President Tinubu’s signing of the new National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026, replacing the previous legislation to enhance digital identity security and interoperability. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, NIMC Director-General, emphasised the importance of trust in digital transactions: “A trustworthy digital identity ecosystem is crucial for cross-border trade and seamless service delivery across Africa.”
Driving Cross-sector Innovation
The opening ceremony marked the launch of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo, Future Economy Conference, Startup Festival, and FDX, with over 400 exhibiting companies and startups showcasing disruptive innovations across multiple sectors. The event attracts thousands of visitors and more than 200 investors managing assets worth US$200 billion.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role: “GITEX Nigeria aims to connect African innovators with global markets, fostering partnerships and investment. Nigeria’s scale and Lagos’s energy are vital in positioning Africa as a competitive force in AI and digital technology, not just as consumers but as producers on the world stage.”
As Lagos continues to cement its status as Africa’s innovation hub, GITEX Nigeria 2026 promises to accelerate the continent’s digital transformation, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key driver of Africa’s future economy.
