Global tech leaders back Nigeria’s $1 trillion digital ambition at GITEX Nigeria 2025

Global firms including IBM, Meta and MTN will join policymakers and investors at the first GITEX Nigeria next month, billed as West Africa’s largest technology and startup gathering. As an official media partner, The European will provide coverage of how the event addresses AI, digital infrastructure and investment in support of Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic vision

Nigeria will host the inaugural edition of GITEX Nigeria from 1–4 September, bringing together international technology companies, investors and policymakers as the country pursues its ambition of building a US$1 trillion digital economy by 2030.

The four-day event, held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events, with the support of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). It is endorsed by the Lagos State Government.

Nigeria has emerged as one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing digital markets, supported by government initiatives, international investment and a resilient startup base. GITEX Nigeria is intended to act as a convergence point for decision-makers across technology and adjacent sectors undergoing digital transformation.

The programme opens on 1 September in Abuja with a Government Leadership & AI Summit, where officials and executives will discuss AI infrastructure, digital sovereignty and innovation strategies. The agenda then shifts to Lagos for two flagship gatherings: the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, and the GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival at the Landmark Centre. Combined, the events are expected to be the largest technology and startup meeting ever held in West Africa.

The European magazine is an official media partner to GITEX Nigeria 2025. Coverage will include reporting from Abuja and Lagos, with interviews and analysis on the role of international collaboration in Africa’s digital transformation.

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Dr Bosun Tijani, said the event would provide the country with an opportunity to demonstrate its digital strengths to the world. 

He told The European: “Building and deploying AI infrastructure and solutions for Nigeria and Africa is not only a technological advancement, but also a chance to redefine our place in the global digital economy. 

“Our success in delivering on this will ensure that we evolve from being passive consumers of AI to becoming net producers of talent and solutions that can compete and thrive internationally. As the global tech community turns its attention to Nigeria at GITEX NIGERIA, we must seize this opportunity to demonstrate what is possible in our tech ecosystem, showcase the depth of our innovation and the boldness of our ideas.”

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the city’s growing role as an innovation hub was central to Africa’s digital future, adding: “Lagos is and continues to be a city that facilitates progress. As we collectively build our city into the preferred destination for innovation and digital solutions, GITEX Nigeria’s shared ambition will place Lagos at the heart of Africa’s digital future.”

Global firms including IBM, Meta, MTN, AWS, Cisco, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Kaspersky will participate in the event, alongside Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Space42.

The Director General and CEO of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, pictured, emphasised the importance of developing inclusive AI infrastructure. He said: “We are committed to cultivating a Nigerian digital ecosystem that becomes a global benchmark for equitable AI advancement; one that is synonymous with inclusive access to AI technologies, infrastructure, and solutions. 

“GITEX Nigeria is more than an event, it is the cornerstone for Africa’s digital renaissance and a catalyst for developing world-class AI infrastructure which promotes scalability, sovereignty and global competitiveness.”

IBM operated by MIBB will highlight its continued engagement in West Africa. Vishnu Taimni, General Manager, said Nigeria remained a strategic priority for the company. “Nigeria is a strategic priority for IBM operated by MIBB, anchored in decades of trusted partnerships across public and private sectors,” he said.

“As the country accelerates its digital agenda, GITEX Nigeria offers a valuable opportunity to deepen collaboration and reaffirm our commitment to co-creating technologies that empower industries and communities for the future.”

The Lagos Startup Festival will convene Nigeria’s largest investor programme, hosting curated meetings between startups, corporates, and venture funds. According to the Financial Times, Lagos is home to 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies.

To capitalise on this ecosystem, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will present its timbuktoo initiative, described as the world’s largest pan-African platform to mobilise public and private capital for early-stage ventures addressing global and regional challenges.

Jon Kirk, Editor of The European, said the partnership reflects the magazine’s focus on business, technology and policy. He added: “Nigeria’s technology sector is increasingly relevant not only for Africa but for global markets. Our partnership with GITEX Nigeria reflects The European’s commitment to reporting on the intersections of business, technology and policy, and to highlighting opportunities where European and African innovation ecosystems can engage.”

Main image: Delegates at a previous GITEX gathering. The inaugural edition of GITEX Nigeria will run in Abuja and Lagos from 1–4 September 2025.