Nigeria’s startup scene takes global stage as Lagos hosts inaugural GITEX NIGERIA

West Africa’s biggest technology and startup showcase brought more than 650 companies to Lagos, where ministers and business leaders described Nigerian entrepreneurs as “architects of the digital future”

The first edition of GITEX NIGERIA closed in Lagos on Thursday after four days that organisers say placed a global spotlight on the country’s emerging entrepreneurs and its ambition to build a US$1 trillion digital economy.

Held in Abuja and Lagos between 1 and 4 September under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the event was supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International.

The European was an official media partner.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, told attendees that the event’s impact was already visible. “GITEX NIGERIA sends an inspirational message to every Nigerian: that many positive things are transpiring across our country and opportunities are here,” he said. “We see many young citizens and entrepreneurs, with enormous innovative minds, making a real difference – generating interest, raising capital, and overcoming challenges by bringing their ideas to life and delivering tangible impact.”

More than 650 startups from 27 countries and 29 sectors took part, with a programme that included innovation hub showcases, investor sessions and curated meetings between startups, corporates, governments and international partners. Organisers called it Nigeria’s most globally diverse investor programme to date.

Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, linked the event to wider government plans to fund 75 new research projects for startups and academics. He said: “The opportunity and responsibility lies with all of us to build a resilient, innovative, and globally connected ecosystem, one that ensures that Nigeria not only keeps pace with the digital future but also shapes it.”

Local and international organisations also contributed, among them NITDA, Lagos State, FATE Foundation, CcHUB Africa, Orange Corners, the United Nations Development Programme and the American Business Council. 

NITDA’s Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said: “Across Africa and around the globe, future-oriented partnerships are the lifeblood of thriving startup ecosystems and digital economies. By uniting ambitious organisations from instrumental sectors in the emerging digital economy, we demonstrate how collaboration fuels innovation, accelerates transformation, and empowers Nigerians and Africans to shape their digital future.”

The Supernova Challenge, billed as the world’s leading pitch competition for early-stage companies, made its regional debut in Lagos as part of the event. Contestants from across Africa competed for a US$22,000 prize pool across six categories.

Nigerian healthtech startup Curacel won the overall champion’s award and the US$10,000 first prize for its AI-driven health insurance solution. “Placing first at the GITEX NIGERIA Supernova Challenge gives us more visibility and fuels our expansion across Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as North America,” said Abdul-Jabbar Momoh, the company’s vice-president. “Most importantly we are going to keep on impacting lives in Africa and around the world by deploying solutions to move health insurance distribution.”

Other winners included Build Africa (AI category), InCash (digital finance), Hadiya (creative economy and martech), Acecore (agritech and energy), Kara (mobility and smart cities), and HiPrep (disruptor award). Each received US$2,000.

Organisers said the turnout reinforced Nigeria’s role as a hub for West African innovation and underlined the country’s determination to build a competitive digital economy.

Main image: Winners take the stage: Nigerian health-tech startup Curacel celebrates after being named Overall Supernova Challenge Champion at GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, securing the $10,000 grand prize. Photo: Supplied