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By Chinenye Anuforo
Nigeria will significantly enhance its position as a global technology hub by hosting the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Nigeria in September this year.
The event, a partnership between the Federal Government’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and KAOUN International, will take place in both Abuja and Lagos from September 1st to 4th, 2025.
The announcement, made at NITDA’s headquarters, included the formation of a Local Organising Committee (LOC) with representatives from both public and private sectors, showcasing a unified national effort. The inaugural GITEX Nigeria, themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria,” aims to attract over 20,000 participants, including 1,000 startups and 100 investors.
The event will serve as a platform for global tech leaders, innovators, and policymakers to collaborate, invest, and exchange technological advancements. Abuja will focus on government leadership and AI initiatives, driving national projects like digital infrastructure and public sector innovation. Lagos, the country’s commercial hub, will highlight Nigeria’s vibrant tech ecosystem, promoting startups and attracting international investment.
Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Mr. Olawumi Oladejo emphasized the event’s potential impact. “We all know the positive impact that hosting this kind of event will bring to the country. It will boost our international standing and scale our local businesses and tourism. This event is part of our way of implementing a major pillar, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027),” he stated.
He also highlighted the event’s alignment with President Tinubu’s agenda. “The implementation of the GITEX Nigeria is in line with the 8-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the implementation of the agency’s SRAP,” he noted.
NITDA aims to leverage GITEX to position Nigeria as a regional leader in digital transformation, following the event’s successful expansion into North Africa. “If we can successfully host this, it will open the door for Nigeria to lead digital transformation efforts across the region,” the DG added, as conveyed by Mr. Oladejo.
Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, outlined the event’s objectives, including elevating six local startups to global standards within three years and focusing on key sectors. “The vision of the event is to elevate 6 local startups to global standards in 3 years,” he said.
He also detailed the event’s focus on key sectors. “The event which will be anchored on 3 fulcrums; enablement, engagement, and knowledge to enhance growth in the Telecom, Fintech, Agritech, Edtech, e-Commerce, Healthtech as well as data centres in reinforcing data sovereignty and other sectors.”
He also emphasized the investment opportunities. “78% of startups are expecting to receive funds from investors as a result of their participation in GITEX,” Onumo noted.
