The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has unveiled plans to host the globally acclaimed Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) for the first time in West Africa.
This landmark partnership with KAOUN International marks a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital transformation ambitions.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the local organising committee (LOC) at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja. The LOC features representatives from across key public and private sector institutions, highlighting a unified national drive to successfully deliver what is expected to be a world-class technology and innovation event on Nigerian soil.
Scheduled to take place from September 1 to 4, 2025, the inaugural edition of GITEX Nigeria will span two major cities: Abuja and Lagos. Aptly themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria,” the event is projected to host no fewer than 1,000 startups, attract over 100 investors, and welcome more than 20,000 participants from around the globe.
GITEX Nigeria promises to convene an impressive line-up of global technology leaders, innovators, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and policymakers. The aim is to foster new partnerships, attract significant investments, and create fresh opportunities for technological exchange between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
In Abuja, the focus will be on high-level government engagements, including an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit designed to bring together global tech executives and Nigerian government leaders. Discussions will centre on accelerating national digital infrastructure, advancing AI adoption, and stimulating public sector innovation. Meanwhile, Lagos, as the commercial heart of the country, will showcase Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The Lagos segment will amplify the voices of startups, spotlight investment prospects and promote Nigeria’s multi-sectoral economic diversification agenda to a global audience.
Speaking at the inauguration, NITDA director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, represented by the director of the IT infrastructure solutions (ITIS) department, Mr. Olawumi Oladejo expressed deep appreciation for the concerted efforts already driving preparations for the event. He described GITEX Nigeria as a milestone that would not only enhance Nigeria’s international profile but also energise local businesses and strengthen the country’s tourism and innovation sectors.
“This event will raise our global standing and help scale local businesses and tourism. It is a key part of our agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027), particularly the pillar focused on forging strategic partnerships and collaborations,” Abdullahi stated.
He further noted that hosting GITEX aligns seamlessly with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to digital leadership. Abdullahi observed that while GITEX has already expanded into North Africa with an edition in Morocco, Nigeria’s hosting of the event marks its first foray into West Africa – solidifying Nigeria’s status as a regional tech powerhouse.
Confident in the prospects of success, Abdullahi assured stakeholders of the full backing of the Presidency for this initiative. “If we successfully host GITEX, it will open the door for Nigeria to lead digital transformation efforts across West Africa,” he declared.
Delivering an overview of the preparations, the director of stakeholder management and partnerships at NITDA, Dr. Aristotle Onumo highlighted an ambitious vision for GITEX Nigeria: to elevate six local startups to global competitiveness within three years.
He explained that the event’s strategy is anchored on three core pillars: enablement, engagement, and knowledge. These, he said, will drive growth across multiple sectors, including telecom, fintech, agritech, edtech, e-commerce, healthtech and data centres – particularly reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to data sovereignty.
Onumo also noted the strong investment expectations among participating startups. “According to projections, around 78 per cent of startups participating in GITEX expect to secure funding from investors as a direct outcome of their involvement in the event,” he revealed.
With anticipation building, GITEX Nigeria is poised to position the country as a focal point for innovation, enterprise and technological advancement, not just in West Africa but across the entire continent. The event promises to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, paving the way for deeper global integration and sustained digital growth.
