GITEX highlights Nigeria’s digital transformation drive as Africa eyes US$1 trillion AI economy

Nigeria is turning its digital ambitions into tangible national transformation, using progressive policies, artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and human capital development to accelerate socio-economic growth and deliver long-term benefits to citizens.

GITEX NIGERIA, described as West Africa’s largest technology, AI and startup event, is showcasing Nigeria’s progress from digital ambition to implementation while reinforcing the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading markets for AI and digital economy growth.

Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, GITEX NIGERIA will take place in Abuja and Lagos from 31 August to 3 September 2026.

The event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

The second edition, themed “Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation”, comes as Nigeria advances its national digital transformation agenda through reforms aimed at translating policy into measurable outcomes.

Under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, Nigeria is addressing rising demand for digital skills while expanding its national technology talent pool.

Since its inception, 3MTT has recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, with more than 135,000 Nigerians trained through three cohorts. Learning has also been extended to more than 300,000 people through community resources, while 15,000 job and opportunity pathways have been created.

Nigeria has also moved Project BRIDGE from policy to implementation, establishing a national ICT backbone designed to expand universal connectivity and support long-term digital transformation.

The initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth, improve digital inclusion and accelerate skills development. It is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 Nigerian youths, increase internet penetration to more than 70% and extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments in underserved communities nationwide.

Building on this momentum, GITEX NIGERIA is reinforcing the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda by bringing together global technology leaders, investors and public-private partners to accelerate the next phase of Nigeria’s digital growth.

The event will seek to mobilise international alliances and strategic partnerships to scale AI infrastructure, attract strategic investment, strengthen digital resilience, advance innovation ecosystems and support West Africa’s longer-term pursuit of digital sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.

Hon. Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “Building on the momentum forged through the implementation of Project BRIDGE, our national blueprint for expanding digital infrastructure and connecting communities across Nigeria, our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is clear: to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination, and a globally competitive AI-powered economy. Nigeria is a nation galvanised by the prospect of promoting equitable access, accelerating cross-continental progress, and serving as a central architect of Africa’s transition from a traditional consumer to a trusted producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.”

Nigeria positions itself as an emerging AI hub

GITEX NIGERIA will open in Abuja on 31 August with the GITEX NIGERIA Government Leadership and AI Summit, bringing together ministers, governors and regulators to examine key issues surrounding West Africa’s digital public infrastructure.

The GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference and Startup Festival will also return for a second successive year.

They will be joined by the inaugural FDX NIGERIA by GITEX, a platform dedicated to finance and digital asset exchange.

The new platform is designed to promote financial inclusion across West Africa by helping countries leapfrog legacy financial systems and bring millions of businesses into the formal economy. It will also seek to bridge the gap between emerging technology innovation and global capital.

H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “Africa’s digital rise is deeply intertwined with that of Lagos State. With a gross state product estimated at around US$259 billion in purchasing power parity terms, and contributing more than 30% of Nigeria’s GDP, Lagos stands at the forefront of technological transformation, attracting talent, capital, and innovation from across the continent and beyond. This is why we are delighted to welcome GITEX NIGERIA once again – a unique event certain to elevate our mission to support a smarter, more connected, and globally competitive African economy, while cementing Lagos’ position as a gateway to opportunity for Nigeria and beyond.”

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency, added: “Nigeria's digital future will be defined not only by the technologies we adopt, but by the resilience, trust, and governance frameworks we build around them. GITEX NIGERIA seamlessly complements this mandate, creating a unique environment for the dialogue needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption, develop a secure digital economy, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth. The global expertise, investment, and partnerships forged through this event will help shape an AI ecosystem that is secure by design, inclusive by nature, and built to support the long-term competitiveness and prosperity of Nigeria and West Africa.”

Nigeria strengthens foundations for digital economy growth

Nigeria has emerged as a major force in Africa’s digital economy, supported by a homegrown and resilient ecosystem driven by government initiatives, global technology companies and a growing startup sector.

Through programmes including 3MTT, Project BRIDGE and the National AI Strategy, Nigeria is strengthening the foundations needed to expand digital skills, improve infrastructure, attract investment and promote responsible AI adoption.

These efforts are reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading player in Africa’s digital transformation and a key contributor to the continent’s projected US$1 trillion AI economic uplift by 2035.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX, added: “GITEX NIGERIA sends a clear, unequivocal message to the world: West Africa is open for business, ready to translate bold ideas and technological ambition into prosperity, resilience, and enduring global leadership for generations to come. This is a genuine prospect that GITEX is proud to help bring to life – and we are excited to facilitate the conversations and connections that actuate strategies, strengthen regional competitiveness, and unlock scalable growth for the increasingly globalised digital ecosystems of Nigeria and West Africa.”