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Nigeria is preparing to host a national edition of GITEX, one of the world’s major technology and innovation events, as part of a push to develop its youth and startup sector. The flagship event is scheduled from September 1 to 4, 2025, in Lagos and Abuja.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is partnering with GITEX Global to run a nationwide digital event. Around 300 high-potential startups have been chosen from across Nigeria to gain international exposure, access partnership opportunities, and receive support to scale up.
The initiative builds on the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which currently trains more than seven million young people in digital skills and entrepreneurship. With over 210,000 enrollees and Green House Centres planned in all 774 local government areas, NiYA aims to boost digital skills at the grassroots level.
The programme also includes the GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA, which will link local innovators with global tech ecosystems, including GITEX Africa and GITEX Global.
Dr Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), outlined the scale of the event, which will host more than 1,000 startups, 300 global investors, and up to 20,000 participants.
Speaking at the North-Central edition of the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Regional Roadshow in Abuja, Dr Abdullahi said: “This Roadshow is not just about recognition. It is about building a bridge between Nigeria’s digital talent and immense global opportunities. GITEX is a springboard into the global tech ecosystem.”
Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), said the Roadshow shows NITDA’s commitment to helping local technology ventures move “from local relevance to global relevance.” She added: “We’re excited to be working with the Dubai World Trade Centre to ensure that GITEX is successfully hosted in Nigeria.”
Startups such as Bridge Pay, HiPrep, and BlinkCore Tech Limited pitched their innovations to industry experts, with the best ventures selected for the main September event.
Dr Abdullahi noted Nigeria is the first country to host a national GITEX outside the UAE, marking it as a tech leader in Africa. He encouraged investors and partners to engage with Nigerian innovation and support the country’s entry into the global digital economy.
The GITEX NIGERIA 2025 Roadshow will continue across other regions under the theme: “Unveiling Innovation. Connecting Ecosystems. Showcasing Nigeria to the World.”
