Casablanca – GITEX Nigeria will return for its second edition from August 31 to September 3, bringing technology companies, investors, government officials and startups together as Nigeria pushes ahead with its digital transformation plans.
Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). It is also endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organized by KAOUN International, the global organizer of GITEX events.
This year’s edition is themed “Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” and comes as Nigeria expands its digital infrastructure, technology workforce and artificial intelligence capabilities.
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Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani said Nigeria’s goal is to help build the foundations for digital sovereignty and technological self-determination across Africa. He said the country wants to support the continent’s shift from being a traditional consumer of technology to becoming a trusted producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.
Under the 3 Million Technical Talent program, known as 3MTT, Nigeria has recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas.
More than 135,000 Nigerians have been trained through three cohorts, while community resources have extended learning to more than 300,000 people. The program has also created 15,000 jobs and opportunity pathways.
Nigeria is also moving forward with Project BRIDGE, a national ICT backbone designed to expand connectivity and support long-term digital development.
The project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 young Nigerians and raise internet penetration above 70%. It is also expected to bring high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments in underserved communities.
Nigeria looks to scale its AI ecosystem
GITEX Nigeria will open in Abuja on August 31 with the Government Leadership and AI Summit, bringing ministers, governors and regulators together to discuss West Africa’s digital public infrastructure.
The Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference and Startup Festival will also return for the second edition, while FDX Nigeria by GITEX will make its debut as a new addition focused on finance and digital asset exchange.
The new platform aims to advance financial inclusion, help businesses enter the formal economy and connect emerging technology with global capital.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Lagos contributes more than 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and has a gross state product estimated at around $259 billion in purchasing power parity terms.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said the country’s digital future would depend on technology as well as resilience, trust and governance, adding that GITEX would support responsible AI adoption and a secure digital economy.
Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, 3MTT and Project BRIDGE form part of efforts to strengthen its digital ecosystem. The country is also positioning itself within Africa’s projected $1 trillion AI economic uplift by 2035.
GITEX CEO Trixie LohMirmand said the event would help connect Nigeria and West Africa with international technology, investment, and business networks.
GITEX Nigeria will take place in Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3.
