Rabat – GITEX Nigeria 2026 will bring together technology companies, startups, investors, government officials, and digital leaders to explore the technologies shaping West Africa’s future. The event, taking place from August 31 to September 3 in Abuja and Lagos, will focus on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, startups, and digital transformation.
One of the main themes of the event is sovereign AI and digital independence. As African countries invest more in artificial intelligence, the discussions at GITEX Nigeria will explore how the continent can move from mainly consuming technology to developing its own solutions and talent. This includes building stronger AI infrastructure, improving digital skills, and supporting local innovation.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has highlighted the importance of AI infrastructure in helping Nigeria and Africa become producers of technology and solutions. GITEX Nigeria aims to provide a platform for governments, businesses, and technology leaders to discuss how this goal can be achieved.
Digital infrastructure takes center stage
Another major focus will be digital public infrastructure. On August 31 in Abuja, government leaders, policymakers, regulators, and technology experts will discuss digital identity, cybersecurity, digital governance, connectivity, and digital public services.
The summit will bring together more than 150 federal and state agencies to discuss how governments can use technology to improve public services and support economic development. The discussions will also look at the policies needed to support AI, data, and digital infrastructure across West Africa.
The GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo in Lagos will focus on practical technology solutions for businesses and public institutions. Companies are set to showcase products and services in areas such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, telecommunications, data centers, smart cities, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
The event will also place a strong focus on financial technology and financial inclusion. FDX Nigeria, taking place on September 3, will bring together banks, fintech companies, regulators, investors, and payment providers. Topics will include digital payments, open banking, digital assets, financial inclusion, tokenization, and cross-border payments.
Startups and emerging technologies
Startups will be another important part of the event. The GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival is expected to feature more than 750 startups from Nigeria and more than 25 countries. These companies will work across sectors including artificial intelligence, fintech, healthcare, education, agriculture, mobility, and climate technology.
For investors, the startup program offers an opportunity to discover emerging companies and meet founders looking to expand their businesses. The event will also feature startup pitches and networking with investors managing more than $200 billion in global capital.
Beyond exhibitions and conferences, GITEX Nigeria will offer workshops focused on practical technology skills. Sessions will cover areas such as using AI at work, no-code AI automation, cybersecurity, AI-powered fraud detection, and building AI-based software products.
The event reflects the growing importance of technology to West Africa’s economic development.
