Tinubu to Host Global Tech Leaders as GITEX Nigeria Returns to Abuja, Lagos
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Tinubu to Host Global Tech Leaders as GITEX Nigeria Returns to Abuja, Lagos
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Nigeria will host global technology leaders, investors, policymakers and startups later this month as the second edition of GITEX Nigeria opens in Abuja and Lagos, in a move aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation and artificial intelligence ambitions.
The technology event, billed as West Africa’s largest tech, AI and startup exhibition, will hold from August 31 to September 3, 2026, under the patronage of President Bola Tinubu.
It is being organised by KAOUN International in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA with the endorsement of the Lagos State Government.
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With the theme, “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” the organisers said the event would bring together global technology companies, investors, government officials and innovators to deepen partnerships, strengthen digital resilience and expand AI infrastructure across Nigeria and West Africa.
According to the organisers, the event comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to implement its digital economy agenda through initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent programme and Project BRIDGE.
They said the 3MTT programme has attracted about 1.87 million registrations nationwide, trained more than 135,000 Nigerians through three cohorts, extended learning opportunities to over 300,000 people and created about 15,000 job and opportunity pathways.
The organisers also said Project BRIDGE, designed to expand broadband infrastructure and digital connectivity, is expected to create about 20,000 direct jobs and over 150,000 indirect jobs, while increasing internet penetration beyond 70 per cent and extending high-speed connectivity to underserved communities.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria was laying the foundation for digital sovereignty and a globally competitive AI-driven economy through strategic investments in digital infrastructure and innovation.
He said, “Our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination and a globally competitive AI-powered economy. Nigeria is committed to promoting equitable access and becoming a trusted producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.”
The event will open in Abuja with the Government Leadership and AI Summit, where ministers, governors and regulators are expected to deliberate on digital public infrastructure, AI governance and policy development.
Activities will later shift to Lagos with the Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, Startup Festival and the maiden edition of FDX Nigeria by GITEX, a finance and digital asset exchange platform expected to promote financial inclusion and connect emerging technology companies with global investment opportunities.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the event as another opportunity to strengthen the state’s position as Africa’s leading technology and innovation hub.
He said Lagos remained a major destination for technology investment and innovation, adding that hosting GITEX Nigeria would further advance the state’s vision of building a globally competitive digital economy.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said the conference would provide a platform for discussions on responsible AI adoption, digital trust and cybersecurity while attracting investments capable of strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
He noted that the partnerships expected to emerge from the event would contribute to building a secure, inclusive and globally competitive AI ecosystem for Nigeria and the wider West African region.
Chief Executive Officer of GITEX, Trixie LohMirmand, said the event would demonstrate West Africa’s readiness to attract global investment, foster innovation and strengthen regional competitiveness through technology-driven economic growth.
