Nigeria is set to host the inaugural edition of GITEX Nigeria from September 1-4, 2025, in Abuja and Lagos, marking a significant milestone for the country's technology ecosystem and Africa's digital economy as a whole. The event, backed by strong government support through Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is expected to create new opportunities for startups, SMEs, and innovators to scale, connect with global markets, and access critical investment.

The move is seen as a natural progression following the successful debut of GITEX Africa in 2023, which showcased Africa as an emerging hub of the digital economy. Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organizer of GITEX, emphasized that Nigeria was a strategic choice for the event, stating, "All roads in Africa lead to Nigeria. You can't talk about technology in Africa and ignore Nigeria."

LohMirmand highlighted that GITEX's mission goes beyond hosting events, focusing on creating stronger ecosystems that connect local technology ecosystems to the global stage, particularly in the age of AI. She emphasized that startups and SMEs cannot operate in isolation to grow successfully, requiring market exposure and visibility. "GITEX Nigeria provides companies with the opportunity to compare ideas, network globally, and encourage governments and stakeholders to implement the necessary policies to grow the technology ecosystem," she said.

Government support is a crucial factor in the success of GITEX Nigeria, with NITDA playing a key role in bringing the event to Nigeria. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, stressed that the event will help foster innovation in the country, not only in fintech, where Nigeria's financial services sector is among the most advanced in the world, but also in education, agriculture, healthcare, and beyond.

Abdullahi emphasized that the government's commitment to harnessing technology for development beyond the oil sector will be critical in driving progress forward. He added that Nigerian startups are expected to take advantage of this platform to drive the country's progress forward, with government agencies working together to launch initiatives that boost innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for tech-driven growth across multiple sectors.

The NITDA Chairman noted that the idea of innovation is about democratizing access to technology and disrupting the status quo, with the government's role being to create policies and regulations that open up access to technology and support the ecosystem. By working closely with the Nigerian government and key stakeholders like NITDA, GITEX aims to ensure that innovation in Nigeria not only flourishes locally but is also recognized internationally.

LohMirmand described GITEX Nigeria as part of a larger vision to close a gap in the global technology landscape: the lack of connectivity between policy, innovation, and growth opportunities for emerging economies. "We want to provide startups, SMEs, and technology companies with a clear path to funding, opportunities, and growth," she said. By connecting the local ecosystem with international investors, corporate partners, and global technology leaders, GITEX Nigeria aims to close this gap and create a clear path for Africa's future.

The debut of GITEX Nigeria in September 2025 is expected to have a significant impact on the country's technology ecosystem and Africa's digital economy as a whole. As the continent continues to emerge as a hub of innovation and growth, events like GITEX Nigeria will play a critical role in connecting local talent with global opportunities, driving progress, and shaping the future of technology in Africa.