Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the state “a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow” as Nigeria’s commercial capital kicked off GITEX Nigeria, West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup gathering.
The big picture
The four-day event (Sept. 1–4) spans Abuja and Lagos, bringing together policymakers, investors, and startups to chart Africa’s digital transformation. Lagos is hosting two flagship showcases:
- GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at Eko Hotel Convention Centre
- GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival at Landmark Centre
Why it matters:
- Lagos attracted $6B in foreign tech investment between 2019 and 2024, cementing its role as Africa’s innovation hub.
- The city hosts hyperscale data centers, extensive fiber infrastructure, and more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech inflows.
- 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies are Lagos-based, per the Financial Times.
What They’re Saying
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications: “The digital economy is not just about mobile apps or platforms; it is about technical efficiency and delivering productivity gains that transform entire sectors. This is why His Excellency President Bola Tinubu GCFR has placed the digital economy at the heart of the Renewed Hope agenda.
His vision is very clear – that technology must not only grow GDP but also expand opportunities, reduce inequality, and create shared prosperity for all Nigerians. Under the President’s leadership, Nigeria has embraced the digital economy as a key driver of inclusive growth. We are not building just for elites; we are building for every Nigerian.”
Other Voices
- Sanwo-Olu: “Lagos is Africa’s innovation nerve centre… building a data-driven government where policy decisions respond to real-time insights.”
- Kashifu Abdullahi, NITDA DG: “Nigeria and Lagos are a crucible of innovation, where resilience drives solutions. We are ready for it.”
- Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International: “Survive and thrive in Lagos, and your products can compete anywhere in the world.”
Zoom out
Backed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, endorsed by the Lagos State Government, and organised by KAOUN International, GITEX Nigeria also features the country’s largest investor program — linking startups with corporates, financiers, and global partners.
