When you hear that one of the world’s biggest tech exhibitions is coming to Nigeria, your first instinct might be skepticism. “Nigeria? Hosting GITEX?” Yes. And it’s real.
The country is gearing up to welcome the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), a global tech powerhouse event for the first time ever in West Africa. And not just as a sideshow.
Nigeria will host it in full force across two major cities, Abuja and Lagos, between September 1st and 4th, 2025.
But why should you care?
Because this isn’t just another conference. It’s a chance for Nigerian startups, tech talents, and investors to finally get global visibility without having to leave the country.
At the heart of this is NITDA, the National Information Technology Development Agency, which just partnered with KAOUN International to make this groundbreaking event happen.
“This event is part of our way of implementing a major pillar, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027),” said NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, who was represented by Mr. Olawumi Oladejo at the LOC inauguration.
Over 1,000 startups, 100+ investors, and 20,000+ participants are expected to storm both venues. In Abuja, the focus will be on AI, digital infrastructure, and public sector innovation. Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat will spotlight the startup scene, fintech, agritech, healthtech, and everything tech in between.
“We all know the positive impact hosting this kind of event will bring to the country,” Inuwa noted. “It will boost our international standing, scale our local businesses and tourism.”
He also hinted that this is not a one-off. “If we can successfully host this, it will open the door for Nigeria to lead digital transformation efforts across the region.”
In fact, this would be GITEX’s first-ever event in West Africa, with North Africa (Morocco) being its only other footprint on the continent so far.
But it’s not just about optics.
According to Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, the goal is to elevate six local startups to global recognition within three years.
This will be done through enablement, engagement, and knowledge-sharing across high-impact sectors like fintech, edtech, e-commerce, data, and agritech.
“78% of startups are expecting to receive funds from investors as a result of their participation in GITEX,” Dr. Onumo revealed.
This isn’t a conference. It’s a launchpad.
A rare chance for Nigerian tech players to pitch, partner, and plug into the world stage. It’s the kind of opportunity that reshapes industries, shifts narratives, and sparks movements.
