Lagos Positions Itself as Africa’s Digital Launchpad at GITEX NIGERIA 2025
Lagos State has officially opened its doors to GITEX NIGERIA 2025, West Africa’s largest technology, AI, and startup showcase, declaring its ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation. The announcement follows a high-level Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja and marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s tech evolution.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, emphasized Lagos’s role as a catalyst for regional innovation:
“Lagos is not just a city for today – it is Africa’s innovation nerve centre and a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow. We are building a data-driven government where policy decisions respond to real-time insights and inclusive connectivity empowers every citizen.”
Held under the patronage of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, GITEX NIGERIA runs from 1–4 September across Abuja and Lagos. The Lagos edition features two flagship events: the Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at Eko Hotel Convention Centre and the Startup Festival at Landmark Centre.
Hon. Minister Bosun Tijani reinforced the strategic importance of digital transformation:
“The digital economy is not just about mobile apps or platforms; it is about technical efficiency and productivity gains that transform entire sectors. Under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, technology is central to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.”
Lagos’s tech credentials are unmatched in the region. Between 2019 and 2024, the state attracted over $6 billion in foreign tech investment, hosts hyperscale data centers, and accounts for more than 70% of Nigeria’s tech inflows. It is home to 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies, according to the Financial Times.
Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, highlighted Lagos’s resilience and ingenuity:
“Lagos is a crucible of innovation, where raw talent meets the unshakeable will to succeed. We create solutions not because we have options, but because we must.”
GITEX NIGERIA also features Nigeria’s most globally diverse investor programme, connecting startups with investors, corporates, and public sector leaders.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, described Lagos as “a mega high-speed technology testbed” where necessity-driven innovation thrives.
The event is organized by KAOUN International and supported by global partners including AWS, Cisco, IFC, and Kaspersky, alongside key Nigerian ministries and agencies.
For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit gitexnigeria.ng.
