The Federal Government and Lagos State Government have thrown their weight behind the inaugural GITEX Nigeria, a four-day technology event designed to accelerate digital transformation and innovation across the country.

The event, scheduled to run from September 1 to 4, 2025, will be hosted in Abuja and Lagos under the patronage of President Bola Tinubu, with support from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

According to the organisers, the opening session in Abuja will feature a Government Leadership & AI Summit, where global and local stakeholders will deliberate on artificial intelligence, innovation, and digital infrastructure. The Lagos leg will host the Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference (September 3–4) at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and a Startup Festival at the Landmark Centre, projected to be West Africa’s largest technology gathering.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the event would highlight Nigeria’s ambition to transition from a consumer of digital technologies to a global producer of AI talent and solutions.

“Building and deploying AI infrastructure and solutions for Nigeria and Africa is not only a technological advancement but also a chance to redefine our place in the global digital economy,” he said.

“As the global tech community turns its attention to Nigeria at GITEX NIGERIA, we must seize this opportunity to showcase our innovation, our boldness, and the depth of talent in our ecosystem.”

The event is being organised by KAOUN International, the event management arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre, in partnership with NITDA.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the collaboration aligned with Lagos’ vision of becoming Africa’s hub for innovation and digital solutions.

“Lagos continues to be a city that facilitates progress. As we collectively build our city into the preferred destination for innovation, GITEX NIGERIA will place Lagos at the heart of Africa’s digital future,” he said.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the summit as a cornerstone for Africa’s digital renaissance.

“We are committed to cultivating a Nigerian digital ecosystem that becomes a global benchmark for equitable AI advancement. GITEX NIGERIA is more than an event; it is a catalyst for developing world-class AI infrastructure that promotes scalability, sovereignty, and competitiveness,” he said.

The gathering is expected to attract investors, policymakers, startups, and innovators from across the world, positioning Nigeria as a central player in Africa’s digital economy.