By Saminu Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Patron of GITEX Nigeria 2026, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to position Nigeria as West Africa’s leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation and technology-driven economic growth.
The second edition of GITEX Nigeria will hold across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026, under the theme “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation.”
Organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events, the programme is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with endorsement from the Lagos State Government.
The event is expected to bring together government leaders, global technology companies, investors, innovators, startups and policymakers to strengthen innovation ecosystems, advance AI adoption, expand digital infrastructure and deepen regional collaboration.
The organisers said Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda is already yielding measurable results through landmark initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and Project BRIDGE, both designed to accelerate digital inclusion, skills development and economic growth.
According to the organisers, the 3MTT programme has recorded over 1.87 million registrations across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, trained more than 135,000 Nigerians through three cohorts, extended learning opportunities to over 300,000 people through community resources, and created over 15,000 job and opportunity pathways.
Project BRIDGE, the government’s national ICT backbone initiative, is expected to create about 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 youths, increase internet penetration beyond 70 per cent, and provide high-speed broadband connectivity to millions of homes, businesses, schools and healthcare facilities nationwide.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria is laying the foundation for Africa’s digital sovereignty through strategic investments in digital infrastructure and AI.
He said the country is committed to becoming a producer and exporter of digital technologies by expanding equitable access, strengthening innovation and promoting technological self-reliance across the continent.
“Nigeria is determined to build the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination and a globally competitive AI-powered economy,” he said.
The event will open in Abuja with the Government Leadership and AI Summit, where ministers, governors, regulators and international stakeholders will deliberate on digital public infrastructure, AI governance and policy frameworks for West Africa.
Activities will later move to Lagos, where the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference, Startup Festival and the newly introduced FDX Nigeria by GITEX, dedicated to financial technology and digital asset exchange, will be held.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as an opportunity to reinforce Lagos’ position as Africa’s leading innovation and technology hub.
According to him, Lagos contributes more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and remains a major destination for technology investments, talent and innovation across the continent.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria’s digital future would depend not only on technology adoption but also on resilient governance frameworks, trusted digital systems and responsible AI deployment.
He noted that GITEX Nigeria would provide a platform for global partnerships capable of accelerating innovation, strengthening cybersecurity, promoting responsible AI adoption and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The organisers also said the conference would mobilise strategic investments and international partnerships required to scale AI infrastructure, enhance digital resilience, strengthen innovation ecosystems and position Nigeria as a key driver of Africa’s projected $1 trillion AI economy by 2035.
Chief Executive Officer of GITEX, Trixie LohMirmand, said the event demonstrates that West Africa is ready to transform innovation into long-term economic prosperity.
She said GITEX Nigeria would facilitate strategic conversations, investment opportunities and partnerships capable of strengthening regional competitiveness while unlocking scalable growth for Nigeria and the wider West African digital ecosystem.
