FDX by GITEX to Unveil Blueprint for Africa’s Inclusive Financial Future

FDX by GITEX to Unveil Blueprint for Africa’s Inclusive Financial Future

By Abbas Badmus,

Africa’s financial sector is set for a major transformation as FDX by GITEX, a new platform focused on the future of finance, prepares to bring together regulators, investors, financial institutions, enterprises and technology startups to shape a more inclusive and digitally driven financial ecosystem.

The inaugural FDX by GITEX will hold on September 3, 2026, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos as part of the second edition of GITEX NIGERIA, which runs from August 31 to September 3 across Abuja and Lagos.

The summit comes against the backdrop of projections that Africa’s digital payments economy could reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, highlighting the growing importance of technology in expanding financial access, facilitating cross-border transactions and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GITEX NIGERIA is described as West Africa’s largest technology, artificial intelligence and startup exhibition. The event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International.

FDX by GITEX is expected to serve as a convergence point for policymakers, institutional investors, enterprises and high-growth startups seeking to transform financial innovation into tangible economic outcomes.

The platform will focus on investment, regulatory reform, digital assets, capital markets, cross-border finance and collaboration between governments and the private sector.

Speaking on the significance of the summit, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said Lagos remained committed to developing a technology-driven financial ecosystem that promotes broad-based participation.

Hamzat said the platform would help align financial policies with emerging digital infrastructure, deepen financial inclusion, facilitate cross-border trade and support Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

He added that forward-looking financial policies would help unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Lagos residents while accelerating the digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.

Also speaking ahead of his keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, said achieving Nigeria’s economic ambition would require effective mobilisation of institutional capital.

Takang said MOFI was working to professionalise the management of government-owned assets while pursuing a long-term ambition to build a N100 trillion portfolio capable of catalysing investments and strengthening strategic sectors of the economy.

He described FDX by GITEX as a timely platform for connecting policymakers, investors and innovators and developing partnerships capable of accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation.

The summit will examine a wide range of issues shaping the future of African finance, including intelligent payments, digital assets, decentralised finance, institutional capital and financial infrastructure.

Participants will also explore issues surrounding trust, compliance, digital identity, financial inclusion, borderless payments and policy coordination across emerging markets.

Among the headline sessions is “Access to Real World Assets and the Rewiring of Capital Markets in Africa,” which will examine ways of connecting Africa’s underlying assets and expanding pools of capital with investable markets.

Another key session, “Trust by Design: Navigating the Security Paradoxes Holding Back Digital Assets and CBDCs,” will examine how financial institutions can balance security, innovation and public confidence as digital assets and central bank digital currencies gain traction.

International speakers expected at the event include Jean Kambuni, Deputy Director, Capital Markets, Nairobi International Financial Centre, Kenya; Erwin Anet N’guetta, Chief Digital Officer for Operational Excellence, Digital Transformation and Innovation at the National Bank of Investment, Côte d’Ivoire; and Henry Amadiegwu, Chief Information Officer at Zenith Bank UK.

Amadiegwu said artificial intelligence, automation, modern infrastructure and technological integration would be critical to developing secure, resilient and compliant digital financial ecosystems across Africa.

He said the significance of FDX by GITEX lay in its ability to bring global stakeholders together to support Africa’s transition from legacy financial platforms to modern and globally aligned standards.

According to him, the ultimate objective should be to ensure that emerging financial technologies create sustainable economic value while expanding access and opportunities for individuals and businesses.

Meanwhile, global technology companies are also expected to showcase solutions aimed at advancing digital financial inclusion during GITEX NIGERIA.

Among them is Mastercard, which has operated as a technology partner in Africa for more than five decades. The company is expected to demonstrate solutions aimed at addressing cross-border payment challenges and extending digital payment access to underserved communities.

Its Mastercard Move solution connects more than 200 countries and territories across over 150 currencies, supporting faster and more cost-effective international payments.

The company will also showcase payment acceptance technologies, including Tap on Phone, QR-on-Card and Pay by Link.

The Country Manager for West Africa at Mastercard, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, said Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem made GITEX NIGERIA an important platform for public and private sector stakeholders to shape the future of digital transformation.

She stressed the importance of trusted technology, secure digital infrastructure and strategic collaboration in unlocking inclusive growth for businesses, communities and the wider economy.

Other banking and digital finance exhibitors expected at GITEX NIGERIA include BMONI, Edge Penny, GOSAR, Monica Technologies, Moove Payment, Raenest Technology Services and Softgem.

Organisers said FDX by GITEX would ultimately seek to bridge the gap between financial innovation, policy and investment by creating a platform where Africa’s financial leaders can develop practical solutions for a more connected, inclusive and resilient financial future.