By Fatimah Yusuf Usman,

The dust has settled on GITEX Africa 2025, and Nigeria’s presence at the event is still being talked about. Held in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco, from April 14th to 16th, this year’s edition of GITEX Africa was more than just another tech event—it was a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem.

At the heart of this extraordinary showcase was the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), whose commanding presence sent a clear message to the world: Nigeria is not just participating in the digital revolution; it is leading it.

Nigeria’s participation was nothing short of spectacular. NITDA, spearheading the country’s tech presence, not only exhibited Nigeria’s groundbreaking innovations but also placed the spotlight firmly on the country’s vision for the future of digital transformation.

In collaboration with other national stakeholders, the agency helped to present Nigeria’s vibrant tech sector to over 1,400 exhibitors from 130 countries, including 400 top investors managing a collective $250 billion in assets.

But Nigeria’s most significant contribution came from its delegation of 12 pioneering startups—each one a testament to the ingenuity and potential of the Nigerian tech landscape. Among these startups, companies working across AI, fintech, agritech, and smart solutions took center stage, showing off their innovative approaches to solving some of Africa’s most pressing problems.

The display of Nigeria’s homegrown talent and vision was nothing short of extraordinary. It wasn’t just about showcasing technology; it was about showcasing solutions that could change the course of Africa’s future. However, it wasn’t just the startups that made waves.

NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, was a central figure throughout the event, driving discussions and fostering collaborations with key stakeholders. A particularly powerful moment came during a high-level conversation between Inuwa and cybersecurity giant Kaspersky.

This strategic dialogue focused on improving Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework—a critical area for any nation looking to grow digitally. The collaboration could prove transformative, as Kaspersky pledged its support in strengthening Nigeria’s defenses against the growing threat of cybercrime.

But what truly made NITDA’s participation in GITEX Africa 2025 stand out was the agency’s holistic approach to Nigeria’s digital future. NITDA wasn’t just talking about technology; they were laying the groundwork for lasting change. Whether it was advocating for policies that empower tech startups or pushing for the integration of AI into leadership strategies across Africa, NITDA’s influence was felt at every turn.

Their participation at the event was a bold affirmation of Nigeria’s role in shaping the continent’s digital destiny. Inuwa’s leadership throughout the event also emphasized the crucial role of digital education in Nigeria’s long-term strategy.

As the nation seeks to become a key exporter of tech talent, integrating digital literacy into the education system is no longer a luxury but a necessity. At GITEX, Inuwa made it clear that Nigeria is committed to not just consuming technology but creating it and preparing future generations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The event also offered a platform for Inuwa to engage in conversations about cybersecurity, particularly during the Counter Ransomware Initiative’s Crystal Ball Workshop. Nigeria’s proactive stance in joining the fight against ransomware showed its commitment to securing its digital future, making it clear that the country is prepared to confront and defeat the cyber threats that could hinder its growth.

As the event drew to a close, it was Nigeria’s startups that stole the show. Crop2Cash, a Nigerian agritech startup, was awarded The Young CEO Award, a significant recognition that came with a $5,000 prize. Another Nigerian startup, Vinsight, was named one of the top 10 finalists in the SUPERNOVA Special Awards, cementing Nigeria’s place at the cutting edge of Africa’s digital evolution.

Kashifu Inuwa expressed immense pride in these victories, highlighting how such recognitions underscore the potential and promise of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem on the global stage. GITEX Africa 2025 may have come to an end, but the impact of Nigeria’s participation will reverberate for years to come.

NITDA’s robust showing at the event proved one thing above all: Nigeria is ready to lead in the global digital economy. With its dynamic tech startups, forward-thinking leadership, and commitment to digital transformation, Nigeria is positioning itself not just as a player in Africa’s digital landscape but as a powerhouse shaping the future of the continent’s technology-driven growth.

Fatimah Yusuf Usman writes from PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. She can be reached via: fatimahborkono@gmail.com.

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TECHDIGEST – The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has invited international telecom companies and potential investors to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s population of over 200 million people to invest in its telecom sector, especially in infrastructure provisioning for broadband.

Danbatta, who spoke at the inaugural edition of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2023, which ended in Marrakesh, Morocco recently, said Nigeria presents a stable political and economic conditions.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Mansur Bamalli, also spoke in the same direction and commended the Commission for its regulatory prowess which has made Nigeria the next investment destination in Africa.

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Danbatta, who was represented at the conference by the Team Lead, Nigeria Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS), Babagana Digima, said the Commission has a mandate to facilitate the development of the telecom industry in Nigeria, adding that one way through which this can be done is by attracting foreign investors that will further enhance the growth of the economy.

He informed the global stakeholders at the event that Nigerian government has been very supportive of the telecom industry which has achieved an upward growth with over 220 million active mobile voice subscriptions in Nigeria, over 150 million Internet subscriptions and broadband penetration of 48 per cent, the country is yet to be fully connected.

“Our national plan is to achieve 70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025. We still have less than 50 per cent penetration. This means there is huge investment potential for investors. Nigeria’s telecom sector needs more investment in the area of infrastructure deployment,” the EVC stated.

He stated that the telecom sector in Nigeria has become a major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), quarter-on-quarter, driving the growth of digital economy in the country.

“The importance of this event for us as a Commission is to showcase the NCC as a Nigerian brand, a foremost telecom regulator in Africa and beyond and to bring about the much-needed investment that will enhance development of the Nigerian telecom industry,” Danbatta said.

he EVC stated that there is abundant talents in Nigeria that can be tapped by investors to support their business operations. “There is abundant human resources waiting to be harnessed by potential investors for ground-breaking global technological innovations and advancement in providing digital solutions.

“This event provides us with the platform to showcase some of the talents that we have discovered in Nigeria. The Commission has sponsored three indigenous start-ups that are at this event to display their solutions for prospective investors and partnerships,” he said.

The GITEX Africa 2023 was the maiden edition of GITEX Global Summit held in Africa. It is poised to be Africa’s most influential forum to accentuate the vast potential of tech-driven digital economy. It aims to be an international platform for cutting-edge technology for all players from both public and private sectors.

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TECHDIGEST – In a remarkable display of innovation and entrepreneurship, a Nigerian startup, Nearpays Technology Limited has emerged best in the Fintech and Blockchain category of the Supernova Challenge at GITEX Africa, Morocco. Nearpays was awarded a cash prize of 10,000 US Dollars and free all-expenses trip to GITEX Global to be hosted by the Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates, in October, 2023.

Nearpays is a full-service financial payment platform that acts as an end-to-end financial service for clients. It has various features to simplify online payments as much as possible, based on the principle that payments should be seamless. It also offers a wide range of services including personal and corporate banking, virtual debit cards, and online banking.

The platform, founded by Victor Daniyan, uses blockchain technology to create a decentralised payment and makes the network more secure and efficient than traditional payment systems.

As a fintech payment company that seeks to promote financial inclusion by making card transactions more accessible and convenient through the use of NFC and scan-to-pay technology. Nearpays is currently making inroads into the Nigerian market aims to expand into other African markets and has plans to launch its services in Europe and the United States in the near future.

Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), commended Nearpays for, yet again, putting Nigeria’s name on the global stage, adding that the victory was a “proud moment for Nigeria and that it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the company’s founders and team”.
Inuwa also said that the Nigerian government is committed to creating a favorable environment for startups and that it would continue to support the sector.

READ ALSO: GNC, GSDC Organize Global Summit on Emerging Technology

“The government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the growth of the startup ecosystem. We will continue to provide support to startups through enabling policies, programs, and initiatives”, he added.

He further said that the Nigerian government has made a number of policies in recent years, particularly the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) that provides a favorable environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive. In addition, the Nigerian government equally enacted the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) to provide an enabling environment for the establishment, development and operation of startups in Nigeria.

“The government’s policies have helped to attract investments in the Nigerian digital economy sector and have led to the growth of a number of thriving startups, such as Nearpays. The government’s continued support for the sector is helping Nigeria to become a leading hub for talent and innovation in the world.”

“The success of Nearpays is a testament to the potential of the Nigerian startup ecosystem. The country has a large and growing population of young and tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With the support of the government, these entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant impact on the global economy,” he added.

Victor Daniyan, the CEO and Co-founder of Nearspays, while appreciating the honour, said that the award is a “significant milestone” for the company and that it would “help us to further accelerate our growth and expansion plans.”

He also said that it was “an honour to represent Nigeria at the global stage” and that they are “committed to using technology to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing Africa.”

Nearpays’s victory at GITEX Africa Morocco is a sign of many things to come for the Nigerian startup ecosystem, especially now that the Nigeria Startup Act is in the implementation stage. The country has a large and growing population of young and tech-savvy entrepreneurs. With the support of the government, these entrepreneurs are poised to make a significant impact on the global economy.
Sixty-seven (67) Nigerian startups participated at inaugural edition of GITEX Africa, which reaffirmed the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, and provided a platform for them to exhibit their cutting-edge ideas, gain invaluable exposure from the global tech community, and attract potential investments that will catalyze Nigeria’s digital economy.

As Nigerian startups continue to shine on the global stage, they are reshaping the narrative around Africa’s tech potential. With their innovative ideas, entrepreneurial drive, and the support of the government and international investors, Nigerian startups are poised to drive a transformative change, positioning the country at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa and beyond.

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 By Mubarak Umar

TECHDIGEST – Nigeria’s participation at GITEX Africa, held in Morocco from 31st May to 2nd June 2023, has been nothing short of phenomenal, leaving a lasting impression on attendees from around the world. The outing provided a glimpse into the country’s vibrant tech innovation ecosystem which has been thriving in recent years.

GITEX Africa, brought together industry leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers to explore the latest advancements in technology and digital transformation across the continent. Nigeria, known for its thriving tech ecosystem, participated in the event with a strong delegation, showcasing the country’s innovative startups, its commitment to digital transformation and digital literacy.

Nigeria’s participation aims at attracting investment and foster partnerships with global stakeholders. The country’s delegation focused on showcasing the country’s innovative startups, which have been making waves in various sectors, including fintech, healthtech, proptech agritech, and e-commerce. These startups are at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital revolution, bringing cutting-edge solutions to pressing challenges and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The Nigerian startups’ ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit captivated investors and industry experts at GITEX Africa. Their ability to identify pressing challenges and develop innovative solutions not only showcases Nigeria’s potential but also highlights the vast opportunities available for investors seeking to tap into the country’s vibrant tech ecosystem. Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for startups, including regulatory reforms and investment incentives, further enhances its appeal as an investment destination.

Beyond the startup showcase, Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts were part of the discussion at the event.

In his numerous engagements, Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, who was represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, stressed the importance of collaboration between governments, industry and academia including the entrepreneurs and venture capitalist in order to accelerate digital transformation in Africa.

He called on African countries to work together to develop common standards and regulations for the digital economy with a focus on a single digital market for Africa and to promote the adoption of digital technologies across all sectors of the economy.

Inuwa also said outlined how Nigeria is investing heavily in digital skills development, with a number of initiatives aimed at training young people in the latest digital technologies.

He listed various initiatives undertaken by NITDA, such as National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NITDA), National Adopted School for Smart Education, Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES) Scheme, and Digital Literacy Programmes among others, to promote digital economy in Nigeria.

Inuwa further expressed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating the secretariat of the Smart African Alliance and the Council of African Information and Technology Agencies (CAITA) and other African nations to collectively address challenges and explore opportunities in the digital realm, while emphasising the need for increased investment in research and development, capacity building, and policy harmonisation to foster a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem across the African continent.

Engr Ya’u Garba, National Director of Nigeria’s National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), delivered a compelling presentation on AI and its impact on various industries.

Garba highlighted Nigeria’s progress in AI research and development and emphasised the country’s potential to become a leader in AI innovation.

He discussed the application of AI in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and education, and how AI-driven solutions can address critical challenges and improve efficiency.

The Special Assistant to Director General of NITDA on Strategy and Innovation , Mrs Iklima Musa also spoke on Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital skills among its citizens.

Musa emphasised the importance of digital literacy in driving inclusive growth and empowering individuals with the necessary skills for the digital age.

READ ALSO: NITDA Boss Advocates Pan-African Collaboration to Drive Digital Empowerment 

She highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Nigerian government and various organisations to provide digital training and capacity building programmes, ensuring that all Nigerians have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.

Sixty-seven (67) Nigerian startups participated at the inaugural edition of GITEX Africa, which reaffirmed the country’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, and provided a platform for them to exhibit their cutting-edge ideas, gain invaluable exposure from the global tech community, and attract potential investments that will catalyze Nigeria’s digital economy.

As the curtains of GITEX Africa was about to close, Nigerian startup, Nearpays Technology Limited emerged best in the Fintech and Blockchain category of the Supernova Challenge, and was awarded a cash prize of 10,000 US Dollars and free all-expenses trip to GITEX Global that will be hosted by the Dubai World Trade Center in the United Arab Emirates, in October, 2023.

Nearpays, co-founded by Victor Daniyan, is a full-service financial payment platform that acts as an end-to-end financial service for clients. It has various features to simplify online payments as much as possible, based on the principle that payments should be seamless. It also offers a wide range of services including personal and corporate banking, virtual debit cards, and online banking.

The participation of Nigeria at GITEX Africa has not only raised the country’s profile but also reinforced its position as a key player in the global tech ecosystem.

By embracing innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, and actively promoting digital transformation, Nigeria has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and development.

Nigeria invites investors, visionaries, and tech enthusiasts from around the world to join in its transformative journey. The opportunities for collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem are immense, and the time to seize them is now.

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TECHDIGEST- In a groundbreaking effort to position Africa at the forefront of the global digital revolution, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasized the crucial role of collaboration and cooperation among African nations in harnessing technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Council of African Information and Technology Agencies (CAITA), held during GITEX Africa in Morocco, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, representing Inuwa, highlighted the transformative potential of pan-African alliance in overcoming the challenges faced by African nations.

READALSO: Tinubu vows to create one million new digital jobs 

The CAITA meeting, which took place on June 1st, 2023, convened representatives from 36 African countries. The meeting aimed to update members on the progress of the Africa Smart Alliance, elect key positions within the CAITA Bureau, and provided a platform for the Alliance Secretariat to share its vision, ideas, and best practices for building a more inclusive and prosperous digital Africa.

Inuwa expressed unwavering belief that within the designated timeframe, a united digital market for Africa is within reach, given the commitment and collaboration demonstrated by the alliance members.

In addition to championing pan-African collaboration, Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s steadfast commitment to driving digital innovation and transformation in Nigeria. He acknowledged the significant role played by the Smart Africa Initiative in fostering Pan-African cooperation within the digital space. Nigeria’s substantial investments in digital skills development were also emphasized, with numerous initiatives aimed at equipping young individuals with the latest digital technologies.

Inuwa highlighted various initiatives undertaken by NITDA, such as the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NITDA), National Adopted School for Smart Education (NASSE), Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES) Scheme, and Digital Literacy Programs, which have been instrumental in promoting the digital economy in Nigeria.

These initiatives have not only fostered innovation but have also generated employment opportunities and facilitated inclusive growth across the country’s digital economy sector.

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