By Abbas Badmus,

GITEX Nigeria 2026 opened in Abuja on Monday, drawing senior government officials, global technology leaders, investors, innovators and digital‑economy stakeholders for high‑level discussions on Nigeria’s expanding role in Africa’s technology and artificial intelligence landscape.

The second edition of the event, themed “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign AI and Innovation,” began with the Government Leadership & AI Summit, which focused on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, talent development and investment opportunities.

Held across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026, GITEX Nigeria is convened under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Lagos State Government endorsed the event, while KAOUN International, global organiser of GITEX events, coordinated the programme.

FG: Nigeria Must Become a Producer of Technology

Representing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens, said the conference theme was timely as Nigeria seeks to transition from being a consumer of technology to becoming a producer and exporter of digital solutions.

Akume highlighted reforms in digital identity, broadband infrastructure, technical talent development, cloud computing and data infrastructure as part of the government’s strategy to reposition Nigeria as a leading digital economy.

He cited the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital identity and data‑management systems. He also disclosed plans for a 90,000‑kilometre fibre‑optic network to extend connectivity nationwide.

The SGF noted that the government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme had recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 LGAs, with more than 125,000 Nigerians trained in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity and software engineering.

He added that the National Digital Cloud Policy aims to attract $750 million in private investment within 24 months.

“GITEX Nigeria is more than a technology conference,” Akume said. “It is a platform for partnerships, investment and the development of an African technology ecosystem capable of competing globally.”

NITDA: Nigeria Must Own Its AI Future

NITDA Director‑General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said artificial intelligence should be treated as strategic national infrastructure. He warned that Nigeria must not repeat past mistakes by relying excessively on foreign technologies.

Inuwa said Nigeria must build capacity across the entire AI stack—connectivity, computing power, data centres, cloud infrastructure, algorithms, data governance and legal frameworks.

He stressed that Nigeria’s AI systems must be trained on locally generated and governed data to avoid bias and ensure relevance.

“If we really need an AI that will serve us, we need to train the AI with our data,” he said.

The NITDA DG also raised concerns about operational control over AI systems deployed in critical sectors, asking who controls the technologies Nigeria relies on, where data is stored and which laws govern them.

Senate: Technology Sovereignty Is National Security

Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Salisu Afolabi, said Nigeria’s technological development is inseparable from national security and economic sovereignty.

Representing the National Assembly, Afolabi said GITEX Nigeria demonstrates the country’s growing importance as a technology hub for Africa. He warned that digitising government operations without sufficient control over underlying technology could expose sensitive national data to external interests.

He disclosed that lawmakers were working on a National Digital Economy and Innovation Bill to strengthen Nigeria’s digital‑economy and cybersecurity framework, including emerging risks associated with AI. He added that cybercrime laws were being reviewed to address online child abuse, cyber‑enabled offences and other digital‑platform crimes.

Lagos Positions Itself as Africa’s Digital Infrastructure Capital

Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology Olatunbosun Alake positioned Lagos as a major investment destination for technology, AI and digital infrastructure.

Alake said Nigeria was increasingly being viewed as a market with strong returns due to ongoing economic reforms. He noted that Lagos had laid 3,000 kilometres of fibre‑optic cable between 2019 and 2025 and was attracting investment for 30,000 kilometres of fibre ducts along key economic corridors.

He said Lagos expects to exceed 250 megawatts of data‑centre capacity by 2035, while its Science Research and Innovation Council has committed nearly $2 billion to more than 75 startups and research programmes.

Alake urged investors to establish engineering operations in Lagos, deploy computing infrastructure, partner with Nigerian startups and leverage the country’s growing talent pool.

“Do not treat Lagos as a market to sell to. Treat Lagos as a platform to build from,” he said.

Nigeria’s Digital Future Takes Centre Stage

The opening of GITEX Nigeria 2026 sets the stage for several days of engagements involving policymakers, technology companies, investors, startups and innovators from Nigeria and beyond.

Discussions at the Abuja summit centred on strengthening digital infrastructure, developing homegrown AI capabilities, protecting data, improving cybersecurity and attracting investment into emerging technology sectors.

With activities continuing in Abuja and Lagos, organisers and government stakeholders are expected to use the event to deepen partnerships and translate discussions into investments, technology deployments, startup growth and new opportunities for Nigeria’s digital economy.

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By Abbas Badmus,

The second edition of GITEX Nigeria, West Africa’s largest technology, artificial intelligence and startup event, officially opened in Abuja on Monday, bringing together senior government officials, global technology leaders, investors and other digital economy stakeholders.

Held from August 31 to September 3 across Abuja and Lagos, the four-day event is focused on accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation, strengthening local technology capabilities and positioning Africa as a stronger player in the global artificial intelligence ecosystem.

The event is being held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). It is endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

The opening ceremony was followed by the Abuja Government Leadership & AI Summit, which attracted more than 500 public- and private-sector leaders and investors from Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria was laying the foundations for technology-led growth through investments in technical talent, digital infrastructure, cloud computing and responsible artificial intelligence.

Inuwa highlighted initiatives including the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL), the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and Project BRIDGE, saying they were helping to expand Nigeria’s technical talent pool and improve digital inclusion.

He said Nigeria was also developing the policy, cloud infrastructure and regulatory frameworks required to host more data locally, deploy AI responsibly and improve national productivity.

“GITEX NIGERIA positions our country as a global force shaping the international tech ecosystem, not just participating in it,” he added.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, represented by Permanent Secretary of Political and Economic Affairs Office, Mrs. Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens said Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy would require a shift from basic connectivity and technology consumption to indigenous innovation and advanced digital capabilities.

Senator Akume, who represented the Federal Government at the summit, said GITEX Nigeria provided an important platform for government and the private sector to align their efforts towards technology-driven economic transformation.

He said the country must transition from being a consumer of foreign technology to becoming a producer of talent, infrastructure and locally designed AI solutions.

“Under the vision of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is boldly driving toward a $1 trillion economy,” Akume said.

He added that the country was entering “a new era for Africa” by strengthening its capacity to develop and deploy technology locally.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said Nigeria’s technology investment opportunities were expanding beyond the traditional fintech market, pointing to computing infrastructure and digital government services as major areas of growth.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos, with its extensive subsea cable infrastructure, was strategically positioned to become a major hub for data centres and AI computing in Africa.

He noted that significant portions of Africa’s AI workloads were currently processed outside the continent, creating challenges around latency, cost and data protection.

According to him, Lagos’ electricity reforms, fibre infrastructure and data centre developments could help address the challenge while creating opportunities for international investors.

The governor also identified the digitalisation of government services as another major investment opportunity, citing procurement, revenue collection, permitting, healthcare records, transportation and land administration.

He said Lagos was creating a sizeable and recurring market for enterprise software as government services become increasingly digitised.

Held under the theme, “Beyond Connectivity – The Bridge to Sovereign AI & Innovation,” the Government Leadership & AI Summit focused on the policies, infrastructure, financing and partnerships required to advance Africa’s digital transformation.

More than 25 international experts participated in discussions covering digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data protection, connectivity, investment and strategic partnerships.

Sessions examined issues including the development of backbone and last-mile infrastructure through cables, satellites and blended financing models.

Participants also explored ways to attract more private capital into digital infrastructure, with discussions focusing on risk, governance and deal structures that have continued to limit commercial investment across West Africa.

Another key session, “An African Opportunity: The Turning Point of eGov & Digital Interoperability,” examined the rapid development of digital government systems across Africa and opportunities arising from the expansion of digital identity, payment and data-exchange infrastructure.

Following the Abuja summit, GITEX Nigeria will move to Lagos from September 2 to 3 for the Tech Expo, alongside the Future Economy Conference and FDX by GITEX.

The Lagos programme is expected to provide startups and entrepreneurs with opportunities to connect with international investors, secure partnerships and explore global markets.

More than 200 investors from 30 countries, collectively managing about $200 billion in assets, are expected to participate.

Among the international investment firms joining the programme are Askya Investment Partners of France, Incofin Investment of Belgium, Triple Jump of Kenya and the Netherlands, Lightrock of the United Kingdom, Global Ventures of the United Arab Emirates and Innovest Afrika of the United States.

The organisers said the impact of GITEX Nigeria was already being demonstrated through investment deals generated from its inaugural edition in 2025.

For instance, venture studio FirstFounders connected with 18 startups during the 2025 event, with LabTracka, Vant and GraceAI subsequently entering deeper discussions with the firm.

Vant, an AI-powered business banking and management platform, later joined the FirstFounders portfolio through a $200,000 investment, combining funding with operational support.

The development, organisers said, demonstrates the potential of GITEX Nigeria to connect African startups with global capital and create long-term pathways for investment and business growth.

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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.

For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit: www.gitexnigeria.ng.

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In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global cybersecurity leader, Kaspersky.

The agreement, signed as a sideline activity of the GTIEX Nigeria in Lagos, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to securing critical infrastructure through capacity building and collaboration. It is also in alignment with the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar five which is to ‘Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust,” and a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity.

The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE who signed the MoU on behalf of NITDA emphasised that the foundation of cybersecurity lies in human capacity.

“More than 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. “Our first line of defense must be the people. We need to build talent, raise awareness, and ensure fluency in how technology is used. This MoU is not just a formality, it is a springboard for action,” Inuwa stated.

He further stressed that while MOUs often generate media attention, the real value lies in implementation. “We have already started working with Kaspersky even before this signing. For us, it is about impact, not just paperwork. We want the media and the public to hold us accountable for delivering on this partnership.”

He said, “the Cybersecurity aspects that should be considered for having a secure IT environment in the country range from the safe use of smartphones by children and older people, to shielding the facilities of critical infrastructure. Our collaboration with Kaspersky, which has deep expertise in all these areas, will be another step in building multi-layered national security”,

In his opening statement, the General Manager, Kaspersky Africa, Chris Norton, expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership and Nigeria’s digital potential.

He said, “We are doubling down on the Nigerian market. Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs skills. Through public-private partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments.”

He added that Kaspersky is committed to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem and will also become a supporting member of the Nigerian Computer Society.

“This is the first step in a direction that I believe will lead to far bigger things for the Nigerian people and government. We are excited to work together to build a safer digital future.”

The scope of the MoU includes: Cybersecurity training and capacity building

public awareness campaigns, information sharing and protection of critical national infrastructure.

According to the MoU, both NITDA and Kaspersky would be exchanging relevant technical information, threat intelligence and data feeds related to cyberthreats and cyberattacks affecting the citizens, businesses and government in Nigeria. Kaspersky will provide advice for NITDA’s consideration in the building of cybersecurity frameworks and standards for the critical information infrastructures of Nigeria.

The signing ceremony concluded with a shared commitment to begin implementation immediately, focusing on proactive measures to counter emerging cyber threats and build a resilient digital infrastructure.

This partnership builds on an earlier engagement at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, where the initial groundwork for collaboration was laid. It also follows similar agreements Kaspersky has signed with other Nigerian institutions, including SMEDAN.

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