In the first quarter of 2025, Nigeria’s digital economy raked in N7 trillion, 14.19% of national GDP. To put that in perspective, the sector alone could almost fund every Nigerian state’s annual budget twice over.
However, in the midst of this booming digital tide, the country’s tech sector is still challenged with infrastructure gaps and the perennial search for investment, an irony not lost on participants at the inaugural GITEX NIGERIA.
Held from September 1 to 4, 2025 across Abuja and Lagos, GITEX NIGERIA brought together global tech giants, startups, and investors from 78 countries under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Organised by KAOUN International and backed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA, the event was pitched as a platform for Nigeria to assert itself as Africa’s digital hub.
“In three short days, GITEX NIGERIA has already had a meaningful impact on our nation, from startups seeking funds and exposure with global investors to international organisations discovering the vast growth opportunities within our digital economy,” Olatunbosun Alake, commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State, stated.
“This annual event will continue to grow, have a long-term contribution to Nigerian digitalisation, and show the world the power of international collaboration.”
Abdelaziz Saidu, country leader at Cisco Nigeria & Ghana, said “The crowd has been overwhelming, not just in size but in the quality of people coming to our stand, including the Lagos State Governor and the Minister, who were impressed with our AI and cyber security showcases.”
“From day one we’ve generated strong leads, some already converting into opportunities, and engaged with organisations like the African Union. The brand reputation of GITEX has pulled in the right crowd locally, regionally and internationally, making this inaugural edition truly impactful.”
The event ran on dual platforms, the Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, and the Startup Festival at the Landmark Centre. These hubs provided startups, investors, and corporates a chance to forge partnerships, explore Nigeria’s digital market, and pitch ideas to decision-makers.
International tech giants such as IBM, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, AWS, and Kaspersky showcased innovations ranging from AI solutions to cybersecurity frameworks, emphasising the strategic relevance of the Nigerian market.
The surge of Nigeria’s digital economy has been largely powered by the Information & Communications sector, contributing 10.59% of GDP, and the Finance Institutions sector, adding 3.60%. With projections indicating the ICT sector could account for up to 21% of GDP by 2027, Nigeria’s goal to become Africa’s leading digital hub is a roadmap, not just a talking point.
GITEX NIGERIA provided more visibility for West Africa. Its investor programme facilitated cross-border collaborations, bringing in deals and partnerships that could boost Nigeria’s digital growth.
For a country where digital access still battles infrastructural bottlenecks, the event stressed both the promise and the challenge: Nigeria is ready to lead, but the path is complex and demands sustained investment and governance support.
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