At the opening of GITEX NIGERIA 2025 in Lagos, Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, projected that Nigeria’s digital economy will contribute 21% to GDP by 2027, a shift from earlier 2030 projections.
The target, he said, is within reach through the Federal Government’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic rollout and the world’s largest coordinated digital skills programme, both designed to enable expansion of the sector, among other initiatives.
Addressing innovators, investors, policymakers, and global partners, Tijani framed Lagos as Africa’s innovation epicentre, noting the city attracts about 2,000 new residents daily, hosts the continent’s largest number of tech hubs, and has birthed at least six unicorns.
Beyond technology, he highlighted Nigeria’s $15 billion creative economy, powered by Nollywood and Afrobeats, as proof of the country’s unique fusion of culture and innovation shaping global markets.
“The digital economy is not just about apps and platforms. It is about efficiency and productivity that transform agriculture, education, manufacturing, and governance,” Tijani said.
At GITEX NIGERIA, the minister outlined ongoing initiatives, including the Project Bridge fibre pipeline to connect every Nigerian state, local government, and ward, and the 3MTT programme, which is preparing young Nigerians for global jobs.
He also confirmed a new round of funding for 75 academic research projects, to be announced on 1 October, alongside efforts such as the AI Collective and a forthcoming National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill designed to build trust, security, and accountability.
Tijani called on startups, corporates, academia, the diaspora, and international partners to boost the transformation. “Government investment builds the foundation, but the opportunity and responsibility lie with all of us,” he said.
“Nigeria is not only keeping pace with the digital future, we are shaping it.”
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