Conceived as a national platform to align sub-national digital priorities with federal strategy, strengthen inter-state collaboration and accelerate the drive toward a digital economy that is inclusive and locally-led, the roundtable boasts attendance from key stakeholders across states in the country.

Attendees include Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity; Olatunbosun (Tunbosun) Alake, Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Lagos State; Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (MIST); Dr. (Prince) Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Enugu State; and Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, Commissioner for Science & Technology, Cross River State.

Also present were head of ICT agencies from Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Yobe, Nassarawa, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Borno, Zamfara and Ondo States, alongside a delegate from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

The Lagos Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Olatunbosun Alake, set the tone for Lagos’s role as host, in his welcome address.

He highlighted Lagos’s sustained investment in digital infrastructure, talent development and regulatory reform, saying Lagos must lead by example so that states across the federation can adapt and scale what works.

He also outlined the state’s recent programmes and reiterated its willingness to support inter-state exchange programmes and technical partnerships.

In his closing address, Senator Shuaib advised participants to link ICT initiatives closely to each state’s broader development priorities to ensure political buy-in and sustainable funding.

He called for stronger cross-ministry collaboration, pointing out that the success of ICT initiatives is often dependent on synergy with education, health and finance ministries, and flagged that new ICT bills are being developed in the National Assembly to strengthen legal and policy frameworks for innovation and cybersecurity.

He also emphasized the need for national coherence so that state efforts can integrate seamlessly into the national digital architecture.

Also speaking at the occasion, Enugu’s Commissioner, Dr. Ezeh, updated the roundtable about Enugu’s smart-schools and smart-city ambitions and referenced the success of Enugu Tech Festival held earlier in the year as a vehicle for talent discovery and industry partnerships.

Cross River’s Dr. Justin gave an update on that state’s science & technology initiatives while reinforcing the need for linkages between state innovation programmes and private sector capacity.

Other states reported concrete steps toward operationalizing local digital strategies: Ondo State said it is developing a comprehensive ICT policy and reviewing its digital identity framework; Jigawa highlighted the establishment of the Jigawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (JISITDEA) and work to revive its Galaxy Backbone connection; Zamfara announced the launch of a state Digital Literacy Framework in July 2025; and several states referenced the creation of dedicated Information Technology Development Agencies to steward local digital programmes.

While states are clearly moving forward, the roundtable surfaced recurring obstacles. Delegates cited insufficient inter-state collaboration and limited alignment with federal priorities as barriers to scaling successful programmes.

Funding gaps, bureaucratic delays and the challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled digital talent were consistently raised.

Participants agreed that formalized exchange programmes, joint projects and routine peer reviews could help close those gaps and accelerate implementation across the federation.

The roundtable also recognized the private sector and development partners as important enablers.

While international tech firms were invited to share insights, particularly around opportunities in open-source AI and developer ecosystems, the commissioners were clear the forum’s mandate is to priorities Nigerian state ownership and homegrown solutions.

By the meeting’s close, delegates agreed on immediate next steps which include the establishment of a working group to map existing state ICT assets; design a calendar of inter-state working visits and technical exchanges; and draft a memorandum of understanding template to facilitate joint projects.

The aim is to institutionalize the Commissioners Roundtable so it becomes a recurring instrument for policy alignment, shared procurement where feasible, talent exchange and coordinated infrastructure investments.

Hosted concurrently on 3-4 September 2025 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and Landmark Centre respectively, these landmark events heralded a new era for Nigeria’s digital aspirations, firmly placing Lagos, and indeed the entire nation, on the global innovation map.

The city, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and ambitions, buzzed with an electrifying energy as over 20,000 visitors, 3,000 tech professionals, and nearly 1,000 startups converged.

It was, as described by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, “the commercial economic now centre of our country, the beating heart of Africa, the digital and becoming renters of our time”.

A Crucible of Unicorns and Innovation

Lagos’s meteoric rise in the tech world is undeniable. Between 2019 and 2024, the state attracted over $6 billion in direct foreign tech startup funding, accounting for more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech inflows.

This massive investment underscores its appeal as Africa’s innovation capital and a launchpad for the continent’s future.

The city is not merely growing; it’s burgeoning, adding approximately 2,000 new residents daily, making it one of the fastest-growing cities globally.

Lagos has earned its reputation as a “factory of unicorns”. Currently, it is home to five unicorns, including Flutterwave, Interswitch,Paystack, Kuda Bank, and Opay, propelling its ecosystem valuation to approximately $15 billion – a staggering 11.6 times increase since 2017.

These companies, born from solving “real African challenges,” now compete on a global scale. The Commissioner for Innovation & Technology, Tubosun Alake, confirmed that by October 2024, 2,000 startups now call Lagos home, and in 2024 alone, Nigerian startups raised over $400 million.

Furthermore, 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies, as recognised by the Financial Times, are based in Lagos. This dynamism has led to Lagos being ranked the fastest emerging technology city in the worldby deal.com earlier this year.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, further highlighted that Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has become the country’s fastest-growing contributor to GDP, consistently contributing between 16-18% today, up from less than 5% a decade ago.

He confidently projected this figure to reach 21-22% by 2027, already surpassing the oil and gas sector.

Dr. Dahlia Khalifa, regional director at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), described Lagos as “one of the most dynamic hubs of innovation in Africa and dare I say the world,” a place that “represents creativity, resilience and ambition and it delivers”. Indeed, the city hosts hyperscale data centres, submarine cables, and extensive fibre infrastructure.

Resilience: The Driving Force

The spirit of Lagos and its people is marked by extraordinary resilience.

Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX Nigeria, noted that while startups in other economies “innovate because they want to, it’s nice to have,” here, “the startups and the SMEs are creating solutions to problems that is born out of necessity and survival”.

This “resilience DNA,” she stated, is “world class,” enabling businesses to thrive despite challenges such as power outages, currency fluctuations, and developing infrastructure.

This tenacity is deeply ingrained in Lagosians, who view problems as common denominators and opportunities for innovation.

Governor Sanwo-Olu celebrated the city’s diversity, stating, “It’s only in Lagos that you can dream as an Hausa boy. You can code in whatever language, you can pitch in yoruba and you can still understand English fluently”. This melting pot fosters a startup ecosystem now ranked among the most vibrant globally.

Investing in the Future: Youth and Government Support

The youthful population is Lagos’s greatest competitive advantage. With over 50% of Africans under the age of 25, the continent boasts one of the largest pools of digital natives worldwide.

The Lagos State Government actively nurtures this talent through initiatives like the Lagos State Science and Innovation Council (LASIC), which provides grants of up to N80 million annually for startups.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor, recounted the success of “She Mobility,” an app developed by young Nigerians to provide structured funding for car sales, which has raised nearly $100 million.

The government’s vision, as articulated by Governor Sanwo-Olu, is that “governance in the 21st century must be digital, inclusive and data-driven”.

This approach is not new; the Commissioner for Innovation & Technology highlighted that foundational work was laid years ago with the successful implementation of one of Nigeria’s first government Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems using Oracle database, a feat many Fortune 500 companies failed to achieve. This demonstrated a long-standing commitment to leveraging technology for governance.

Innovations like the integrated transport payment card, designed by 27-28 year olds, now used by over 6.5 million Lagosians across rail, waterways, buses, and taxis, exemplify this commitment. Lagos, with an estimated metro population of over 22 million people, offers unmatched access to a vast and digitally engaged market. The city’s density, proximity to institutions, scale, and public sector friendliness make it easier to build businesses.

The national government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has also embraced the digital economy as a key driver of inclusive growth, ensuring technology expands opportunities and reduces inequality for all Nigerians.

The 3MTT initiative, a global programme, is preparing young people not just for Nigerian jobs, but for global opportunities.

The Lagos Pavilion: A Hub of Homegrown Innovation

During the Expo, the Lagos State Government showcased its commitment to fostering local talent and innovation at its dedicated Lagos Pavilion.

Ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Ministry of Health, and others, demonstrated their latest innovations that have streamlined governance and positioned the state at the forefront in Africa.

The pavilion served as a dynamic platform for discovery, inviting all attendees to witness firsthand the possibilities of digital transformation.

Critically, the Lagos State Government also organised its own startup pitches at the pavilion, featuring young entrepreneurs presenting solutions across diverse sectors such as Fintech, Foodtech, healthcare, and education.

The government affirmed its plans to support these startups with funding, leveraging initiatives like the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

This direct engagement allowed visitors to see why Lagos is considered not just a city for today, but a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow.

A Cultural Extravaganza

Beyond its technological prowess, Lagos leveraged GITEX Nigeria to showcase its rich cultural heritage. Attendees were treated to vibrant cultural displays, traditional music, and dance performances that filled the air with excitement. The welcome reception dinner, hosted by the Lagos State Government at the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture & History, delighted guests with local cuisines like Jollof rice, suya, egusi soup, and pounded yam. Many guests, experiencing this cultural fusion for the first time, expressed eagerness to return and explore further.

As Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, remarked, “Lagos stands tall as a global destination blessed with a rich cultural and historic heritage, diverse traditions, a thriving art scene, an energetic nightlife and culinary experiences that capture the true essence of creativity”. This cultural fusion, coupled with the global impact of Nollywood and Afrobeat, highlights Lagos not just as a tech hub, but as Africa’s “creative fast”.

GITEX: A Bridge to Global Opportunity

The journey of GITEX to Nigeria began when Governor Sanwo-Olu, “wowed” by GITEX Africa in Marrakesh two years prior, challenged organisers to bring the international conference to Lagos. National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), DG Kashifu Inuwa proudly declared, “Today we are delivering on your challenge. For me, GITEX Nigeria is not just another conference. It is a declaration that Nigeria, we are ready to lead in the future economy”.

Trixie LohMirmand affirmed GITEX’s commitment to providing access to “underserved, understated but yet very auspicious and inspiring communities” like Nigeria, asserting that GITEX does not shy away from challenges.

The event, she explained, is “turning the attention of the world towards Nigeria,” offering young Nigerians invaluable exposure to international investors, benchmarking against global competitors, and mentorship opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

The Deputy Governor highlighted the immense support received, noting that despite initial trepidation, 78 countries participated, making it “amazing”.

Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, the commissioner for Innovation & Technology underscored that Lagos’s pace, ambition, and innovation are actively “redefining Africa’s tech narrative,” inviting visitors to be “collaborators in Nigeria’s tech revolution”.

GITEX Nigeria 2025 stands as a testament to the nation’s bold ambition and strategic vision. As Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, once said, “the best way to predict the future is to create it”.

With the successful hosting of GITEX, Lagos and Nigeria are not just predicting the future; they are actively building it, demonstrating an unwavering resolve to lead Africa’s digital transformation and contribute significantly to the global economy. As Commissioner Alake concluded, “Lagos, as you well know, is ready to lead”.

Trixie noted the unique spirit of Nigerian entrepreneurs, contrasting them with those in developed economies.

According to her, while startups in Silicon Valley innovate out of convenience or ambition, those in Nigeria build solutions born out of necessity, solutions forged in the face of power shortages, currency fluctuations, and infrastructure gaps. 

“In Nigeria, startups innovate to survive. That is why they scale faster and endure longer,” she said. “Survival itself is the foundation of their innovation.”

GITEX NIGERIA, making its first appearance in Lagos, can’t be limited in description as a conference, she noted. With over 650 startups, 100 major tech companies, 200 investors from 40 countries, and the support of the Nigerian government and NITDA, the event is designed to draw the world’s attention to Africa’s largest economy.

Trixie described Lagos as a “mega high-speed testbed for technology,” pointing to its 20 million residents as live beta testers for innovators. “If you can survive Lagos, your product can survive anywhere in the world,” she said. 

She also stressed that unlike many cities that lean on existing infrastructure, Nigerian startups usually build industries from scratch, a fact that has positioned the country at the top in fintech globally, with solutions that inspire entrepreneurs across continents. “In other markets, they adapt from infrastructure. Here, they create the infrastructure itself,” she explained.

Importantly, she cautioned against expecting instant wins. “This is not a sprint, it is a marathon,” she said, noting that most will not walk away with immediate funding. “80 to 90% of startups will fail. That is the harsh truth, but even failure comes with value, lessons, relationships, mentorship, and clarity.”

The biggest wins from GITEX will be the insights entrepreneurs gain by measuring themselves against global companies, pointing to opportunities for product benchmarking, market fit testing, and understanding interoperability with global systems. 

“Whether it’s aligning with Oracle, integrating with Space42 from the UAE, or refining their pitches to match global standards, these are lessons that only exposure at GITEX can provide,” she said.

“Please do not judge the aesthetics of where startups are operating from. Judge the resilience and ingenuity within those environments,” she said.

The EVP also addressed doubts about bringing GITEX to Nigeria. “Why Nigeria? Because we don’t do convenience. We don’t do easy. We are here to provide access to communities that have been underserved for too long,” she asserted, calling on investors and global partners to recognise the sincerity, passion, and ingenuity of Nigerian entrepreneurs.

With Lagos recently ranked as the fastest-growing emerging startup hub in the world, overtaking Mumbai, Bangalore, São Paulo, and Istanbul, Trixie reaffirmed the city’s place as a rising star in the global tech ecosystem. “You didn’t just join the list, you went straight to the top,” she stated

This is not GITEX NIGERIA joining the global ecosystem, it is the global ecosystem turning its attention to Nigeria. “You are not looking outward; the world is coming inward to meet you,” she emphasised.

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.

Nine women-led startups gained direct exposure to global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The three-day event, hosted in both Abuja and Lagos, attracted over 3,000 participants, more than 100 exhibitors, and leading voices from across the global technology ecosystem. 

For Alami Capital, the focus was on ensuring that women are not left behind in building Africa’s innovation story.

Olu Olufemi-White, CEO of Alami Capital, stressed the urgency of the mission. “The success of The Launchpad at GITEX NIGERIA 2025 demonstrates the urgency and promise of investing in African women founders. Who gets funded determines what gets built and what gets built will shape Africa’s economic future. 

“Launchpad exists to ensure women are not left out of that equation. By anchoring their creativity and leadership within the continent’s new economic architecture, we are reshaping systems of innovation, governance, and growth for generations to come.”

Olufemi-White also featured on a high-level panel with NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi and Future Africa’s Iyin Aboyeji, where discussions centred on practical ways technologies such as big data, AI, and real-time analytics could drive inclusive innovation and smarter governance.

On the final day, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, hosted an honorary breakfast for the female founders supported by The LaunchPad.

Her keynote revealed the importance of strengthening women’s role in technology, creative, and impact-driven sectors, stressing that Nigeria’s economic growth depends on inclusivity.

In her address at GITEX, Olufemi-White captured the vision of what the platform seeks to achieve:
“I believe that great things happen when visionary leaders create space today, right here at home, that belief finds fresh expression, real expression.

“GITEX, a global stage for technology, diplomacy, innovation has landed on our soil, a meeting of ideas opportunity, a launch pad where a nation forges ties. Entrepreneurs ignite innovation, and a new generation shapes the digital frontier… The future is here, and that future is us.”

Her statement drew attention to the determination of Nigerian entrepreneurs to build solutions rooted in local realities, backed by patient capital and strengthened by collaboration between the public and private sectors.

In spotlighting women innovators and their startups, The LaunchPad at GITEX NIGERIA 2025 has marked an important shift in how the country places itself in the global tech space, one where women’s contributions are both welcomed and seen as indispensable to building a sustainable and resilient economy for Africa.

The official unveiling took place on Thursday at GITEX Nigeria 2025, on the prestigious 10x stage at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, drawing innovators, policymakers, and investors from across Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Empowering Nigerian Youth Through Innovation

Addressing participants at the launch, Khalil Halilu, executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, described the competition as more than a contest, but a nationwide movement to unlock Nigeria’s innovation potential.

“In terms of what kind of innovation, I think they should be looking at things that solve real problems. Not just fancy things, but solutions to daily challenges of the average Nigerian that can also scale at an African level,” Halilu said.

He emphasized that the government is determined to back young inventors with not just funding, but also mentorship, tools, and global exposure. “You see a young kid in Jigawa creating a generator that runs on water, this initiative gives them an opportunity to participate, access grants, receive mentorship, and transform their ideas into reality,” he added.

Structure of the Competition

The InnovateNaija challenge, which enjoys Presidential support, will unfold in two major phases across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT):

• Phase One: One top innovator from each state and the FCT will emerge, producing 37 winners. Each will receive a ₦2.5 million grant to further refine and expand their projects.
• Phase Two: The top 15 finalists will advance to the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja, scheduled for February 2026, where the national winners will be unveiled.

The grand prize winner will walk away with ₦100 million to scale their innovation into a market-ready solution capable of competing on a global stage.

Tied to NASENI’s Bigger Innovation Agenda

The challenge also serves as a prelude to the NASENI Innovation Hub in Abuja, a state-of-the-art center that will provide infrastructure, mentorship, and funding for promising innovators. According to NASENI, the hub is designed to turn Nigerian inventions into export-ready technologies, boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports.

Halilu underscored that youth-driven innovation is central to Nigeria’s development strategy. “This government is saying: we believe in the youth, we believe in their creativity. Nigerians have been asking for support for their inventions, this is our direct response,” he stated.

AfriLabs’ Call to Action

Also speaking at the launch, Jennifer Okeke Ojiudu, senior ecosystem engagements manager at AfriLabs, hailed the initiative as a unique platform to spotlight Nigerian ingenuity.

“If you have a cousin, sister, friend, or brother with brilliant ideas, push them to come forward. We also need state governments to back these young innovators because they will be representing their states,” she said.

Ojiudu urged Nigerian youths to take ownership of the opportunity: “Young people, get on social media, get on the website, put in your ideas. You need to be involved in this.”

A National Innovation Movement Begins

Applications for InnovateNaija officially opened on September 4, 2025, and organisers expect thousands of entries from across the country.

Beyond the competition, NASENI and AfriLabs stress that the ultimate goal is to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem where Nigerian technologies are not only funded but nurtured, mentored, and scaled for global impact.

“InnovateNaija is about more than ₦250 million in prizes,” Halilu concluded. “It is about transforming Nigerian inventors into global innovators who will define the future of technology, not just for Nigeria, but for Africa and the world.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated that the event is a turning point in Nigeria’s role in building the “future economy.” 

He expatiated that Lagos is not just the nation’s commercial hub but also a global crucible of innovation, where limited infrastructure has never stopped startups from scaling into billion-dollar companies.

“This is a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead the future economy. We have shown resilience where others relied on capital and infrastructure. We turned necessity into opportunity.”

He credited government policy decisions, such as the cashless initiative first piloted in Lagos in 2012, as a catalyst for the explosion of fintech innovation. That move, he said, created the gaps Nigerian startups rushed to fill, driving the country’s distinction in Africa’s fintech sector.

Abdullahi noted that while fintech has been Nigeria’s “rocket fuel,” the nation’s goals are not limited to financial services. He pointed to opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, and security as the next frontiers, stressing that with the right opportunities, Nigerian talent can compete with any city or nation worldwide.

GITEX NIGERIA 2025, organised under the patronage of the Federal Government and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, is designed to showcase those opportunities. Abdullahi revealed that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had first envisioned bringing GITEX to Lagos after being impressed by its scale in Morocco two years ago.

“Today, that challenge has become a reality,” he said. “We are not waiting for the future to happen, we are building it here in Lagos.”

He also urged global investors and innovators to take part in Nigeria’s transformation. “We have done it in fintech. We will do it in agriculture, in health, in security. Whether with you or without you, this journey will continue. But this is your opportunity to be part of it.”

This obvious blend of ambition, resilience, and youthful innovation in Lagos shows its becoming the engine of Nigeria’s economy and the epicentre of Africa’s digital future.

The firm made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday, saying the app is positioning itself as a culturally relevant, tech-driven companion for women across all stages of life. 

Unlike traditional cycle trackers, HerSync is designed with features that reflect the realities of African women’s lives. It offers multilingual support, offline functionality, and innovative partner nudges to engage loved ones in women’s health journeys.

At launch, the company said it is making all premium features free, offering a comprehensive suite of tools tailored to African women’s needs. These include AI-powered cycle and symptom tracking, a 24/7 voice-enabled health assistant, multilingual reproductive health education, and privacy-focused controls. 

The app also enables partner engagement through shared insights, provides referral rewards to build community, and allows users to fully customise their experience, ensuring both cultural relevance and accessibility.

Since its soft launch earlier in 2025, HerSync has already reached 3,500 women and girls and is targeting 10,000 users by the end of the year. The app has received strong reviews for its cultural relevance, ease of use, and AI-powered insights, boasting a 4.9-star rating across app stores.

As of May 31, 2025, HerSync ranked first in Medical apps on the Nigerian Apple App Store and fourth in Medical on the Nigerian Google Play Store. The company also showcased its innovation at GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, where the team demonstrated the app to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who expressed admiration for the product’s features and mission.

“Our mission is clear: making 24/7 female reproductive and workplace wellbeing accessible,” said Philip Igboba, co-founder and CEO of HerSync. “Together with our team of AI, engineering, and community health experts, we’re setting bold growth targets to reach millions of women across Africa and beyond.”

HerSync’s medical expertise is led by Adeh Chioma, Medical and Strategy Lead, who ensures the app’s clinical approach is safe, empathetic, and evidence-based. “HerSync is more than a cycle tracker,  it’s a trusted companion that speaks women’s language, respects their privacy, and supports their health every day,” Chioma said.

Looking ahead, HerSync aims to reach 500,000 women globally by 2027, with a vision to transform reproductive and workplace wellbeing through predictive, empathetic, and accessible technology.

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.”

As local and international guests descended on the nation’s commercial and innovation capital for a potentially future-defining two days, anticipation was high for the conversations shaping Africa’s digital trajectory.

From Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, the message on Wednesday was emphatic: Lagos is ‘a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow’ – ready to propel Nigeria’s quest for a data-driven government and digitally empowered population. 

Held under the patronage of Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GITEX NIGERIA takes place across Abuja and Lagos from 1-4 September.

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event is endorsed by Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, global producer of GITEX events.

Elaborating on Lagos’s digital economy leadership credentials and quest to harness technological capabilities for the betterment of regional society, H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated: “Lagos is not just a city for today – it is Africa’s innovation nerve centre and a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow. At the heart of our efforts to unlock digital transformation possibilities is an unshakeable belief that governance in the 21st century must be digital, inclusive, and data-driven.

“As Peter Drucker once said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it’. Here in Lagos, we are creating that future, building a data-driven government where policy decisions respond to real-time insights and inclusive connectivity empowers every citizen in one of the world’s most vibrant tech ecosystems.”

Over two action-packed days, Nigeria’s commercial capital and innovation hub hosts dual showcases across the city: the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre, and the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival at the Landmark Centre.

Together, these platforms spotlight the immense digital potential of Lagos and the nation – enabling non-tech sectors to accelerate digitalisation roadmaps through enterprise-grade solutions while highlighting a burgeoning startup ecosystem, strong investor confidence, and valuable public-private partnership opportunities. 

Addressing GITEX NIGERIA attendees, Hon. Minister Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasised the essential nature of sustained digital economy development, insisting: “The digital economy is not just about mobile apps or platforms; it is about technical efficiency and delivering productivity gains that transform entire sectors. This is why His Excellency President Bola Tinubu GCFR has placed the digital economy at the heart of the Renewed Hope agenda.

“His vision is very clear – that technology must not only grow GDP but also expand opportunities, reduce inequality, and create shared prosperity for all Nigerians. Under the President’s leadership, Nigeria has embraced the digital economy as a key driver of inclusive growth. We are not building just for elites; we are building for every Nigerian.”

Between 2019 and 2024, Lagos attracted over US$6 billion in foreign tech investment, cementing its position as the epicentre of Africa’s digital growth. The state today hosts hyperscale data centres and extensive fibre connectivity, accounting for more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech inflows. Already Nigeria’s undisputed innovation hub, Lagos is also home to 23 of the country’s 28 fastest-growing companies, according to the Financial Times. 

Reflecting on the significance of GITEX NIGERIA making its way to Lagos, Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of NITDA, said: “The energy is palpable, and the potential is boundless. Nigeria and Lagos in particular are a crucible of innovation, where raw talent meets the unshakeable will to succeed, a factory of unicorns.

“Lagos is the place where people use talent and come up with solutions without infrastructure. In other places, they use capital infrastructure to fuel innovation, while here, we use our resilience. Because we have no options, and we need to create the solutions. We are ready for it. As a nation, our vision is clear.”

GITEX NIGERIA is West Africa’s largest gathering of technology visionaries, industry leaders, and decision-makers overseeing digital transformation of non-tech sectors. The event also presents Nigeria’s largest and most globally diverse investor programme, facilitating concierge meetings between startups, investors, corporates, industry leaders, and prospective partners.

Discussing the unique value proposition that Lagos presents businesses, Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, organisers of GITEX NIGERIA, said: “Lagos is a mega high-speed technology testbed that is dense, diverse, and demanding, where SMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs succeed not by conventional rules but by distinctiveness and necessity-driven innovation.

“Rising above power outages, currency fluctuations, and maturing infrastructure, they scale faster and endure longer. Survive and thrive in Lagos, and your products and solutions can compete and flourish anywhere around the world.”

The event runs with support from partners AWS, Cisco, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Kaspersky, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and Space42. 

For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit the website.