Nigeria’s efforts to build a digitally driven economy will take centre stage later this month as the second edition of GITEX Nigeria brings together global technology leaders, investors, policymakers and startups to deepen collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure and innovation.
The event, scheduled to be held in Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026, comes as the Federal Government pushes ahead with major digital economy initiatives aimed at expanding connectivity, developing digital talent and strengthening Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs.
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event is organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events, with endorsement from the Lagos State Government.
Organisers said this year’s edition, themed “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” will focus on accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda through artificial intelligence, strategic investments and cross-border partnerships.
The event also comes against the backdrop of significant progress under the Federal Government’s digital initiatives.
According to the organisers, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme has recorded about 1.87 million registrations across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas since its launch. More than 135,000 Nigerians have completed training through three cohorts, while community learning initiatives have reached over 300,000 people and created about 15,000 job and opportunity pathways.
Nigeria has also begun implementing Project BRIDGE, its national ICT backbone initiative designed to expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital connectivity nationwide.
The project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 young Nigerians, raise internet penetration above 70 per cent and extend high-speed internet access to millions of homes, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments, particularly in underserved communities.
Speaking ahead of the event, Bosun Tijani, minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, said Nigeria is building on the momentum of Project BRIDGE to strengthen Africa’s digital sovereignty and position the continent for an AI-driven future.
According to him, the country’s ambition is to lay the foundation for technological self-determination while promoting equitable digital access and strengthening Africa’s capacity to develop and export digital technologies and AI solutions.
“We are building on the momentum forged through the implementation of Project BRIDGE, our national blueprint for expanding digital infrastructure and connecting communities across Nigeria. Our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is clear: to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination, and a globally competitive AI-powered economy,” Tijani said.
He added that Nigeria aims to play a leading role in Africa’s transition from being largely a consumer of digital technologies to becoming a trusted producer and exporter of AI-driven solutions.
The event will open in Abuja with the Government Leadership and AI Summit, where ministers, state governors and regulators are expected to deliberate on digital public infrastructure and policy issues shaping West Africa’s digital future.
Activities will later shift to Lagos, where the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, Startup Festival and the newly introduced FDX Nigeria by GITEX will take place.
The finance-focused platform is expected to explore digital assets, financial technology and innovation aimed at expanding financial inclusion and integrating more businesses into the formal economy.
Kashifu Inuwa, director general of NITDA,said the country’s digital future would depend not only on technology adoption but also on building resilient governance, trust and security frameworks.
According to him, GITEX Nigeria provides an important platform for advancing responsible AI adoption, attracting investment and strengthening partnerships that will support Nigeria’s long-term digital competitiveness.
“Nigeria’s digital future will be defined not only by the technologies we adopt, but by the resilience, trust and governance frameworks we build around them,” Inuwa said.
He added that the partnerships and investments expected from the event would help build an AI ecosystem that is secure, inclusive and capable of supporting long-term economic growth in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Trixie LohMirmand,chief executive officer of GITEX, said the event demonstrates that West Africa is positioning itself as a destination for technology investment, innovation and sustainable digital growth.
According to her, GITEX Nigeria will provide a platform for strategic conversations and partnerships that will strengthen regional competitiveness and unlock new opportunities across the continent’s digital economy.
Nigeria has continued to strengthen its digital economy through initiatives such as the 3MTT programme, Project BRIDGE and the National AI Strategy as it seeks to accelerate talent development, digital infrastructure expansion, investment attraction and responsible AI adoption.
