The inaugural GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival wrapped up on a remarkable note in Lagos last Thursday, shining a bright light on the tremendous capacity of Nigeria’s—and indeed Africa’s—emerging tech and startup ecosystem. The event, spanning Abuja and Lagos from 1–4 September 2025, unfolded under the auspices of President H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Lagos State Government—organised by KAOUN International, the globally respected producer of GITEX shows.
With Nigeria chasing a US$1 trillion economy, this flagship event wasn’t just a show—it was a clarion call. It presented a sweeping view of the local innovation scene and the digital infrastructure projects that are steadily transforming the country’s technological landscape.
Table of Contents
Talent, Innovation, and Startups at the Forefront
The core of GITEX Nigeria was about growth—talent development, ecosystem-building, and cross-border collaboration. Over 650 startups from 27-plus countries and 29 industries showed up, each contributing to a shared vision: supporting Africa’s digital transformation. Their presence reflected the growing maturity and vibrancy of a continental tech ecosystem now firmly on the global stage.
NITDA CEO Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi captured the sentiment well when he said that the festival underscored how “future-oriented partnerships are the lifeblood of thriving startup ecosystems and digital economies.” Meanwhile, Lagos State’s Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised that “GITEX Nigeria sends an inspirational message to every Nigerian… we see many young citizens and entrepreneurs, with enormous innovative minds… bringing their ideas to life… delivering tangible impact.”
The Supernova Challenge: Startups in the Spotlight
One of the festival’s crown jewels was the debut of the Supernova Challenge in West Africa—renowned globally as a leading pitch competition for early-stage companies. The two-day competition culminated in a high-stakes final, offering a total of US$22,000 in prize money spread across six innovation categories such as agritech, cybersecurity, edtech, fintech, and more.
The competition delivered a standout moment when Abdul-Jabbar Momoh, VP at Nigerian health-tech startup Curacel, took home the US$10,000 grand prize for its AI-powered health insurance solution. He described the win as a springboard for expansion across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America, affirming Curacel’s mission to continue making a meaningful impact across Africa—and beyond.
Other category winners included:
- Build Africa – AI
- InCash – Digital Finance
- Hadiya – Creative Economy & Martech
- Acecore – Agritech & Energy
- Kara – Mobility & Smart Cities
- HiPrep – Disruptor Award
Each secured US$2,000
Strategic Show & Tell: Collaborations Driving the Digital Future
Beyond pitches and prototypes, the fest was a powerful platform for strategic exchange. It hosted innovation hub showcases, investor-startup matchmaking, and high-level meetings between startups, corporates, government bodies, and international organisations. This ecosystem included local pillars like FATE Foundation, Co-creation Hub Africa (CcHUB), and Orange Corners, alongside global partners such as the UNDP and American Business Council (ABC).
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bosun Tijani, contextualised the moment: “The opportunity and responsibility lie with all of us to build a resilient, innovative, and globally connected ecosystem… Let us accelerate the development of the digital economy not only for Nigeria, but for Africa and the world.” His call to action underscored what GITEX Nigeria represented—not just an event, but a catalyst for national and continental digital transformation.
Conclusion
GITEX Nigeria 2025 wasn’t simply a tech expo—it was the narrative of a continent coming into its own as a digital vanguard. From hundreds of innovators pitching bold ideas to sector leaders mapping the path for inclusive digital economies, the festival demonstrated the rising influence of African tech. In a tone that’s distinctly Nigerian yet consciously global, it reminded us that the future of innovation isn’t being imported—it’s being homegrown, nurtured, and celebrated right here in Africa.
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