In a stirring opening at GITEX Nigeria, Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu stepped onto the stage with confidence and purpose. With poise, he affirmed Lagos is more than a city—it is “Africa’s innovation nerve centre,” boldly branding it as “Africa’s Digital Launchpad” for the continent’s future. This bold declaration, delivered before a distinguished gathering of policymakers, investors, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs, set the tone for what promises to be a defining moment in Africa’s digital transformation.
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A Dual-City Tech Summit That Signals Nigeria’s Digital Ambition
GITEX Nigeria, spanning from 1 to 4 September 2025 and held across Abuja and Lagos, is not just another tech conference—it’s a bold statement of Nigeria’s digital ambition. The Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja kicked things off with strong momentum, bringing together government stakeholders and tech executives to spearhead discussions around national digital infrastructure, AI adoption, and public-sector innovation.
As the summit transitioned to Lagos, the spotlight shifted to two of Africa’s most dynamic showcases: the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo & Future Economy Conference at Eko Hotel Convention Centre, and the GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival at Landmark Centre. These flagship events serve as convergence points where global tech giants, innovative startups, investors, and government leaders intersect—creating fertile ground for collaboration, investment, and strategic growth.
Why Lagos Is the Continent’s Digital Epicentre
Lagos is no stranger to digital acclaim. Between 2019 and 2024, the state attracted over US$6 billion in foreign tech investment—firmly anchoring its reputation as Africa’s innovation hub. Behind this investment surge are vital infrastructure elements: hyperscale data centres and extensive fibre networks that funnel more than 70% of Nigeria’s entire tech inflows through the city.
Adding to its allure are the corporate success stories. As reported by the Financial Times, Lagos hosts 23 out of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies—a testament to the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive embedded in the city’s tech ecosystem.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s words captured this spirit of purpose: Lagos isn’t merely keeping pace—it’s building 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,” he declared.
Minister Bosun Tijani echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the digital economy extends beyond apps—it’s about optimising systems, transforming sectors, and delivering productivity gains that serve every Nigerian. He also underscored President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, positioning the digital economy as a catalyst for inclusive growth, opportunity, and equality—making sure this ecosystem is “not just for elites, but for every Nigerian.”
Meanwhile, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi called Lagos a “crucible of innovation,” where adversity has forged resilience-driven invention. He said, “In other places, people 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.”
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International (organisers of GITEX), reinforced Lagos’s testbed status: “Survive and thrive in Lagos, and your products can compete anywhere in the world.” She praised the density, diversity, and urgency of the ecosystem, where necessity sparks innovation.
GITEX Nigeria: A Launchpad for Ideas, Investments and Inclusive Growth
This year’s iteration of GITEX Nigeria isn’t merely an event—it’s a transformative platform. It’s backed by the Federal Ministry of Communications, supported by the Lagos State Government, and orchestrated by KAOUN International. It includes the country’s largest investor programme, offering curated concierge meetings that connect startups with global investors, corporates, and partners.
At the Startup Festival, more than 1,000 curated startups, 300 investors, and 20,000+ visitors came together to spark innovation, exchange ideas, and forge new partnerships. Lagos, named Africa’s Startup Capital, is playing host to the next generation of tech disruptors committed to driving regional change.
Aligned with this is the Supernova Challenge—a fast-paced, high-stakes pitching competition shining a light on emerging ventures across sectors like AI, Fintech, Healthtech, Edtech, Agritech, and the Creative Economy. It’s the kind of fast-track exposure that turns bold ideas into investment-ready ventures.
Taken together, these elements reinforce the message: Lagos is not just talking about digital transformation—it is manufacturing it. Government policy, grassroots innovation, and global capital are converging in ways that lift the ecosystem while shaping a digital future that’s inclusive and scalable.
Conclusion
As GITEX Nigeria concludes, Lagos’s declaration as “Africa’s Digital Launchpad” is more than a catchphrase—it’s the centerpiece of a narrative that blends strategic intent, infrastructure readiness, startup dynamism, and investor confidence.
The state’s leadership is crystal clear: Lagos is constructing a digital government powered by real-time insights and inclusive connectivity. Here, technology isn’t an elite privilege—it’s a social equaliser and a nation-builder.
If Nigeria—or indeed all of Africa—plans to chart a new digital course, it must look to where the engine is already running. That place is Lagos—and the signal is unmistakable.
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