In a spirited address delivered in Abuja on July 22, 2025, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director‑General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), reaffirmed his agency’s unwavering determination to elevate Nigerian startups onto the global stage. Speaking at the North Central Roadshow—an advance engagement for the upcoming Gulf International Technology Exhibition and Conference (GITEX) Nigeria—Inuwa emphasised Nigeria’s digital potential and the vital role of homegrown innovation in shaping the nation’s future.
Table of Contents
Bridging Local Ingenuity and Global Opportunity
Titled “Bridging Nigeria’s Innovation with Global Opportunities,” the roadshow set the tone for NITDA’s national outreach. It is part of a strategic tour spanning all six geopolitical zones—including Lagos, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Kano, and the Federal Capital Territory. The main aim: to build a robust pipeline connecting Nigerian innovators with lucrative global markets.
As Inuwa, represented by IT Infrastructure Solutions Director Olawunmi Oladejo, explained, “We are here not just to celebrate ideas, but to build a conduit between Nigeria’s brightest innovators and the vast global opportunities that await them…creating pathways from local ingenuity to global impact.”
GITEX Nigeria: A Launchpad for African Tech
GITEX Nigeria—scheduled for September 1–4, 2025, in Lagos and Abuja—is a collaboration between NITDA and the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This strategic partnership positions GITEX Nigeria as a major continental hub for Africa’s tech ecosystem. The roadshow is not merely promotional; it’s a preparatory triage, helping startups refine pitches, gain exposure, and secure investment before the main event.
Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, underscored the event’s significance: “Hosting GITEX [Nigeria] is a testament to Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem and participation in global technology innovation.” She emphasised how the roadshow is designed to boost startup visibility, open access to local and international capital, and ready innovators for global engagement.
Ensuring No Startup is Left Behind
What sets the North Central roadshow apart is its inclusive design. Open calls invited startups across the region, and 18 startups participated on the Abuja stage. From these, five were shortlisted, and the top three winners earned full sponsorship to exhibit at GITEX.
The triumphant trio included:
- Hi‑Prep: An innovative edtech platform enhancing learning.
- Fundusai: A forward‑looking startup in healthcare.
- Letmoveit.ng: A logistics firm revolutionising cargo delivery
These startups were evaluated on originality, impact, scalability, visibility, sustainability, global relevance, and presentation flair. They embodied the qualities NITDA seeks to launch onto the world stage.
Voices From the Field: Energy, Ambition, and Growth
Among the winners, Adanma Ugo, founder of Hi‑Prep, sparkled with enthusiasm. She shared her journey: the challenges, the breakthrough, and, most importantly, the transformative impact on learners. Her win was not just personal—it symbolised a larger narrative connecting energy, ambition, and global impact.
DWTC’s Country Representative, Akande Ojo, advised startups to identify target markets and customise their pitch, signalling the importance of strategy in achieving global readiness.
Strategic Partnerships: Elevating Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
The synergy between NITDA, DWTC, and the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation is more than operative; it’s symbolic. Their alignment signals that Nigeria is no longer operating in fragmented silos, but building momentum through strategic collaborations.
- NITDA, through its digital innovation office, is shaping policies to move startups from “idea to impact.”
- DWTC, with its international network, offers pathways to global stages.
- Global investor attention—with 300+ investors and 20,000+ visitors expected at GITEX—will further amplify Nigeria’s tech narrative.
The Bigger Picture: A Nation Embracing Digital Transformation
NITDA’s commitment goes beyond singular events or programs. It aligns with longstanding national strategies:
- SRAP 2.0, which champions innovation and entrepreneurship.
- The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative—aiming to train three million digital professionals by 2027.
- Multiple sector-wide collaborations, including talent incubation and digital inclusion campaigns.
Inuwa’s leadership, echoed by the Minister of Communications and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, amplifies the message: Nigeria is serious about establishing itself as a global tech hub, leveraging both policy frameworks and on-ground initiatives for long-term impact.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the momentum, challenges persist:
- Access to capital: Nigeria’s local funding ecosystem is still maturing, making international exposure through events like GITEX essential.
- Scalability and sustainability: Startups need holistic support to fulfil global potential.
- Regional inclusion: Ensuring equitable startup engagement across all states remains a priority—and a logistical challenge.
However, the roadshow’s cross-zone reach and the success of ventures like Hi‑Prep, Fundusai, and Letmoveit.ng, prove that innovation isn’t siloed in Lagos—it thrives across Nigeria.
What’s Next: Scaling Up for September and Beyond
As GITEX Nigeria draws near, spotlighting nine showcased startups funded by blood, sweat, and vision, the excitement builds:
- The September event promises a surge of national pride and attention.
- Networking with global investors could result in real funding, international pilot programs, and multi-country expansion.
- Learning exchanges with seasoned tech ecosystems (e.g., Dubai, Singapore) could enrich Nigerian practices and help close infrastructural or talent gaps.
Meanwhile, NITDA plans additional roadshow editions in the remaining geopolitical zones, reinforcing the theme of “no idea left behind” and deepening the connection between local innovation and global recognition.
Conclusion
NITDA’s recent reaffirmation is not a campaign—it’s a strategic revival of national ambition. The message from the North Central Roadshow was crystal clear: Nigeria’s heartbeat is innovation; its rhythm drives global relevance.
Through bold policy moves, intentional outreach, high-profile collaborations, and resolute leadership, Nigeria is forging authentic pathways from homegrown creativity to world‑class acclaim.
For covered startups, those selected for GITEX, and those yet to be discovered, the narrative is both invitation and inspiration: The world is ready. And Nigeria is ready to meet it.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
