GITEX Nigeria 2026 to spotlight Nigeria’s AI ambitions as Africa targets $1trn economic opportunity

Nigeria’s push to build a competitive digital economy and strengthen its position in Africa’s emerging artificial intelligence (AI) landscape will take centre stage at the second edition of GITEX Nigeria, scheduled to hold from August 31 to September 3, 2026.

The event, which will be held in Abuja and Lagos under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to bring together government officials, technology companies, investors, startups, regulators and other stakeholders to discuss digital infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, fintech and emerging technologies.

GITEX Nigeria 2026 is themed “Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation.”

The event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), with the Lagos State Government as an endorser. It is organised by KAOUN International, the organiser of the global GITEX technology events.

The 2026 edition comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to develop the infrastructure, talent and policy environment needed to support its digital economy.

According to the organisers, the country is also positioning itself to benefit from Africa’s projected $1 trillion AI economic opportunity by 2035.

3MTT records 1.87 million registrations

One of the major areas of focus is digital skills development.

The Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme has recorded 1.87 million registrations across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, according to figures released by the GITEX Nigeria organisers.

More than 135,000 Nigerians have reportedly been trained through three cohorts, while community learning resources have extended access to more than 300,000 people.

The programme has also created 15,000 job and opportunity pathways, as the government seeks to expand the country’s pool of technology talent.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria’s digital strategy was increasingly focused on building the foundations for digital sovereignty and an AI-powered economy.

“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,” Tijani said.

He said Nigeria wanted to move beyond being a consumer of technology to becoming a producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.

Project BRIDGE targets wider connectivity

The government’s Project BRIDGE is another major component of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure strategy.

The initiative is designed to expand the country’s ICT backbone and improve high-speed connectivity, particularly in underserved communities.

The project is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, while providing digital skills training to 5,000 Nigerian youths.

The government also expects Project BRIDGE to help push internet penetration beyond 70 per cent and extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments.

The organisers said the infrastructure expansion would provide a foundation for greater digital inclusion, economic activity and technology adoption.

Abuja to host AI and government summit

GITEX Nigeria 2026 will open in Abuja on August 31 with the Government Leadership and AI Summit.

The summit is expected to bring together ministers, governors, regulators and technology leaders for discussions around AI adoption, digital public infrastructure, governance and Nigeria’s wider digital transformation agenda.

The event will then move to Lagos from September 2 to 3 for the Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, Startup Festival and the inaugural FDX Nigeria.

FDX Nigeria is expected to focus on the intersection of technology and finance, with discussions around digital assets, financial inclusion, digital payments and other emerging financial technologies.

Lagos positions itself as technology hub

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the state’s growing technology ecosystem made it an important part of Africa’s digital transformation.

According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos contributes more than 30 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and continues to attract technology talent, capital and innovation from across Africa and beyond.

He said hosting GITEX Nigeria would support the state’s efforts to build a more connected and globally competitive economy.

NITDA Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria’s digital future would depend not only on the adoption of new technologies but also on trust, resilience and effective governance.

He said the event would provide an avenue to advance discussions around responsible AI adoption, digital security and the development of an inclusive digital economy.

Investors, startups to converge in Lagos

Beyond government and policy discussions, GITEX Nigeria is expected to provide a platform for startups seeking investment, partnerships and access to global markets.

The event will connect startups, investors, technology companies and government stakeholders across sectors including AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, fintech, digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies.

The organisers said the broader objective is to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and attract partnerships capable of supporting the expansion of its digital economy.

As African countries increasingly compete for AI talent, infrastructure and investment, Nigeria’s ability to translate its growing technology ecosystem into scalable businesses and locally developed solutions could determine how much of the continent’s projected AI-driven economic opportunity it captures.

GITEX Nigeria 2026 will therefore serve not only as a technology exhibition but also as a platform for discussions around Nigeria’s readiness to participate in the next phase of Africa’s digital and AI economy.

The event will take place in Abuja from August 31 and Lagos from September 2 to 3, 2026.