GITEX Nigeria is West Africa’s largest technology and startup event. It brings together governments, global tech companies, startups, and investors. Together, they discuss digital transformation across the region. The event is part of the wider GITEX series. This is a global brand of technology exhibitions run by KAOUN International, the events arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event is set to return for its second edition. It runs from August 31 to September 3, 2026. Abuja and Lagos will host it at the same time. Government officials, global tech leaders, startups, and investors from across West Africa are expected to attend.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is giving the event his patronage. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is backing it too. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is also on board. So is the Lagos State Government, which has endorsed the summit.
This year’s theme is “Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation.” Organisers say the theme captures Nigeria’s push toward stronger digital infrastructure. It also points to a bigger tech workforce and homegrown artificial intelligence capacity.
Proceedings open in Abuja on August 31. The GITEX Nigeria Government Leadership and AI Summit kicks things off. Ministers, governors, regulators, and technology executives are expected to attend. They will discuss artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and government policy direction.
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Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, says the goal is clear. Nigeria wants to build a foundation for digital sovereignty across Africa. He wants the country to stop simply consuming foreign technology. Instead, he wants Nigeria to start producing and exporting its own digital solutions.
GITEX CEO Trixie LohMirmand says the event will do more than showcase technology. It will connect Nigeria and the wider West African region with international investment and business networks.
There is more than the government summit on offer. The event also includes the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo. Global players like IBM, MTN, Cisco, and Space42 plan to showcase enterprise technology solutions there. A dedicated Startup Festival will run alongside it too. Organisers call it the country’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs and investors. More than 1,000 startups and over 300 investors are expected to attend. The Supernova Challenge, a competition for emerging tech talent, will also feature.
Organisers project big numbers from the wider digital infrastructure push tied to the event. They expect it to create up to 20,000 direct jobs. Over 150,000 indirect jobs could follow too. Plans also include training for 5,000 young Nigerians. Another target is pushing internet penetration above 70 percent nationwide.
Readers can check the official GITEX Nigeria website for full programme details. Other verified event listings will also carry ticketing and updates closer to the date.
