Lagos State has declared its readiness to lead Africa’s digital transformation, as it welcomed participants to the GITEX NIGERIA Tech Expo and Startup Festival, West Africa’s largest gathering of technology and innovation stakeholders.
The event, which opened on Tuesday, follows the Government Leadership and AI Summit held in Abuja on Monday, and is organised by KAOUN International under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
It is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Lagos State Government.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, in his keynote address, described the state as “a launchpad for Africa’s tomorrow,” adding that Lagos was committed to building a data-driven and inclusive digital economy.
“Lagos is not just a city for today – it is Africa’s innovation nerve centre,” he said. “We are creating a future where governance is digital, inclusive and responsive to real-time insights.”
The two-day event is being held at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and Landmark Centre, featuring the Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference, alongside the Startup Festival.
Speaking at the opening, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the digital economy was central to the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
“The digital economy is not just about mobile apps or platforms; it is about delivering productivity gains that transform entire sectors,” he said.
Tijani said the government was focused on expanding opportunities, reducing inequality and creating shared prosperity through technology.
NITDA Director-General, Mr. Kashifu Abdullahi, said Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, had become a crucible of innovation, driven by resilience and talent.
“Lagos is the place where people use talent and come up with solutions without infrastructure,” he said.
According to organisers, Lagos attracted over $6 billion in foreign tech investment between 2019 and 2024, accounting for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s total tech inflows.
The city also hosts hyperscale data centres and extensive fibre connectivity and is home to 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies, according to the Financial Times.
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, described Lagos as a high-speed technology testbed where necessity drives innovation.
“Survive and thrive in Lagos, and your products and solutions can compete and flourish anywhere around the world,” she said.
