The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) spearheaded the initiative, with Director General Kashifu Inuwa signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) alongside Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organization behind GITEX.
“Bringing GITEX to Nigeria aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for economic reform and sustained growth,” Inuwa stated during the signing ceremony. He emphasized the event’s potential to showcase Nigeria’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and position the country as a hub for innovation and creativity.
LohMirmand highlighted Nigeria’s appeal as a host nation, citing the impressive performance of Nigerian teams in past GITEX pitch competitions. She also noted the country’s status as Africa’s fastest-growing market for developers, with significant untapped potential in sectors such as AI, digital health, and fintech.
The move to host GITEX is seen as a strategic step in Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. Inuwa explained that President Tinubu has mandated government agencies to actively support initiatives that contribute to this goal, including the development of new industries and the promotion of technological advancement.
While the exact date for GITEX Nigeria has yet to be announced, the agreement signifies a major milestone in the country’s journey to becoming a key player in the global tech landscape. The event is expected to provide Nigerian startups with unprecedented opportunities to connect with international markets and investors.
GITEX, traditionally held annually in Dubai, UAE, has already expanded its reach with the launch of GITEX Africa in Morocco last year. The Nigerian edition promises to further extend the expo’s influence, potentially reshaping the tech industry landscape across the African continent.
As Nigeria prepares to host this prestigious event, all eyes will be on how it leverages this opportunity to accelerate its technological growth and economic transformation in line with the government’s renewed agenda.
