Nigeria is translating bold digital ambitions into tangible national transformation, accelerating socio-economic development through progressive policy, AI innovation, and human capital development to deliver lasting benefits for its citizens.
GITEX NIGERIA, West Africa’s largest tech, AI and startup event, spotlights Nigeria’s progress from aspiration to action, reinforcing its position as one of Africa’s leading AI and digital economy growth markets.
Under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GITEX NIGERIA takes place across Abuja and Lagos from 31 August to 3 September 2026. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event is endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.
The second edition with the theme: Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation, comes as Nigeria advances its national digital transformation agenda through landmark reforms that are translating future-oriented policy into measurable delivery.
Under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the country is addressing growing digital skills demand while expanding its national talent base. Since its inception, 3MTT has generated 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, with more than 135,000 Nigerians trained through three cohorts, learning extended to over 300,000 people through community resources, and 15,000 job and opportunity pathways created.
Complementing its investment in digital talent, Nigeria has also advanced Project BRIDGE from policy to delivery, establishing a national ICT backbone that expands universal connectivity and underpins long-term digital transformation.
Designed to stimulate economic growth, strengthen digital inclusion, and accelerate skills development, the initiative is expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 Nigerian youths, increase internet penetration to more than 70%, and extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments across underserved communities nationwide.
Building on this momentum, GITEX NIGERIA reinforces the Federal Government’s digital transformation mandate, convening global technology leaders, investors, and public-private partners to accelerate the next phase of Nigeria’s digital growth.
The event will mobilise the transnational alliances and strategic partnerships needed to scale AI infrastructure, elevate strategic investment, strengthen digital resilience, advance innovation ecosystems, and support West Africa’s long-term pursuit of digital sovereignty and sustainable economic growth.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said: “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: to solidify the foundations Africa needs for digital sovereignty, technological self-determination, and a globally competitive AI-powered economy.
Nigeria is a nation galvanised by the prospect of promoting equitable access, accelerating cross-continental progress, and serving as a central architect of Africa’s transition from a traditional consumer to a trusted producer and exporter of digital technologies and AI solutions.”