If you run a tech startup or dream of starting one, 2026 can be your big year. Nigeria’s tech scene is booming, with many young people developing apps that address real-world problems. However, growing from an idea to a big success requires several key factors, including good connections, the requisite knowledge, and resources.
These 15 tech events are made to bring together startup founders, investors, government leaders, and experts from Nigeria, Africa, and the world. Founders can expect to meet people who can fund their startup, teach new skills, and open doors to markets across Africa and beyond. Many of these events are free or low-cost, and some even help you pitch your idea on stage. Let’s go through them one by one.
1. Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0
Date: June 2–5, 2026
Location: Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre), Iganmu, Lagos
Organisers: Omniverse Africa
Contact: [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: European Union, German Cooperation (GIZ), MTN Group, IHS Towers, UNDP
This four-day summit is all about actualizing a more connected future, aiming to create a synergy for optimal impact. It mixes technology, entrepreneurship, creative industries, and government policy. Expect exciting panels on digital transformation, job creation, and how to build strong digital infrastructure for Africa. Startups in creative tech, 3D design, AI, and digital content will love it.
You can network with big players like MTN and international partners from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Many past participants say this event helped them find collaborators and funding. If your startup uses technology to tell African stories or solve creative problems, this is where you belong. It is great for early-stage founders who want to think big.
2. Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum (NDSF)
Date: June 11, 2026
Location: Welcome Centre Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos
Organisers: ITREALMS Media Group and DigitalSENSE Africa
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: NCC, NITDA, ALTON
This one-day forum brings policymakers, regulators, and tech leaders together to talk about the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. Past editions focused on 5G, internet governance, and how technology can drive development.
You will hear from top government officials and learn how new rules affect startups. It is perfect if your business deals with telecom, data, or digital services. Walk away with clear ideas on how to follow regulations while growing fast. Many previous attendees say it opened doors to NITDA and NCC support programmes.
3. Lagos Tech Fest
Date: Mid-June 2026
Location: LagosOrganisers: Eventhive (Africa Tech Series)
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: Luno (Platinum), Ethnos Cyber (Gold), Bluebulb, Juicyway, Prestmit
Now in its 6th year, this event gathers 800+ people – including many C-level executives, venture capitalists, regulators, and startups. Expect panels on fintech, infrastructure, and how to attract investors in 2026. There are exhibitions, networking sessions, and talks from global and local leaders.
If you want to meet funders or learn what investors look for, come here. Sponsors like Luno show it is investor-friendly. It is a movement, not just an event – many founders have found partners and customers here.
4. Future Forward Conference
Date: Mid-2026 (exact dates yet to be confirmed)
Location: Bauchi International Conference Centre, Bauchi StateOrganisers: Hello Labs
Contact: [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: State Governments and Financial Institutions
This two-day event is special because it focuses on Northern Nigeria. The theme is “Culture to Code: Building the Future from Our Roots.” It connects our rich African culture with modern technology. Expect workshops on innovation, culture-based startups, and how to attract funding in the North.
If your startup solves problems in agriculture, education, or health in Northern communities, this is your chance to shine and meet state governments and banks. It is a big step to take tech opportunities beyond Lagos.
5. TechUp Port Harcourt
Date: March 2026
Location: Port Harcourt, Rivers StateOrganisers: Harvoxx Tech Hub
Contact: [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: Growmie App (Headline Sponsor)
This community-driven conference empowers developers, founders, students, and creators in the South-South region. It is hands-on, with skills training and networking for builders. Growmie App as headline sponsor shows focus on practical tools for African talent.
If you are in Port Harcourt or the Niger Delta and want to meet other young tech talents, learn new skills, or find co-founders, do not miss it. It has grown from a small gathering to a major hub for regional innovation.
6. NextGen Innovation Challenge Bootcamp
Date: July 2026 (Abuja)Finale: October 2026 (London)
Organisers: National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI)
Contact: [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: UKALD, Innovate UK, Teesside University, Google (and others like the University of Toronto)
This is a competition for investment-ready startups with minimum viable products (MVPs). It targets sectors like AI, 6G telecom, and more. You get a bootcamp in Abuja to sharpen your idea, then pitch at the grand finale in London. Winners get funding, mentorship, and global exposure.
NBTI focuses on turning Nigerian ideas into real businesses. If your startup is past the idea stage and ready to scale, apply early – this could be your ticket to international investors.
7. RISE 2026 (20th International Conference)
Date: August 10–13, 2026
Location: Jos, Plateau StateOrganisers: Nigeria Computer Society (NCS)
Contact: [email protected]
Sponsors/Partners: Plateau State Government, Federal Ministry of Communications
The theme for this year’s RISE 2026 is “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance.” There are paper presentations, exhibitions, and talks on AI, digital policy, and inclusive tech.
Startups can exhibit their solutions and meet researchers and policymakers. Jos offers a cooler, peaceful setting. If you care about using tech to create jobs and grow the economy fairly, submit a paper or just attend – it is a serious platform for deep thinking and networking.
8. ICT Capacity Building Summit
Date: October 28–30, 2026
Location: Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja
Organisers: Computer Professionals Registration Council (CPN)
Contact: [email protected]
This summit builds skills for IT professionals while discussing emerging digital risks, trust, and bridging the digital divide. You will learn about new technologies, regulations, and smart solutions. Startups gain practical knowledge on compliance, cybersecurity, and professional standards.
This event is ideal for you if you want to strengthen your team or understand how the government views ICT. Come to Abuja ready to learn and connect with registered professionals.
9. Digital Nigeria Conference
Date: August 11–13, 2026
Location: BAT International Conference Centre (BAT ICC), Abuja
Organiser: National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Contact: [email protected]
NITDA’s flagship event focuses on advancing Nigeria’s digital economy. Expect high-level talks on policy, innovation, and how to make digital services reach every Nigerian. It is a great place to meet government officials who can support your startup through grants or partnerships.
If your work involves e-government, data, or national digital projects, register early – the agenda usually includes practical sessions for founders.
See a Related Post: Top 10 Nigerian Accelerators and Incubators Ready to Support Your Startup
10. The Fintech Forum
Date: July 30, 2026
Location: Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos
Organisers: Eventhive
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
Nigeria’s number one fintech event returns stronger with attendees expected in thousands to discuss payments, banking, commerce, and the future of financial services. It is perfect for fintech startups – you can exhibit, pitch, or simply network with banks and regulators. Hosted in Africa’s fintech capital, many founders have closed deals or found mentors here.
11. Lagos Startup Week
Date: Mid-2026 (July focus on recent announcements)
Location: Lagos
Organisers: Startup Lagos
Contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
This week-long celebration is for bold founders and funders. Expect talks about disrupting the next decade, women in tech (only 2.3% of VC funding goes to female founders), and real networking. It is energising and practical – many leave with new investors or partners. If you want to feel part of the Lagos startup movement, join the community and attend.
12. Inspire Africa Conference
Date: October 14–15, 2026
Location: Eko Hotel and Suites / Eko Convention Centre, Lagos
Organiser: Innovate Africa Foundation
Contact: [email protected]
Africa’s top product and innovation conference is back for its 4th edition. It offers hands-on training from world-class product experts, job-readiness sessions, and paths to funding. Over 500 attendees from across Africa, 100+ founders, and 20+ global speakers. If you build apps or digital products, this is where you learn Silicon Valley-level skills tailored for African problems. Perfect for product managers and founders who want to ship better solutions.
13. RegTech Africa Expo Conference
Date: May 20–22, 2026
Location: State House, Abuja
Organiser: Office of the Vice President of Nigeria
Contact: [email protected]
Under the direct patronage of the Vice President’s office, this high-level event focuses on regulatory technology (RegTech) – using tech to make compliance easier for businesses. It is ideal for fintech and regulated startups. Expect global experts, awards, and serious policy discussions. Being at the State House shows how important this is for Nigeria’s business environment.
14. Gitex Nigeria
Date: September 7–10, 2026
Location: Various venues in Lagos (including Eko Hotel and Landmark Centre)
Organiser: GITEX Global
Contact: Via website https://event.gitexnigeria.ng/exhibitor-enquiry
GITEX Nigeria is a big tech expo, and a startup and investor connector taking place at Eko Hotel and Landmark Centre. It is focused on financial inclusion, with global giants like IBM, MTN, and Cisco billed to attend. If you run a startup, this is your chance to meet international investors, and partners. If you want global exposure, apply to this event to exhibit your startup.
15. Art of Technology Lagos 8.0
Date: December 4–5, 2026
Location: Lagos (Landmark Centre)
Organiser: Eko Innovation Centre in partnership with Lagos State Government
Contact: [email protected]
The 8th edition of the Art of Technology Lagos focuses on future technologies and a sustainable Lagos. It brings innovators, policymakers, investors, and startups together to discuss smart, green solutions. Attendance is often free with registration. If your startup cares about sustainability, mobility, fintech, or community impact, end the year on a high note here. Eko Innovation Centre is a strong supporter of local founders.
These events are great opportunities for African dreamers like you. Many successful Nigerian startups today started by attending just one gathering like these. It is strongly recommended to register early, prepare well, and ensure to be part of these events. As a Nigerian or African startup founder or manager, be assured that these events represent a hub where you can learn to build solutions that create jobs, reduce poverty, and make our continent stronger.
