Nigeria is set to host one of the biggest technology gatherings in West Africa as GITEX Nigeria opens on August 31, 2026. The second edition of this major event will run until September 3 and will bring together more than 750 startups from Nigeria and over 25 countries. These young companies will showcase their work in artificial intelligence, financial technology, health technology, education technology and several other areas that matter deeply to Africa’s future.
The event takes place under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, working in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency. The Lagos State Government has also given its endorsement.
What GITEX Nigeria Is All About
KAOUN International organises GITEX Nigeria in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). This is the second edition of the event, and it carries the theme “Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation”. The message is clear: Africa is moving beyond simply consuming technology from other parts of the world and is now building its own solutions, developing its own talent, and creating its own digital future.
The event kicks off in Abuja on August 31 with the GITEX Nigeria Government Leadership and AI Summit. This summit brings together ministers, state governors, regulators, and digital leaders to discuss West Africa’s digital public infrastructure, governance frameworks, and how to transition Africa from a consumer of AI to a sovereign exporter of AI solutions. From there, the action moves to Lagos, where the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo, Future Economy Conference, and Startup Festival take place from September 2 to 3.
A Gathering of Innovators from Across the World
More than 750 startups are set to participate in GITEX Nigeria, representing not just Nigeria but also over 25 other countries. Some reports indicate that over 1,000 startups from across 25 countries are expected to take part. These are not just companies showing off futuristic ideas. Many of them are developing practical tools designed to solve everyday problems that Nigerians and Africans face every day.
The event also attracts major global technology brands. Digital Virgo, a global specialist in mobile payments and digital services with operations in more than 40 countries, will be present. Cybersecurity giant Kaspersky will bring its expertise in digital security and threat intelligence. Open Access Data Centres, one of Africa’s leading carrier-neutral data centre providers, will showcase its work supporting cloud services and telecommunications networks across the continent. SolarWinds, a global leader in AI-powered IT management serving more than 300,000 customers worldwide, is also on the list. Networking technology leader TP-Link, the world’s largest provider of WLAN devices, will demonstrate solutions that power connectivity for homes and businesses in over 170 countries. Business software giant Zoho will also participate, highlighting its ecosystem of more than 55 integrated applications serving over 130 million users across more than 150 countries.
Artificial Intelligence Takes Centre Stage
Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest focuses of GITEX Nigeria. Nigerian founders are increasingly building AI systems for local businesses, financial services, language technology, and professional work. Companies such as Modulaw AI are applying artificial intelligence to legal operations, while Xara is using conversational technology to allow users to carry out financial transactions through messaging platforms.
The conference will highlight the progress of Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, which has already recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas and trained over 135,000 Nigerians. This programme is positioning Nigeria as the continent’s primary tech talent engine. With Africa targeting a projected $1 trillion AI economic uplift by 2035, the discussions at GITEX Nigeria could not be more timely.
Fintech Innovation Driving Financial Inclusion
Fintech remains one of Nigeria’s strongest startup categories. Nigerian fintech company LemFi, co-founded by Ridwan Olalere, raised $32 million in a Series B extension in May 2026 and now serves more than two million users globally. Another fintech startup, BMONI, is building borderless banking solutions through multi-currency wallets and global payment infrastructure supported by a portfolio of proprietary technologies and patents.
Making its official debut in Lagos is FDX Nigeria by GITEX, a dedicated platform focusing on finance, digital assets, and cross-border payment systems. The platform is designed to leapfrog legacy banking systems and aims to integrate millions of informal businesses into the formal economy while connecting regional fintech innovation directly to global venture capital.
Healthtech Solutions on the Offer at GITEX Nigeria
Healthcare innovation features prominently at GITEX Nigeria. Remedial Health, founded by Samuel Okwuada and Victor Benjamin, is developing technology to help pharmacies manage inventory, verify suppliers, and finance medicine purchases. 10mg Health, founded by Christian Nwachukwu, is using data-driven financing to help healthcare providers manage treatment costs and liquidity.
Hayok Medicare, another startup attracting attention, has supported healthcare digitisation initiatives across multiple Nigerian states, trained thousands of healthcare workers, and facilitated significant health-sector transactions through digital platforms. These companies are not just building technology for technology’s sake. They are solving real problems that affect the health and wellbeing of millions of Africans.
Education Technology and Beyond
Education technology is another key sector represented at GITEX Nigeria. The event also covers agriculture, mobility, climate technology, and the creator economy. Tomato Jos, co-founded by Mira Mehta and Shane Kiernan, works with more than 3,000 smallholder farmers while processing locally sourced tomatoes. The company secured $2 million in financing in 2026 to expand its processing capacity and supply chain. Moove, co-founded by Ladi Delano, uses vehicle financing and alternative credit assessment to help drivers gain access to cars and earn income through mobility platforms.
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A Platform for Investment and Growth
GITEX Nigeria is more than just an exhibition. It is a strategic meeting point where startups can connect with investors, businesses can discover new solutions, policymakers can engage with innovators, and young professionals can gain exposure to global opportunities. Investors managing more than $200 billion in global capital will be connected to participating startups, giving founders an opportunity to pitch products, secure partnerships, and raise funding. The Supernova Challenge, powered by this global investment capital, offers startups a chance to compete and gain visibility.
What This Means for Nigeria and Africa
The scale of GITEX Nigeria reflects the growing size of the country’s digital economy. Event organisers say Nigeria’s AI market could reach $4.64 billion by 2030, while the telecoms market is projected to reach $11.43 billion by 2029. Delegates will also evaluate the rollout of Project BRIDGE, Nigeria’s ICT backbone initiative designed to raise national internet penetration beyond 70 per cent. The initiative aims to connect underserved communities, schools, and enterprise hubs while driving the creation of 20,000 direct and 150,000 indirect jobs.
As Nigeria strengthens its position as one of Africa’s leading technology hubs, the arrival of GITEX is widely seen as a vote of confidence in the country’s digital future. Nigeria is not just consuming technology anymore. Increasingly, Nigerians are building it, and the world is taking notice. With more than 750 startups from over 25 countries converging in Lagos and Abuja, GITEX Nigeria 2026 offers a snapshot of where the continent’s next generation of businesses is heading and how African founders are developing technology that solve dire problems.
