ABUJA, Nigeria: GITEX Nigeria 2026 has officially opened in Abuja, bringing government leaders, technology companies, investors, startups and digital economy stakeholders together as Nigeria seeks to strengthen its position as a major technology hub in Africa.
The second edition of the technology and startup event is taking place from 31 August to 3 September 2026 across Abuja and Lagos, with artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation and financial technology among the key issues shaping discussions.
The event opened on Monday with the Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja, where policymakers and technology leaders focused heavily on the need for African countries to develop greater control over the technologies, data and infrastructure underpinning the region's digital future.
At the opening, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), called for Nigeria to prioritise AI sovereignty. He argued that sovereignty should extend beyond the development of AI applications to include connectivity, data centres, cloud infrastructure, algorithms and data.
“AI sovereignty” is increasingly being framed as a question of digital self-determination, with countries seeking greater control over the infrastructure, data and technologies critical to their economies and national security.
Nigeria has already taken steps in this direction, including regulatory measures relating to cloud and data sovereignty. According to NITDA, strengthening these areas could encourage investment in data centres while helping develop AI systems that are better suited to local needs.
A meeting point for West Africa's digital economy
GITEX Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional platform connecting different parts of the technology ecosystem. The organisers say the event brings together 150-plus federal and state agencies, more than 40 banking institutions, over 300 investors, and more than 1,000 startups, alongside global technology companies and regulators.
The scale of participation reflects the growing importance of technology to West Africa's economic development. For startups in particular, the event provides an opportunity to connect with investors, potential customers and international partners while showcasing solutions across areas including FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, AI, EdTech and cybersecurity.
The event also comes as Nigeria continues to pursue an ambitious digital transformation agenda, with the country seeking to expand digital infrastructure, develop technical talent and attract investment into emerging technologies.
Lagos takes the spotlight
Following the Abuja summit, GITEX Nigeria moves to Lagos on 2 and 3 September, where the Tech Expo and Startup Festival will bring businesses, founders, investors and technology professionals together at the Landmark Centre.
The Tech Expo will showcase technologies spanning AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, enterprise software, telecommunications, data centres, digital infrastructure, smart cities and the Internet of Things.
Meanwhile, the Startup Festival will focus on entrepreneurs and emerging companies, including a live Supernova Challenge designed to connect startups with investors and the wider technology ecosystem.
The Lagos programme will also feature the Future Economy Conference, bringing policymakers, investors and industry leaders together to discuss issues including AI, digital governance, cybersecurity, innovation funding, smart cities, future mobility and STEM education.
Finance and digital assets enter the conversation
Another major feature of this year's programme is FDX Nigeria by GITEX, which will debut on 3 September in Lagos.
The platform is focused on the future of financial services, bringing together banks, fintech companies, regulators, payment providers, investors and technology firms to discuss digital payments, digital assets, open banking, financial inclusion, tokenisation, AI in financial services and cross-border finance.
Its inclusion reflects the increasingly close relationship between technology and financial services across Africa, where fintech has become one of the continent's most prominent areas of digital innovation.
Beyond Nigeria
While Nigeria remains at the centre of the event, the discussions at GITEX Nigeria extend beyond national borders.
The organisers are presenting the gathering as a platform for strengthening partnerships across West Africa and connecting the region with international technology and investment networks. Government officials and industry representatives from several African and international markets are expected to participate in discussions around digital infrastructure, AI adoption, investment and governance.
For West Africa, the event comes at a time when governments and businesses are increasingly looking to AI and digital technologies not simply as tools for innovation, but as drivers of economic growth, job creation and competitiveness.
As GITEX Nigeria 2026 continues in Lagos, attention will therefore extend beyond the technologies being showcased to the partnerships, investments and policies that emerge from the gathering.
The broader ambition is clear: to position West Africa not merely as a consumer of global technology, but as a region capable of building, governing and exporting its own digital solutions.
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