GITEX Nigeria opened in Abuja on August 31, 2026, launching the second edition of West Africa’s largest technology, AI and startup event with a government-focused summit ahead of four days of programming across Abuja and Lagos.
Abuja Hosts Government and AI Summit
The event began with the Government Leadership and AI Summit, themed “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign AI and Innovation.” The summit brought together senior government officials, technology leaders, investors and innovators for discussions on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, data governance, cybersecurity, talent development and investment opportunities.
The gathering forms part of the event’s second edition, drawing senior government officials, global technology leaders, investors and digital-economy stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s expanding role in Africa’s technology and AI landscape. GITEX Nigeria is held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with backing from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and NITDA.
Programme Moves to Lagos This Week
After the Abuja opening, the event shifts to Lagos from September 2 to 3 for the Tech Expo, alongside the Future Economy Conference and the newly introduced FDX Nigeria by GITEX. The Lagos leg is built for founders, investors and exhibitors, with programming spanning AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, telecommunications, digital infrastructure and smart cities.
FDX Nigeria is a new addition to the event, focused on finance and digital asset exchange. The platform is designed to advance financial inclusion, help businesses enter the formal economy and connect emerging technology with global capital.
The Lagos startup festival is expected to feature more than 750 startups from Nigeria and over 25 other countries, covering fintech, artificial intelligence, healthcare, education, mobility, agriculture, climate technology and digital services.
Investors Turn Attention to Nigerian Startups
Organisers expect more than 200 investors from 30 countries, collectively managing approximately $200 billion in assets, to take part in the Lagos programme. International funds joining include Askya Investment Partners from France, Incofin Investment from Belgium, Triple Jump from Kenya and the Netherlands, Lightrock from the UK, Global Ventures from the UAE and Innovest Afrika from the United States.
For Nigerian startups, the draw goes beyond exposure. The real opportunity organisers point to is access to capital, partnerships, customers and international markets.
Context for the Second Edition
GITEX Nigeria first launched in September 2025, also spanning Abuja and Lagos. This year’s edition builds on that format while adding FDX Nigeria as a dedicated finance and digital-assets track, signalling organisers’ intent to link the event more directly to investment and capital flows rather than exhibitions alone.
The four-day run, from August 31 to September 3, positions Nigeria as a testing ground for how African governments balance AI adoption with data sovereignty, even as the country competes for a share of investor capital moving into the continent’s technology sector.
