Nigeria targets 75 new tech innovation projects as part of it’s strategy to boost the sector’s GDP contribution from 18% to 21% by 2027.
Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani announced the funding at GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, describing it as a critical action to position Nigeria as Africa’s innovation hub. The research scheme opens doors for startups, established companies, researchers, and diaspora innovators to access government backing for digital projects.
“On October 1, there will be a research scheme that will support another 75 research projects. Such investments will reinforce Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy,” Tijani announced.
“Startups can help us scale, corporates can help innovate. We invite you to build on our investment as a government and contribute to Nigeria and the world,” Tijani told investors and innovators.
Nigeria Builds Data Independence Through Hyperscale Centres
Beyond research funding, Nigeria plans to establish hyperscale data centres in partnership with global tech giants. NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi revealed the government’s “Cloud First Strategy” seeks to bring critical national data back within Nigeria’s borders.
“Today, we don’t have data sovereignty. Our data sits on social media, Google, Microsoft and others, and they decide what we see, what we believe, and what we buy,” Abdullahi explained at the Lagos conference.
The hyperscale data centre initiative forms part of Nigeria’s push for digital independence. Current data storage arrangements leave Nigerian information scattered across foreign platforms, creating security and sovereignty concerns for the nation’s 220 million citizens.
Lagos Tech Scene Attracts $6 Billion in Five Years
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the state’s tech credentials, revealing that startup funding worth over $6 billion flowed into Lagos in the last five years. The figures underscore Lagos’s emergence as Africa’s leading tech destination.
“Today, 70% of tech economy gains coming to Nigeria sit in Lagos,” Sanwo-Olu stated. The governor emphasized that governance in the 21st century must be digital, positioning Lagos as the continent’s smart city pioneer.
Lagos hosts approximately 2,000 new residents daily, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. This expansion creates both opportunities and infrastructure challenges that digital solutions can address.
Five African Unicorns Call Nigeria Home
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem produced five to six of Africa’s unicorn companies, startups valued above $1 billion. These success stories include fintech leaders and other tech innovators that emerged from Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape.
The country’s largest telecom market in Africa currently contributes between 16% and 18% to GDP. Minister Tijani’s target of reaching 21% by 2027 represents substantial growth potential for investors and entrepreneurs.
AI Strategy and Online Safety Framework in Development
Nigeria develops its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy alongside standards for AI adoption and ethical deployment frameworks. The forthcoming Online Harm Protection Bill will harmonize online and offline regulations while homegrown large language models reflect Nigeria’s cultural context.
“Emerging technologies cannot rely solely on existing laws. We have developed a regulatory intelligence framework to guide AI adoption,” Abdullahi noted. The approach emphasizes collaboration and practical use cases before implementing strict regulations.
NITDA works with major tech companies to establish local AI capabilities that serve Nigerian interests rather than foreign priorities. This includes developing language models that understand local languages, customs, and business practices.
Research Fund Opens October 1
The research scheme launches with applications opening October 1, 2025. Eligible participants include:
- Nigerian researchers and academics
- Local and international startups
- Established corporations with innovation projects
- Nigerian diaspora entrepreneurs
- Tech hubs and incubators
Projects must focus on digital innovation with potential for commercial application and economic impact. The funding will bridge the gap between research and market-ready solutions.
Infrastructure Investment Creates Foundation
Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expansion includes hyperscale data centres, increased fiber networks, and submarine cable landing systems. These foundations support the growing tech ecosystem and enable local data processing capabilities.
Private sector partnerships drive much of the infrastructure development, with government providing policy frameworks and regulatory support. The approach balances public objectives with commercial viability.
Global Investors Eye Nigerian Market Opportunities
International investors view Nigeria as a compelling emerging market for tech investments. The combination of large population, growing internet penetration, and government support creates attractive conditions for expansion.
Minister Tijani directly courted global investors at GITEX Nigeria, emphasizing the country’s readiness for large-scale tech partnerships. The research funding scheme demonstrates government commitment to supporting innovation across all sectors.
