Transforming Nigeria into Africa’s Silicon Valley

BY MUBARAK UMAR

Nigeria is poised to solidify its position as a leading technology hub in Africa by hosting three major international tech events—ICEGOV, GITEX Nigeria, and Digital Nigeria. Spearheaded by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under the leadership of Director General Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, these conferences will not only showcase Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem but also attract global investors, foster innovation and drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Beyond the immediate economic impact, these events are aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s goal of reforming the economy, delivering sustained inclusive growth and accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation.

The decision to host these high-profile events highlights Nigeria’s increasing influence in the global tech landscape with each event presenting a strategic opportunity to demonstrate the nation’s technological advancements, foster innovation, and strengthen its digital economy.

Scheduled for September 2025 in Abuja and Lagos, GITEX Nigeria, an upshoot of the renowned Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), is expected to attract between 20,000 and 50,000 participants and generate an estimated $25 million in revenue. The conference will focus on key emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), agritech, e-commerce, edtech, and healthtech—industries that are witnessing rapid growth in Nigeria. The fintech sector alone is projected to be worth $15 billion by 2025, while agritech is expected to reach $600 million.

The event will also highlight Nigeria’s growing pool of innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech startups providing an international platform to showcase their expertise and attract investors. With local startups gaining recognition for groundbreaking solutions, this event will serve as a catalyst for securing funding, forming strategic partnerships, and facilitating knowledge exchange. The presence of global technology leaders will further drive capacity building, skill development, and collaborative ventures that will enrich Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

In preparation for the event, NITDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaoun International during GITEX Africa 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco. This partnership is expected to accelerate Nigeria’s integration into the global tech economy by facilitating cross-sector collaborations and attracting international stakeholders. He emphasised that GITEX Nigeria would serve as an ideal networking platform, fostering idea exchange and business growth.

Set for November 2025, the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV), will convene policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore innovative e-governance solutions. As Nigeria accelerates its public sector digitization efforts, ICEGOV will provide a vital forum to discuss best practices for leveraging technology to enhance governance, combat corruption and improve service delivery.

With e-governance playing a crucial role in national development, the event will showcase proven digital governance models that Nigeria can adopt to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency.

Digital Nigeria is dedicated to promoting digital literacy and innovation. The event will provide training, mentorship, and investment opportunities, ensuring Nigerians are equipped to thrive in the digital economy. By prioritising digital literacy and workforce development, the government aims to bridge the digital divide and create a globally competitive talent pool.

The government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide is evident in its initiatives targeted at equipping citizens with technological competencies. Digital Nigeria will facilitate capacity building by fostering a tech-savvy workforce, encouraging entrepreneurship, and driving widespread digital adoption.

These tech events will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s broader economic agenda by fostering industrialisation, expanding digital services, and diversifying revenue streams beyond oil and gas. The focus on AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies will accelerate Nigeria’s digitisation efforts, creating opportunities for businesses and individuals to participate in the global digital economy.

Additionally, the integration of technology with Nigeria’s creative arts sector will open new global markets for local content creators.  This is crucial as digital platforms are revolutionising content distribution and monetisation, making technology a powerful enabler of Nigeria’s cultural exports.

The influx of international investors will stimulate capital flow, entrepreneurship, and job creation, particularly for the youth. With the expansion of tech hubs and startups, these events will address Nigeria’s unemployment challenges while positioning the country as a preferred destination for tech-driven investments and innovation-led enterprises.

Nigeria stands at the cusp of a technological revolution. ICEGOV, GITEX Nigeria, and Digital Nigeria are not just conferences. They serve as catalysts for transformation, investment, and global recognition. Now is the time for policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to seize this unprecedented opportunity.

We must collectively harness the momentum these events will create to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and shape policies that will position Nigeria as Africa’s Premier Technology Hub. The government, private sector, and global stakeholders must collaborate to accelerate digital transformation, expand investment opportunities, and equip the next generation with the skills to thrive in the digital economy.

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is primed for transformative growth, and the decisions we make today will define our place in the global digital economy. Let us invest, innovate, and lead; turning Nigeria into Africa’s Premier Technology Hub.

The future starts now!

Umar writes from Abuja.