Nigeria is positioning itself to capture a larger share of Africa’s rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) economy as the continent looks to unlock up to $1 trillion in economic value from AI by 2035.
The ambition comes as Nigeria prepares to host the second edition of GITEX Nigeria, one of West Africa’s major technology, AI and startup events. The event is scheduled to take place in Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026, bringing together technology companies, investors, policymakers, startups and other industry stakeholders.
With the theme “Beyond Connectivity: The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation,” GITEX Nigeria 2026 is expected to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, scaling AI capabilities, attracting investment and developing partnerships that can accelerate digital transformation.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) are supporting the event, which is organised by KAOUN International and endorsed by the Lagos State Government.
Nigeria’s push into AI comes alongside a broader national ambition to build a $1 trillion economy by 2030. The Federal Government has identified technology and digital services as key sectors capable of driving productivity, innovation and exports.
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, previously said technology and digital services would be critical to achieving the target, with the government seeking to expand broadband infrastructure, strengthen data protection, improve fintech regulation and accelerate AI adoption.
For Nigeria, capturing more value from the AI economy will depend not only on adopting AI technologies but also on developing local talent, expanding computing and connectivity infrastructure, supporting startups and creating an environment that encourages investment and innovation.
As African countries increasingly compete for AI investment and digital talent, Nigeria’s large technology ecosystem and growing startup community could give it an important advantage.
The country’s participation in the emerging AI economy therefore represents more than technological advancement. It could create new opportunities for businesses, improve public services, generate digital jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major technology and innovation hub in Africa.
