The Federal Government, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to host the world’s largest technology fair, GITEX, in 2025. The MOU was signed by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General and CEO of NITDA, and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, the organizers of GITEX.
Inuwa highlighted the importance of this event, stating, “Bringing GITEX to Nigeria will introduce the experience of the best tech conference to our country.” He emphasized that this strategic initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Agenda aimed at economic reform and sustained growth. “President Tinubu is big and loud on trade and economic diversification, and you cannot trade in isolation. The President has mandated us to facilitate parts of this diversification,” Inuwa remarked.
The NITDA Director General noted that in today’s interconnected world, economic prosperity is closely linked to global market engagement and integration into the international trade ecosystem. Reflecting President Tinubu’s mandate, Inuwa stressed the need for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to support economic diversification, promote innovation, and foster technological advancement.
“The President’s directive is clear: we must build bridges with the rest of the world and leverage these connections to boost our economic growth. Through initiatives like GITEX Nigeria, we are creating platforms for our tech ecosystem to shine, demonstrating that Nigeria is not only open for business but is also a hub of innovation and creativity,” he added.
Trixie LohMirmand expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, commending the impressive performance of Nigerian teams in GITEX pitch competitions. She noted that Nigeria has established itself as the fastest-growing country for developers in Africa, with significant untapped talent potential.
“By bringing GITEX to Nigeria, we aim to explore the country’s potential in sectors like AI, digital health, and fintech. The initiative aims to not only showcase local advancements but also integrate the Nigerian tech scene with the wider GITEX network, providing Nigerian startups with a platform to connect with new markets,” she said.
While a date for GITEX Nigeria has not yet been announced, the signing of this agreement marks a significant step in positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global tech scene. It also affirms President Tinubu’s strong commitment to economic diversification and international trade integration, driving a comprehensive strategy to transform Nigeria’s economy.
