The Lagos State Government has announced its readiness to host the GITEX Nigeria conference in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The announcement was made by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, during a meeting with Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of Kaoun International, and her team at the ongoing GITEX 2024 event in Dubai.
Dr. Hamzat expressed the state’s excitement about welcoming the global tech show to Lagos, emphasizing that the city’s vibrant technology and innovation scene is well-suited to host such a prestigious event. He highlighted the rapid growth of tech talent in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, where young innovators are increasingly driving the development of cutting-edge solutions.
“This is the perfect time for the global tech community to engage with Africa, especially Nigeria, where we are seeing an explosion of talent in technology and innovation,” Dr. Hamzat remarked. “The Sanwo-Olu administration has been deliberate in leveraging technology to drive the state’s development, and we are thrilled to showcase this through GITEX Nigeria.”
Hamzat also pointed to Lagos State’s annual “Art of Technology (AOT)” initiative, now in its fifth year, which has fostered the growth of numerous young entrepreneurs in the tech space. He explained how the event has helped uncover and nurture talents who are now running successful businesses, positively impacting the economy and local communities.
“Bringing GITEX to Lagos will allow the world to see the real stories behind our tech ecosystem, which is full of young people creating solutions to real-life problems,” he said. Hamzat shared examples of young coders as young as 10 years old, developing applications to help their parents sell products and services online, a testament to the power of technology in transforming lives.
Reflecting on the potential impact of GITEX Nigeria, Dr. Hamzat noted, “We have a wealth of knowledge and talent in Lagos. Our challenge now is to scale this potential and ensure that these innovators can benefit from their work. GITEX will connect these talents to opportunities, both locally and internationally.”
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of Kaoun International, reaffirmed her commitment to helping Nigeria unlock new possibilities in the technology space. She emphasized that technology is a necessity, not a luxury, and praised the ingenuity of young Nigerians she had encountered during a previous visit to the country.
“We’re excited to partner with Lagos State in bringing GITEX to Nigeria. We’ll need the government’s support to ensure a successful event, especially with logistics and security,” LohMirmand added.
GITEX, the world’s largest technology exhibition, brings together tech leaders, innovators, governments, investors, and startups from across the globe. The event serves as a platform for showcasing technological advancements and driving economic transformation in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Lagos State’s participation in GITEX over the past four years has resulted in increased investment opportunities and enhanced support for tech startups. The state remains committed to leveraging such platforms to further elevate its growing tech industry.
