In a landmark moment for the continent, leaders from across government, technology, and finance gathered in Abuja for the inaugural GITEX NIGERIA Government Leadership & AI Summit. The message from Nigeria’s political heart was loud and clear: Africa must shift from being a consumer of technology to a co-creator, leader, and innovator in the global AI revolution.
The summit, a cornerstone of the larger GITEX NIGERIA show, wasn’t just a series of conversations, it was a strategic declaration of intent. With attendance from global tech giants and key government officials, the event set a powerful, collaborative tone for the future of the continent’s digital economy.
In his first public appearance since being named one of TIME magazine’s most influential people in AI, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bosun Tijani, delivered a powerful keynote. He warned that nations that fail to embrace AI risk losing their competitiveness, stating, “Africa must not treat AI as an afterthought and be a consumer-centric continent, we must produce, lead, and innovate.” He emphasized that AI must sit at the very center of Africa’s national strategy.
This vision was amplified by Lagos State Governor, H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who celebrated the state’s readiness, highlighting its vibrant youth population and proven track record of attracting investment. He extended an invitation to global tech leaders, inviting them to see the continent “not merely as a market, but as a co-creator in this revolution.”
The high-level discussions went beyond vision and delved into the tangible actions needed to turn policy into progress. Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, spoke on the urgency of building capacity, calling AI the “new industrial revolution” and emphasizing that “no nation can afford to be left behind.” He pointed to Nigeria’s ambitious initiatives, including training three million tech talents, as a key part of the strategy.
A recurring and pivotal theme of the day was the powerful discussion on sovereignty, data, and infrastructure. Panels explored how to build “distributed AI computing networks” and champion “interoperability by design” to ensure Africa’s AI ecosystem is collaborative, scalable, and built on a foundation of trust. The consensus was clear: securing the continent’s data and infrastructure is non-negotiable for innovation at scale.
GITEX NIGERIA is a testament to the power of a coordinated effort. Celebrating the launch, Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, stated that the event showcases the ambition and energy of Nigeria as the next global AI hub. GITEX provides a vital platform for local companies and startups to “connect and scale” and, in doing so, secure Nigeria’s seat at the global table of the new digital economy.
With the successful conclusion of the Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja, the momentum now shifts to Lagos for the highly anticipated Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference. The foundational conversations and partnerships forged in the capital have set the stage for a new chapter in West Africa’s largest technology event.
