Lagos Pioneers Africa's Digital Revolution at GITEX 2025

Lagos: Africa’s Leading Tech and Innovation Hub

Lagos State has firmly established itself as Africa’s premier technology and innovation hub, thanks to the successful organization of the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo, Future Economy Conference, and Startup Festival. These events, held at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre and Landmark Centre on September 3 and 4, drew more than 20,000 visitors, 3,000 tech professionals, and nearly 1,000 startups, showcasing the city's growing influence in the tech sector.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized Lagos’ significance by calling it “the commercial economic centre of our country, the beating heart of Africa, the digital centre of our time.” This recognition highlights the city’s role not only as a Nigerian powerhouse but also as a key player on the African continent.

From 2019 to 2024, Lagos attracted over $6 billion in foreign tech startup funding, accounting for more than 70% of Nigeria’s total tech inflows. The state is home to five unicorns—Flutterwave, Interswitch, Paystack, Kuda Bank, and Opay—with an ecosystem valuation of approximately $15 billion. This represents an 11.6-fold increase since 2017, demonstrating the rapid growth of the tech landscape in Lagos.

Mr. Tubosun Alake, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, noted that Lagos now hosts 2,000 startups, with Nigerian startups raising over $400 million in 2024 alone. Additionally, 23 of Nigeria’s 28 fastest-growing companies, as recognized by the Financial Times, are based in Lagos, underscoring the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, highlighted the ICT sector’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, which now ranges between 16 and 18%, up from less than 5% a decade ago. He projected that this figure could reach 21 to 22% by 2027, surpassing the oil and gas sector.

Dr. Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), described Lagos as “one of the most dynamic hubs of innovation in Africa.” Ms. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, praised Nigerian startups for their resilience, noting that they innovate out of necessity, which she called “world class.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu pointed out that Lagos’s diversity fosters inclusive innovation, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to contribute to the tech ecosystem. “You can dream as a Hausa boy, code in any language, pitch in Yoruba, and still understand English fluently,” he said.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, highlighted the success of “She Mobility,” a locally developed app that has raised nearly $100 million. The Lagos State Government supports startups through initiatives like the Lagos State Science and Innovation Council (LASIC), which provides annual grants of up to N80 million.

Mr. Alake also mentioned that Lagos implemented one of Nigeria’s first government ERP systems using Oracle—a feat many Fortune 500 companies have struggled to achieve. Innovations such as the integrated transport payment card, designed by young Nigerians, are now used by over 6.5 million residents.

The Lagos Pavilion featured innovations from various ministries, including Innovation, Tourism, Health, and Education, with startup pitches across fintech, foodtech, healthcare, and education. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, spoke about Lagos’ rich cultural experience, offering guests local cuisines and performances at the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History.

Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, stated that GITEX Nigeria is a declaration that the country is ready to lead in the future economy. Ms. LohMirmand added that the event aims to spotlight underserved but inspiring communities, with 78 countries participating in the Lagos edition.

In conclusion, Mr. Alake affirmed that Lagos is “ready to lead,” inviting global stakeholders to collaborate in Nigeria’s tech revolution. The city continues to prove itself as a beacon of innovation and a driving force in Africa’s digital transformation.