The inaugural GITEX NIGERIA concluded this Thursday in Lagos, highlighting West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show. The event revealed the growing influence of local and regional entrepreneurs.

Held under the patronage of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of Nigeria, GITEX NIGERIA took place across Abuja and Lagos from 1-4 September. It was supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Lagos State Government endorsed the event, which was organized by KAOUN International, the global producer of GITEX events.

The GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival showcased Nigeria’s vibrant startup ecosystem, emphasizing talent development and digital infrastructure projects that support the nation’s US$1 trillion economy goal. Deputy Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the festival sends “an inspirational message to every Nigerian” and highlighted the positive impact of innovative startups on the economy.

Over 650 startups from 27 countries across 29 industries participated. The event included a diverse investor program, innovation hub showcases, and curated meetings between startups, investors, corporates, governments, and partners.

The Supernova Challenge, the world’s leading pitch competition for early-stage companies, made its regional debut at the festival. Contestants competed for a total prize pool of US$22,000 across six categories, showcasing solutions in agritech, edtech, healthtech, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and telecom.

Abdul-Jabbar Momoh, VP of Nigerian startup Curacel, won the US$10,000 first prize for its AI-driven health insurance solution. Momoh said the award “gives us more visibility and fuels expansion across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and North America.”

The event demonstrated how collaboration and innovation are shaping Nigeria’s tech startup ecosystem and accelerating the digital economy.

Bullet Points:

• GITEX NIGERIA hosted 650+ startups from 27+ countries.
• Supernova Challenge awarded US$22,000 to top innovators.
• Event focused on tech startups driving Africa’s digital economy.

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