By Ayomide Otitoju
In a major boost for the nation’s digital economy, MTN has been unveiled as a key partner for the inaugural GITEX Nigeria, set to hold in Abuja and Lagos from September 1 to 4, 2025.
Billed as West Africa’s largest gathering of technology leaders, innovators, and policymakers, the event will run under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is organised by KAOUN International with support from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The partnership reflects MTN’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s technological landscape and aligns with the federal government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
Nigeria already leads in technology adoption, with AI usage reported at 70 per cent—well above the global average of 48 per cent. The country’s AI market is projected to reach $1.4 billion by the end of 2025, with startups raising more than $120 million between 2022 and 2024.
The Abuja segment of GITEX Nigeria will open on September 1 with a Government Leadership & AI Summit, where senior officials and industry executives will discuss digital infrastructure, AI adoption, and innovation. MTN is expected to play a central role in providing the digital backbone for these initiatives, focusing on co-developing technologies to empower industries and communities.
From September 3 to 4, the event will continue in Lagos, featuring the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo, the Future Economy Conference, and the Startup Festival. With more than 1,000 startups and 300 investors expected, the expo will serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s thriving tech ecosystem and attract global investment.
Commenting on the partnership, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, said:
“At MTN, we believe in collaborations that drive interconnectivity and deliver meaningful, mutually beneficial impact. Our partnership with GITEX aligns with our commitment to Nigeria’s digital future. As GITEX Nigeria approaches, we are excited about forging influential collaborations in 5G, AI, and cybersecurity, catalyzing digital transformation across a nation poised to lead Africa’s digital growth.”
Alongside MTN, other global tech players such as IBM and Meta are also partnering with GITEX Nigeria. The event is expected to position Nigeria more firmly as a continental technology hub and a showcase for African innovation on the global stage
