Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on innovators, investors, and policymakers to harness artificial intelligence, fintech, healthtech, edtech, agritech, and other emerging industries to drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal on Tuesday at the opening of the two-day GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference 2025 in Lagos. The event was hosted in partnership with KAOUN International and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also serving as a partner.
The governor said GITEX Nigeria was more than just a showcase of technology. He described it as a platform to forge partnerships and ignite new ideas. He added that the conference was part of the effort to lay the foundation for Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“We are not just crafting a digital Nigeria; we are shaping a digital Africa that will inspire the world,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He noted that Lagos is positioning itself as the hub of Africa’s digital economy. Citing the Financial Times, he said Nigeria is home to 23 of the fastest-growing companies, reflecting the strength of an innovation ecosystem supported by government policy, private investment, and resilient startups.
Sanwo-Olu explained that conferences like GITEX provide opportunities for talent development, digital infrastructure growth, and strategic collaboration. These, he said, could transform education, healthcare, and agriculture.
He urged participants to explore emerging technologies and ideas that can uplift underserved communities and promote inclusive growth. He said the Future Economy Conference and the startup festival at the Landmark Centre were designed to connect visionaries, investors, and policymakers to shape Africa’s digital future.
Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos was “not just a city but a movement for innovation.” He said the outcomes of GITEX Nigeria would contribute to job creation, support local startups, and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
