All Roads in Africa Lead to GITEX Nigeria
In 2023, GITEX Africa made a remarkable debut, positioning the continent as an emerging powerhouse in the digital economy. This inaugural event set the stage for exciting initiatives like GITEX Nigeria, which promises to further elevate Africa’s status in the global tech landscape.
During the event’s announcement, Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International—the organizing body behind GITEX—made an impactful statement that resonated throughout the gathering: “All roads in Africa lead to Nigeria. You can’t talk about technology in Africa and ignore Nigeria.” This assertion underscores Nigeria’s critical role in the continent’s technological evolution.
Trixie’s vision for GITEX transcends mere event hosting. She emphasizes a mission aimed at building robust technological ecosystems across Africa. “We’re not interested in creating events,” she declared. “We want to work with governments to forge pathways that connect local technology ecosystems to the global stage—especially in this age of artificial intelligence.” This quote sparks a pivotal question: How can we, as individual stakeholders, contribute to this endeavor?
She elaborated on the importance of collaboration among startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Success in today’s digital marketplace cannot occur in isolation. Even the most innovative products require exposure to thrive. Trixie remarked, “GITEX Nigeria provides companies with the opportunity to compare ideas, network globally, and encourage governments and stakeholders to implement policies that enhance the technology ecosystem.” Imagine a local startup in Abuja gaining access to international connections that could catapult it onto a global stage. The possibilities are indeed exhilarating.
Government Support Promotes Innovation Across All Sectors
At the heart of the GITEX Nigeria initiative is significant support from the Nigerian government, especially under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has played a crucial role in attracting GITEX to Nigeria, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering a tech-friendly environment.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA, stressed the importance of the event, expressing, “GITEX Nigeria will help foster innovation in the country.” While Nigeria’s fintech sector serves as an inspirational benchmark—recognized as one of the most advanced in the world—there’s an equally robust expectation that innovation will flourish across education, agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors.
“Bringing GITEX to Nigeria will enhance productivity in critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology,” Abdullahi told Business Insider Africa. This event will create an extraordinary platform to showcase Nigerian innovations on the global stage. Isn’t it inspiring to think that homegrown innovations could challenge global giants?
He articulated the broader vision behind innovation, stating, “The idea of innovation is about democratizing access to technology and disrupting the status quo.” The sentiment is powerful. It highlights the pivotal role that government plays in crafting policies that facilitate access to technology, thereby galvanizing the entire ecosystem.
Creating a Clear Path for Africa’s Future
Trixie further elucidated GITEX Nigeria as part of a visionary strategy aimed at bridging the chasm in the global technology landscape—specifically the disconnect between policy, innovation, and growth opportunities in emerging economies. “We want to provide startups, SMEs, and technology companies with a clear path to funding, opportunities, and growth,” she noted.
It’s not merely about hosting an event; it’s about creating long-lasting connections that will bolster the local ecosystem while attracting international investors and technological partnerships. Consider this: What if the next technological breakthrough emerges from a small team in Nigeria rather than Silicon Valley?
By fostering relationships with the Nigerian government and key players like NITDA, GITEX aims to ensure that Nigeria’s innovations thrive domestically yet receive the international recognition they rightfully deserve. In a world interconnected by technology, such efforts could revolutionize the entire landscape of African innovation.
It’s an exhilarating time to witness the evolution taking place right before our eyes. As we usher in initiatives like GITEX Nigeria, let us reflect on our roles within this vibrant ecosystem. How will you contribute to this narrative of growth and innovation?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
