Nigeria is making a stronger push to capture a larger share of Africa’s fast-growing artificial intelligence economy, with the government focusing on digital infrastructure, talent development and policy reforms. The ambition is to move the country beyond simply consuming technology to becoming a producer and exporter of AI solutions that can create jobs, attract investment and drive economic growth.
That ambition will take centre stage when GITEX NIGERIA returns from August 31 to September 3, bringing government officials, investors, startups and global technology companies together in Abuja and Lagos. The second edition of the event comes as countries across Africa race to build the infrastructure and skills needed to benefit from artificial intelligence, with the continent’s AI economy estimated to have the potential to generate up to $1tn in additional economic value by 2035.
Nigeria believes it has a strong foundation to compete, particularly because of its large technology ecosystem and young population. Through the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, known as 3MTT, the country has recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, while more than 135,000 Nigerians have reportedly completed training. The government is also pushing Project BRIDGE, a digital infrastructure initiative designed to expand fibre connectivity, improve internet access and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
But experts and policymakers recognise that AI growth will require more than internet connections. Nigeria will need reliable data centres, cloud computing capacity, strong cybersecurity, skilled workers, responsible data governance and enough private investment to turn promising ideas into scalable businesses. Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani said the country’s goal is to build the foundation for digital sovereignty and help Africa transition from a major consumer of technology into a producer and exporter of digital and AI solutions.
With Lagos hosting the main technology expo and startup activities, GITEX NIGERIA is expected to provide a major meeting point for investors, technology companies and emerging Nigerian businesses. The bigger test, however, will be what happens after the event—whether Nigeria can turn its growing pool of talent, infrastructure projects and technology partnerships into real businesses, jobs and globally competitive AI products. If that happens, Nigeria could be positioned not just to participate in Africa’s AI boom, but to become one of its major drivers.
source: punch
