By BONIFACE AKARAH

Nigeria is positioning itself to play a leading role in Africa’s projected US$1 trillion Artificial Intelligence economic opportunity by 2035, as GITEX NIGERIA returns with a renewed focus on digital sovereignty, AI infrastructure, investment and home-grown technological capacity.

The second edition of GITEX NIGERIA, scheduled for Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, will bring together global technology companies, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders as Nigeria seeks to move beyond digital connectivity and strengthen its capacity to develop and export technology and AI solutions.

The event, held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has adopted the theme, “Beyond Connectivity, The Bridge to Sovereign Innovation.”

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said Nigeria's ambition is to build the foundations required for Africa's digital sovereignty and technological self-determination.

“Building on the momentum forged through the implementation of Project BRIDGE, our national blueprint for expanding digital infrastructure and connecting communities across Nigeria, our aspiration ahead of this year’s edition is clear,” Tijani said.

He said the country wants to strengthen the foundations for a “globally competitive AI-powered economy,” while promoting equitable access and helping Africa move from being a consumer of digital technologies to becoming a producer and exporter.

The minister's position comes as Nigeria expands investment in digital skills, connectivity and artificial intelligence through initiatives including the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, Project BRIDGE and the National AI Strategy.

According to the release, the 3MTT programme has recorded 1.87 million registrations across all 774 local government areas, with more than 135,000 Nigerians trained through three cohorts. Community resources have also extended learning to more than 300,000 people, while 15,000 job and opportunity pathways have been created.

Project BRIDGE is also expected to create up to 20,000 direct jobs and more than 150,000 indirect jobs, train 5,000 Nigerian youths and raise internet penetration to more than 70 per cent.

The programme is designed to extend high-speed connectivity to millions of households, businesses, schools and hospitality establishments in underserved communities.

Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria's digital future would depend not only on adopting new technologies but also on building the systems needed to make them secure and sustainable.

“GITEX NIGERIA seamlessly complements this mandate, creating a unique environment for the dialogue needed to accelerate responsible AI adoption, develop a secure digital economy, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the partnerships and investment generated through the event could help shape an AI ecosystem that is “secure by design” and inclusive.

The GITEX programme will open in Abuja with the Government Leadership and AI Summit, bringing together ministers, governors and regulators to examine issues surrounding digital public infrastructure in West Africa.

The Tech Expo and Future Economy Conference and Startup Festival will also return, while the event will introduce FDX NIGERIA by GITEX, focused on finance and digital asset exchange.

The organisers said the new platform is intended to promote financial inclusion and help bring more businesses into the formal economy by connecting emerging technologies with global capital.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Lagos' position as a major technology and investment centre would be strengthened by the return of the event.

“Africa’s digital rise is deeply intertwined with that of Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said, noting the state's estimated US$259 billion gross state product in purchasing power parity terms and its contribution of more than 30 per cent of Nigeria's GDP.

He said GITEX would help support a “smarter, more connected, and globally competitive African economy” while strengthening Lagos' role as a gateway to opportunities across Nigeria and beyond.

The organisers said Nigeria's combination of government initiatives, technology companies and a growing startup ecosystem places the country among the key markets expected to shape Africa's digital transformation.

GITEX CEO Trixie LohMirmand said the event was sending a message that West Africa was ready to turn technological ambitions into economic opportunities.

“West Africa is open for business, ready to translate bold ideas and technological ambition into prosperity, resilience, and enduring global leadership,” LohMirmand said.

With Nigeria seeking to strengthen local AI capacity while attracting global technology investment, the Abuja-Lagos event is expected to provide a platform for discussions around the infrastructure, talent, capital and regulatory systems required to compete in the emerging AI economy.

This version keeps the US$1 trillion AI opportunity as the central hook, while the 3MTT and Project BRIDGE figures give the story measurable substance rather than making it read like an event announcement.