By BONIFACE AKARAH

Regulators, institutional investors, financial institutions, technology companies and startups are expected to converge in Lagos on September 3 for the FDX by GITEX Summit, where stakeholders will examine ways to modernise Africa’s financial systems and expand access to capital and digital financial services.

The summit, scheduled to hold at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, is part of GITEX NIGERIA 2026, which will take place across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3.

The organisers said the FDX platform would focus on financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, capital mobilisation, digital assets, capital markets, cross-border finance and regulatory reforms.

The initiative comes as Africa’s financial sector undergoes rapid technological changes, with the continent’s digital payments economy projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030.

Lagos summit targets financial sector transformation

GITEX NIGERIA, held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The Lagos State Government has also endorsed the event, which is organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the state was committed to developing a technology-driven financial ecosystem.

“As the commercial and innovation engine of West Africa, Lagos is committed to building a modern, tech-driven financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind,” Hamzat said.

He said FDX at GITEX NIGERIA would provide a platform for policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop policies capable of supporting financial innovation.

“By aligning future banking and finance policy with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, we can deepen financial inclusion, unlock seamless cross-border trade, and catalyse sustainable economic value,” the deputy governor said.

Hamzat added that forward-looking financial policies would support the entrepreneurial ambitions of Lagos residents and contribute to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

MOFI highlights institutional capital mobilisation

Beyond financial technology and digital infrastructure, the summit is expected to examine the role of institutional capital in supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, said mobilising institutional capital would be critical to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions.

“Unlocking Nigeria's US$1 trillion economic ambition requires moving beyond policy intent to the effective mobilisation of institutional capital,” Takang said.

He said MOFI was working to professionalise the management of government-owned assets while pursuing a long-term objective of building a ₦100 trillion portfolio.

According to Takang, the proposed portfolio is intended to support investment, strengthen strategic sectors and create sustainable national value.

He said FDX at GITEX NIGERIA would provide an opportunity to connect policymakers, investors and innovators and develop partnerships capable of supporting economic transformation.

Experts to examine digital assets, CBDCs, capital markets

The summit will also focus on emerging areas of financial technology, including intelligent payments, digital assets, decentralised finance, institutional capital and financial infrastructure.

One of the headline sessions, titled “Access to Real World Assets and the Rewiring of Capital Markets in Africa,” will examine how Africa can connect its underlying assets and growing pools of capital with investable markets.

Another session, “Trust by Design: Navigating the Security Paradoxes Holding Back Digital Assets and CBDCs,” will examine the balance between security, innovation and confidence as digital assets and central bank digital currencies develop.

International speakers expected at the summit include Jean Kambuni, Deputy Director, Capital Markets, Nairobi International Financial Centre, Kenya; Erwin Anet N'guetta, Chief Digital Officer for Operational Excellence, Digital Transformation and Innovation at National Bank of Investment, Côte d'Ivoire; and Henry Amadiegwu, Chief Information Officer at Zenith Bank UK.

Amadiegwu said technological integration would be important as African financial institutions move from legacy systems towards modern financial infrastructure.

“As Africa advances towards a more inclusive digital financial future, the intelligent use of AI, automation, modern infrastructure, and technological integration will be critical to building agile, secure, resilient, and compliant-by-design ecosystems,” he said.

He said FDX at GITEX NIGERIA would bring global stakeholders together to discuss Africa’s transition from legacy platforms to modern financial standards.

“Ultimately, the goal is not technology for technology’s sake, but ensuring that next-generation finance creates sustainable value and delivers greater access and opportunity to people and businesses across Africa,” Amadiegwu said.

Mastercard, fintech firms to showcase digital solutions

Technology companies are also expected to feature prominently at GITEX NIGERIA, with Mastercard among the organisations presenting financial technology solutions.

Mastercard Country Manager for West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, said collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders would be important to Africa’s digital transformation.

“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most dynamic technology and innovation ecosystems, and GITEX NIGERIA is an important platform for bringing together public and private sector leaders to shape the future of digital transformation across the region,” Femi-Lawal said.

She said secure digital infrastructure, trusted technology and strategic collaboration were important to expanding digital participation among businesses and communities.

Among the solutions Mastercard is expected to showcase is Mastercard Move, which the company says connects more than 200 countries and territories across more than 150 currencies for cross-border payments.

Other banking and digital finance exhibitors listed for the event include BMONI, Edge Penny, GOSAR, Monica Technologies, Moove Payment, Raenest Technology Services and Softgem.

GITEX NIGERIA will open with the Government Leadership & AI Summit in Abuja on August 31 before moving to Lagos, where the Tech Expo & Future Economy Summit, Startup Festival and FDX Nigeria will hold from September 2 to 3.

The FDX Summit is expected to bring regulators, investors, financial institutions, technology companies and startups together in Lagos to discuss the infrastructure, policies, capital and digital technologies shaping Africa’s financial future.