Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest tech investors, is making revolutionary strides in AI on the continent. In 2025, global investors will turn their attention to Nigeria’s growing startup economy through GITEX, the world’s largest tech expo.
Nigeria ranks in the top 15 globally in the fields of AI and cryptocurrency. With the launch of its AI strategy and the AI Collective Initiative, Nigeria is making significant moves in the tech world.
Africa has 2,400 AI organizations, with 40% of them consisting of startups. Thanks to these moves, Nigeria ranks second on the continent, just behind South Africa, in AI organizations. Due to the fintech boom, Nigeria has long been considered Africa’s largest tech market.
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Executive Vice President Trixie LohMirmand commented on Nigeria’s development in AI, saying,
“The time is now for Nigeria to rise as a global AI powerhouse. You cannot build large language models or advanced algorithms without considering the context of Africa, and Nigeria plays a pivotal role in that landscape.”
She also emphasized that this expo will be a valuable resource for Nigeria to better compete in the global market in the future. LohMirmand acknowledged that entering the Nigerian market carries significant risks, but she noted that the rewards could be equally great. She attributed this risk to the competition that has emerged as many major investors are turning to this market.
Additionally, 60% of Nigeria’s population consists of youth, and the ecosystem holds immense potential. GITEX Nigeria 2025 appears to be a turning point for the country’s technological development.
