According to the Center for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law, there are approximately 2,400 AI organizations in Africa, 40% of which are startups. Nigeria ranks as the second AI country on the continent after South Africa.
Coingecko’s research also shows that Nigeria is among the top 15 countries in the world that will shape the AI and cryptocurrency scene in 2024.
These numbers may vary somewhat, but one thing is clear: Nigeria is a major player in Africa’s AI industry. The country has long held the title of Africa’s largest technology market, driven by a fintech boom. Despite currently facing funding challenges, Nigeria continues to attract high-tech investors.
Dubai will next year lure global investors to Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem through the world’s largest technology show, the famous GITEX Technology Expo.
Trixie Romirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), spoke about the exciting developments and noted how important Nigeria is to the global technology scene, especially when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI).
“Now is the time for Nigeria to emerge as a global AI powerhouse. We cannot build large-scale language models and advanced algorithms without considering the African context, and Nigeria has a vital role to play in that context. ,” she said.
LohMirmand highlighted that GITEX Nigeria 2025 will give startups incredible access to capital and guidance, allowing them to see how their companies stand up to global innovation. “This is very important in the age of AI,” she noted, noting that Nigeria’s tech scene and creativity could shake up the global economy.
Speaking about the challenges of entering the Nigerian market, Lo Marmando admitted that it may seem a bit scary, but reassured investors that the rewards are huge. “This is for the brave, the risks are high, but the rewards are high. In the new digital age of emerging technologies, first-mover advantage is crucial,” she said.
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Authority (NITDA), Kashif Inuwa, also told industry leaders and investors in the global technology scene that Nigeria is a promising market waiting for value investors to jump into it.
Recently, Nigeria has made significant moves in the world of technology, including the launch of the AI Strategy and AI Collective Initiative, which are helping the country establish itself as a major player on the global digital stage. Roemermand pointed out that many global companies are excited to take advantage of this potential, even though the market is quite competitive.
With a population of over 220 million people, 60% of whom are young, Nigeria’s technology ecosystem is full of potential, making GITEX Nigeria 2025 a pivotal moment in the country’s technology journey. It is expected that.
“Technology in Africa is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. When we need technology to survive, we are innovative like no other,” she said.
