What’s Happening?
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), through the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), has launched the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Regional Roadshows — a nationwide search for Nigeria’s most promising startups across all six geopolitical zones. This initiative, running from June to August 2025, is designed to discover, support, and showcase bold innovators solving real problems with scalable tech solutions. The roadshows will culminate in the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Startup Festival, Nigeria’s largest innovation showcase, taking place in Abuja from September 1–4, 2025.
What Founders Should Expect
1. Regional Pitch Events
The roadshow will visit Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Akwa Ibom (South South), Abuja (North Central), Gombe (North East), and Kano (North West). At each stop, selected startups will pitch their solutions live before a jury of ecosystem leaders, investors, and policymakers. if you ar a founder, This is your chance to demonstrate your innovation and gain valuable feedback.
2. National and International Visibility
Winners from each zone will be fully sponsored to exhibit at the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Startup Festival in Abuja. This event attracts top investors, tech leaders, and media, giving your startup national exposure. Outstanding startups may also be prepared for GITEX Global Dubai, connecting you to one of the world’s largest tech stages.
3. Networking and Growth Opportunities
Participating startups will connect with innovation hubs, the media, investors, and government officials. You’ll have the opportunity to build relationships that can lead to funding, partnerships, and mentorship.
4. Eligibility Criteria
- Early-stage or growth-stage startups
- Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or currently undergoing registration
- Operating in sectors such as HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, EdTech, ClimateTech, CreativeTech, and more
- Based in any of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones
How to Register
- Nominate Your Startup:
Visit the official GITEX Nigeria 2025 page and complete the digital self-nomination form. - Get Shortlisted:
If selected, your startup will be added to the GITEX Nigeria exhibitor pipeline and invited to pitch at your regional roadshow event. - Pitch Live:
Attend the roadshow in your region, pitch your solution, and connect with key players in the tech ecosystem. - Showcase at GITEX Nigeria 2025:
Top startups from each zone will be sponsored to exhibit in Abuja, compete for a $50,000 grand prize, gaining national visibility and the chance to prepare for GITEX Global Dubai.
Why You Should Apply
- Pitch your startup before a jury of industry leaders and investors
- Gain national and international exposure for your innovation
- Network with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem
- Access sponsorship to Nigeria’s largest tech showcase and a potential pipeline to GITEX Global Dubai.
Key Dates & Locations
- Roadshows: June – August 2025 in Lagos, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abuja, Gombe, and Kano.
- GITEX Nigeria 2025 Startup Festival: September 1–4, 2025, Abuja
For More Information
- Visit the GITEX Nigeria official website
- Register directly at the Nigeria Startup Portal
- For inquiries, contact [email protected] or call 08182887766
