In a strategic push to elevate Nigerian youth in the global tech ecosystem, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has announced a digital showcase featuring 300 Nigerian startups ahead of GITEX Global 2025. The nationwide event, scheduled for September 1–4, will serve as a launchpad for local innovators seeking international exposure and partnerships.
This initiative is anchored under the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and is spearheaded by the Minister of State for Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande. NiYA has already onboarded over 210,000 youth and is in the process of establishing training centers across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria.
The announcement follows a high-level strategy session between Hon. Olawande and Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The discussions focused on strengthening Nigeria’s innovation pipeline and positioning young entrepreneurs for global engagement.
Hon. Olawande is currently in the United Arab Emirates on a diplomatic mission to deepen international collaboration. During his visit, he met with Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Dubai Cares, to explore joint youth empowerment programs and innovation exchange.
A key component of the broader plan is the proposed “GITEX Youth Local Showcase Series – Powered by NiYA.” The series aims to create a bridge between grassroots innovation in Nigeria and international stages such as GITEX Africa and GITEX Global in Dubai. The Ministry intends to leverage these platforms to facilitate funding access, cross-border collaborations, and scale-up support for participating startups.
Details regarding the criteria for startup selection and partnership frameworks with international organizations are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The showcase is poised to not only amplify Nigeria’s tech talent but also reaffirm the country’s role as a rising force in Africa’s digital economy.
