Lagos Sets Sights on Becoming Africa’s Innovation Hub
Lagos Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat declared the city’s ambition at GITEX Nigeria, emphasizing that becoming “Africa’s innovation capital” will require concrete infrastructure and execution rather than mere declarations.
The shift from Abuja, where national technology policies are debated, to Lagos—the commercial hub—underscored this message. Global investors seek tangible results, not just potential.
Key Highlights From GITEX Nigeria:
- Competitive ambition: Hamzat stated that Lagos wants to be recognized for more than its commercial status but as the continent’s leading innovation center.
- Market fundamentals: “Exhibitions follow markets,” he noted, highlighting the need for scale, capital, and talent to attract investment.
- Rapid growth: The city’s tech ecosystem has seen an 11.6-fold surge in enterprise value, reaching $15.3 billion—outpacing 287 cities globally.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps
Rather than downplaying challenges, Hamzat openly addressed critical bottlenecks:
- Power: Lagos is decentralizing its electricity market through independent power producers and targeted investments to achieve 97.5% grid reliability in three years.
- Connectivity: The state has deployed a unified open-access duct framework with over 3,000 kilometers of municipal fiber optics already laid—connecting directly to transatlantic cables.
These interventions aim to reduce costs for businesses and create a more attractive investment environment. As Trixie LohMirmand from GITEX emphasized, the focus should shift from celebrating startups at launch to ensuring their long-term success.