GITEX NIGERIA FDX Summit unites regulators, investors, enterprises & startups in Lagos on 3 September to drive modernised financial ecosystems through capital, policy & digital integration

By ; Bakinam Khaled

 Africa’s rapidly evolving banking and financial sector is entering its next phase of development, amplified by a projected US$1.5 trillion digital payments economy by 2030. As technology redraws the boundaries of financial access, GITEX NIGERIA presents FDX by GITEX, a new platform to modernise critical infrastructure, accelerate financial inclusion, and connect capital, policy, and digital innovation to expand access and opportunity across Africa.

Held under the patronage of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, GITEX NIGERIA is West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show, taking place across Abuja and Lagos from 31 August–3 September 2026. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the upcoming second edition is endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, the global organiser of GITEX events.

Held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos (3 September), FDX by GITEX convenes the forces shaping Africa’s financial future to turn innovation into tangible economic outcomes. Aligning sovereign finance with entrepreneurial momentum, the platform hosts regulators, institutional investors, enterprises, and high-growth startups to stimulate investment, broaden financial participation, drive regulatory reform, and advance digital assets, capital markets, cross-border finance, and cross-sector collaboration.

H.E. Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, said: “As the commercial and innovation engine of West Africa, Lagos is committed to building a modern, tech-driven financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind. FDX at GITEX NIGERIA represents a pivotal platform to shape forward-looking policy and accelerate bold financial innovations. By aligning future banking and finance policy with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, we can deepen financial inclusion, unlock seamless cross-border trade, and catalyse sustainable economic value. Forward-thinking financial policies shall empower the entrepreneurial ambitions of Lagosians and drive the digital transformation of Nigeria’s US$1 trillion economy ambition.”

Beyond policy and digital infrastructure, Nigeria’s next phase of growth depends on mobilising institutional capital and directing investment towards high-impact opportunities. FDX by GITEX brings this imperative to the forefront, connecting public-sector ambition with the capital and partnerships needed to drive economic transformation.

Ahead of his keynote address in Lagos, Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Nigeria, said: “Unlocking Nigeria's US$1 trillion economic ambition requires moving beyond policy intent to the effective mobilisation of institutional capital. At MOFI, we aim to professionalise the management of government-owned assets while pursuing a long-term vision to build a ₦100 trillion portfolio that can catalyse investment, strengthen strategic sectors, and create sustainable national value. FDX at GITEX NIGERIA provides a timely platform to connect policymakers, investors, and innovators, advancing the partnerships needed to accelerate economic transformation and position Nigeria as a leading financial and investment hub.”

Addressing the defining priorities of Africa’s financial future

From intelligent payments and digital assets to decentralised finance, institutional capital, and financial infrastructure, FDX by GITEX will explore the emerging technologies, collaborative frameworks, and essential actions needed for increased capital flows, market participation, and inclusive growth across Africa. International experts will also address the defining priorities shaping finance in emerging markets – from trust, compliance, and institutional entry to borderless payments, digital identity, financial inclusion, and policy coordination.

Headline sessions include ‘Access to Real World Assets and the Rewiring of Capital Markets in Africa,’ examining how Africa can connect its underlying assets and growing pools of capital with investable markets to broaden participation and unlock new value. Another is ‘Trust by Design: Navigating the Security Paradoxes Holding Back Digital Assets and CBDCs’, exploring how institutions can balance security, innovation, and confidence as digital assets move towards implementation.

Confirmed international speakers include Jean Kambuni, Deputy Director, Capital Markets, Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC), Kenya; Erwin Anet N'guetta, Chief Digital Officer for Operational Excellence, Digital Transformation, and Innovation, National Bank of Investment, Côte d'Ivoire; and Henry Amadiegwu, Chief Information Officer at Zenith Bank UK.

Ahead of his involvement as an expert panellist, Amadiegwu stated: “As Africa advances towards a more inclusive digital financial future, the intelligent use of AI, automation, modern infrastructure, and technological integration will be critical to building agile, secure, resilient, and compliant-by-design ecosystems. This is why FDX at GITEX NIGERIA is so significant. It brings global stakeholders together to accelerate Africa’s transition from legacy platforms to modern, globally aligned standards, combining innovation with trust, security, resilience, and regulatory compliance. Ultimately, the goal is not technology for technology’s sake, but ensuring that next-generation finance creates sustainable value and delivers greater access and opportunity to people and businesses across Africa.”

Architects catalysing Africa’s next digital finance frontier

GITEX NIGERIA welcomes global technology companies supporting an inclusive digital economy by expanding digital payment acceptance, enabling cross-border commerce, and championing equitable access. Among them is Mastercard, a trusted technology partner in Africa for more than 50 years, presenting intelligent solutions to address long-standing cross-border payment friction and expand financial access for underbanked communities.

These include Mastercard Move, connecting 200+ countries and territories across 150+ currencies to enable faster, more cost-effective cross-border payments, particularly important in Sub-Saharan Africa where transaction costs average nearly 8.5%. Mastercard is also exhibiting hardware-lite solutions driving digital payment acceptance, including Tap on Phone, QR-on-Card, and Pay by Link.

Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa at Mastercard, commented: “Nigeria is one of Africa’s most dynamic technology and innovation ecosystems, and GITEX NIGERIA is an important platform for bringing together public and private sector leaders to shape the future of digital transformation across the region. Shared ambition, trusted technology, secure digital infrastructure, and strong strategic collaboration are essential to unlocking inclusive growth for businesses, communities, and the broader economy.”