INTRO

Last week was a dynamic one that reflected the Ministry’s dual commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and deepening knowledge exchange across critical areas of innovation. From delivering keynote addresses at GITEX Nigeria Summit in both Abuja and Lagos, to hosting strategic partners like Microsoft Research, the Organisation of Southern Cooperation, and SpaceX/Starlink, our engagements advanced both national and continental priorities. The Honourable Minister’s internal team also continued preparations for Nigeria’s robust participation at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

TIMELINE

Monday, September 1 – Shaping Africa’s AI Future 

• This week, Dr. Tijani’s first official engagement was to deliver a keynote remark at the opening session of the GITEX Nigeria Summit 2025 which took place at the Abuja Continental in Abuja. In his remark at the event, he restated the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a critical tool in bridging the digital divide for Nigerians. He therefore urged African leaders to take action as the decisions made now will go a long way in shaping how our continent participates in an AI-driven world. Themed, ‘Shared Infrastructure for AI in Africa’, GITEX Nigeria Summit is a high-level forum uniting policymakers, tech innovators, and global investors to shape the future of digital governance. 

Tuesday, September 2 – Deepening Global Partnerships 

• On Tuesday, he hosted in his office Ade Famoti, Global Senior Director at Microsoft Research (MSR), to discuss issues around building deeper strategic collaboration between Nigeria and Microsoft Research, particularly in advancing research, innovation, and inclusive AI.
• Next was a meeting with Manssour Bin Mussallam, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation (OSC) and other representatives of the organisation. Discussions at the meeting centred around positioning Nigeria as the potential African center for South-South Tech Hubs, while also exploring opportunities for strategic partnership with the Ministry. Established in 2020 to accelerate South-South collaboration, the OSC is dedicated to advancing knowledge, education, and cultural exchange among member states. 
• Later Dr. Tijani received a delegation from SpaceX/Starlink in his office. The team shared updates on their work globally and in Nigeria, including Strategic Connectivity Project aimed at extending connectivity to hard-to-reach areas such as schools, hospitals, and rural communities. They expressed interest in partnering with Nigeria to showcase the role of connectivity in driving economic and social impact, particularly in underserved locations.

Wednesday, September 3 – Driving Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem in Lagos

• He delivered the welcome address at the GITEX Nigeria Tech Expo & Future Economy Summit at Eko Hotel Convention Centre. In his address, Dr. Tijani noted the importance of Lagos to the accelerated growth of the tech and innovation ecosystem in Nigeria, while reiterating that our nation’s digital policy must go beyond catching up with other nations, and instead focus on creating resilient systems that sustain innovation over the long term. He later went on a tour of exhibition stands to assess the innovative solutions showcased by local and international exhibitors at the summit. The Government will continue to support and partner with innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and stakeholders across board to drive Nigeria’s digital economy forward.

Thursday, September 4 – UNGA80 Team Prep 

• The Honourable Minister had an extended meeting with his internal team to discuss plans ahead of Nigeria’s participation at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) scheduled for later this month in New York.