Stakeholders Push Mobilising Capital For Nigeria’s $1trn Economy

Nigeria’s push to build a $1 trillion economy will take centre stage as FDX by GITEX convened institutional investors, policymakers and innovators to mobilize capital for high-impact financial and digital infrastructure projects.

The summit is part of GITEX Nigeria 2026, West Africa tech, AI and startup show taking place across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026. The event is held under the patronage of President Bola Tinubu and supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with NITDA.

With Africa’s digital payments economy projected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2030, organizers say FDX by GITEX will align sovereign finance with entrepreneurial momentum to expand access, deepen financial inclusion, and accelerate regulatory reform.

The managing director/CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Takang, said mobilizing institutional capital is critical to moving “beyond policy intent” to real economic outcomes.

“Unlocking Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic ambition requires 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 N100 trillion portfolio that can catalyse investment, strengthen strategic sectors, and create sustainable national value,” he said.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Hamzat, said the commercial hub is committed to building a tech-driven financial ecosystem that leaves no one behind.

Hamzat noted that FDX at GITEX NIGERIA represents a pivotal platform to shape forward-looking policy and accelerate bold financial innovations, saying that “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.”

The summit will host regulators, enterprises, high-growth startups and international experts to discuss digital assets, capital markets, cross-border finance, and trust frameworks for CBDCs. Confirmed speakers include leaders from Zenith Bank UK, Nairobi International Financial Centre, and Mastercard, which will showcase solutions to reduce Sub-Saharan Africa’s average 8.5 per cent cross-border transaction cost.

Organizers said FDX by GITEX is designed to connect public-sector ambition with private capital and partnerships needed to drive Africa’s next phase of financial transformation.