Lagos at the Heart of Africa’s Innovation
Lagos State has emerged as the epicenter of Africa’s tech revolution, attracting over $6 billion in direct foreign funding for tech startups between 2019 and 2024. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the GITEX Nigeria 2025 conference in Lagos on Wednesday, September 3, underscoring the city’s dominance as Africa’s innovation nerve center.
Lagos Drives 70% of Nigeria’s Tech Investments
According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos accounted for over 70% of Nigeria’s total tech investment inflows during the period. He noted that many of Africa’s unicorns trace their roots back to the city, a testament to its thriving startup ecosystem.
“This is the essence of Lagos. A place where diversity is not just demographic but an engine of creativity and resilience,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He pointed to the growth of data centers, submarine cables, and expanded fibre connectivity as key enablers of Lagos’ rapid digital transformation.
Government Support: Policies, Funding, and Infrastructure
The Lagos State government has played an active role in fostering innovation by:
- Launching a design and research fund, offering seed grants of ₦50 million to ₦80 million for startups
- Expanding digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity and service delivery
- Driving policies that enable startups to scale and attract international investors
This deliberate support, Sanwo-Olu emphasized, has created one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the world.
Digital Governance in Action
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted Lagos’ push towards digital governance, which includes:
- Lagos Digital Service Platform – enabling citizens to access healthcare, transport, and civic registration online
- Cowry Card – designed by young Lagos innovators, now serving 6.5 million residents across rail, road, ferry, and taxi services
- Blue Line Rail System – celebrating its second anniversary with over 5 million passengers carried, offering a 50% fare reduction to mark the milestone
These initiatives demonstrate how Lagos is extending digital innovation beyond startups to improve mobility, governance, and daily life for residents.
Building the Future: AI, EduTech, and Green Energy
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is committed to building a data-driven, inclusive, and innovation-led government by investing in:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- STEM education
- Green energy
- EduTech platforms
He added that partnerships with global tech leaders like Cisco, IBM, and MTN alongside African startups will be key to co-creating Africa’s digital future.
GITEX Nigeria 2025: A Platform for Young Innovators
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that events like GITEX Nigeria 2025 provide young innovators with a global platform to showcase their ideas, attract funding, and collaborate with global partners.
This reinforces Lagos’ position as not just Nigeria’s economic powerhouse but also Africa’s leading hub for technology and innovation.
Conclusion: Lagos Secures Its Role as Africa’s Tech Powerhouse
With over $6 billion in startup funding between 2019 and 2024, supportive policies, world-class infrastructure, and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Lagos has cemented its reputation as Africa’s Silicon Valley.
As Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed, Lagos’ diversity, resilience, and global partnerships will continue to fuel the city’s transformation into a global leader in technology, innovation, and digital governance.
