Lagos State is targeting more than $80 billion in technology commitments as the government intensifies efforts to position the state as Africa’s leading innovation and technology hub. Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu stated this during the ongoing GITEX Nigeria programme in Lagos, where he highlighted the state’s growing technology ecosystem and its potential to attract more global investments.
The governor said Lagos was focusing on critical areas including digital infrastructure, fibre connectivity, data centres, electricity and technology talent development to create an environment capable of supporting large scale innovation and investment. He also called on global technology companies to establish engineering operations, data centres and regional headquarters in Lagos, rather than limiting their activities to selling technology products in the Nigerian market.
Sanwo Olu said the state’s ambition was to build an ecosystem where Nigerian technology entrepreneurs could develop solutions capable of competing globally, while also creating opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills and participate in the emerging digital economy. He noted that sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital would be essential to maintaining Lagos’ position as one of Africa’s major technology centres.
The development comes as technology, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure increasingly dominate discussions about Nigeria’s economic future. With Lagos already serving as a major centre for technology startups and digital businesses, the state government believes attracting substantial new investment could strengthen its position as Africa’s innovation capital and further contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital economy ambitions.