Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Stakeholders in Africa’s financial and technology sectors will converge in Lagos on September 3 for the inaugural FDX by GITEX, a platform aimed at shaping the continent’s next phase of financial development through digital innovation, investment, policy reform and greater financial inclusion.
The FDX by GITEX Summit, taking place at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, will bring together regulators, institutional investors, financial institutions, technology companies and high-growth startups to examine how emerging technologies can modernise Africa’s financial infrastructure and expand access to capital and financial services.
The summit forms part of the second edition of GITEX NIGERIA, West Africa’s largest technology, artificial intelligence and startup event, which runs from August 31 to September 3 across Abuja and Lagos.
Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, GITEX NIGERIA is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), endorsed by the Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International.
With Africa’s digital payments economy projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, organisers say FDX by GITEX is designed to connect policy, capital and technology to unlock new opportunities across the continent’s financial ecosystem.
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit would provide an important platform for shaping a technology-driven financial ecosystem capable of expanding inclusion and supporting economic growth.
“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,” Hamzat said.
He added that aligning financial policy with digital infrastructure could deepen financial inclusion, facilitate cross-border trade and create sustainable economic value.
Mobilising Institutional Capital
Beyond financial technology and digital infrastructure, the summit will focus on mobilising institutional capital towards strategic investments capable of driving long-term economic transformation.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, said Nigeria’s ambition to become a $1 trillion economy would require effective mobilisation of institutional capital.
According to him, MOFI is working towards professionalising the management of government-owned assets while pursuing a long-term goal of building a ₦100 trillion portfolio capable of catalysing investment and strengthening strategic sectors.
He described FDX by GITEX as a timely platform for connecting policymakers, investors and innovators to develop partnerships capable of accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Digital Assets, CBDCs and the Future of Capital Markets
The summit will examine a range of issues shaping the future of African finance, including intelligent payments, digital assets, decentralised finance, institutional investment, digital identity, cross-border payments and financial infrastructure.
Among the headline sessions is “Access to Real World Assets and the Rewiring of Capital Markets in Africa,” which will explore how the continent can connect its underlying assets and growing pools of capital with investable markets.
Another key session, “Trust by Design: Navigating the Security Paradoxes Holding Back Digital Assets and CBDCs,” will examine the balance between innovation, security, regulatory compliance and public confidence as digital financial technologies move towards wider implementation.
International speakers expected at the summit include Jean Kambuni, Deputy Director, Capital Markets, Nairobi International Financial Centre, Kenya; Erwin Anet N’guetta, Chief Digital Officer for Operational Excellence, Digital Transformation and Innovation at the National Bank of Investment, Côte d’Ivoire; and Henry Amadiegwu, Chief Information Officer at Zenith Bank UK.
Amadiegwu said artificial intelligence, automation and modern digital infrastructure would be critical to building secure, resilient and compliant financial ecosystems across Africa.
He said the significance of FDX by GITEX lies in its ability to bring global stakeholders together to support Africa’s transition from legacy financial platforms to modern systems aligned with international standards.
Mastercard, Others to Showcase Digital Finance Solutions
Global technology and financial services companies are also expected to showcase solutions aimed at expanding digital payment acceptance and improving access to financial services.
Mastercard, which has operated in Africa for more than five decades, will highlight technologies designed to address cross-border payment challenges and extend financial access to underserved communities.
Among the solutions is Mastercard Move, which connects more than 200 countries and territories across 150 currencies to facilitate faster and more cost-effective cross-border payments.
The company will also showcase solutions including Tap on Phone, QR-on-Card and Pay by Link, which are designed to lower barriers to digital payment acceptance.
Country Manager, West Africa at Mastercard, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, said collaboration between governments, businesses and technology providers would be essential to unlocking inclusive digital growth.
“Nigeria is one of Africa’s most dynamic technology and innovation ecosystems,” she said, adding that GITEX NIGERIA would help bring public- and private-sector leaders together to shape the future of digital transformation.
Other banking and digital finance exhibitors expected at GITEX NIGERIA include BMONI, Edge Penny, GOSAR, Monica Technologies, Moove Payment, Raenest Technology Services and Softgem.
Organisers said FDX by GITEX is ultimately aimed at ensuring that technological advances in finance translate into greater access to capital, stronger financial participation and sustainable economic opportunities for individuals and businesses across Africa.
GITEX NIGERIA runs from August 31 to September 3, 2026, across Abuja and Lagos, with the Government Leadership & AI Summit opening the programme in Abuja before the event moves to Lagos for the Tech Expo & Future Economy Summit, Startup Festival and FDX Nigeria.
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