Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, says the state is positioning itself to become Africa’s innovation capital, backed by more than $80 billion in technology development commitments.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, spoke on Wednesday at the GITEX Nigeria Official Tour in Lagos.
He said the state’s ambition would be driven by sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, progressive policies and effective implementation.
According to the governor, Lagos has already laid about 3,000 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure as part of plans to build a 6,000-kilometre unified network.
He also said the state was taking steps to improve electricity supply, with plans to secure between 200 and 400 megawatts of state-procured power.
Sanwo-Olu urged investors and global technology companies to establish engineering hubs, data centres and regional headquarters in Lagos, describing the state as a launchpad for the African market.
He added that Africa must move beyond consuming technologies developed elsewhere and become a producer and owner of digital innovations.
GITEX Nigeria 2026, which is being held across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, focuses on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, startups and Africa’s growing technology ecosystem.
