Africa’s rapidly evolving banking and financial sector is entering a transformative growth phase, fueled by projections of a US$1.5 trillion digital payments economy by 2030. To help modernize critical infrastructure and accelerate financial inclusion across the continent, GITEX NIGERIA has announced the launch of FDX by GITEX. Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GITEX NIGERIA is West Africa’s premier tech, AI, and startup show, running from 31 August to 3 September 2026 across Abuja and Lagos with strong federal and state-level backing. Taking place on 3 September at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, the FDX Summit convenes regulators, institutional investors, established enterprises, and high-growth startups to turn technological innovation into tangible economic impact. The platform is designed to align sovereign finance goals with private-sector momentum, driving regulatory reform, broadening market participation, and advancing key areas such as digital assets, capital markets, and cross-border finance. Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted the summit’s strategic importance, noting that aligning forward-thinking banking policies with modern digital infrastructure is vital for inclusive growth and cross-border trade. He emphasized that establishing a tech-driven financial ecosystem will empower local entrepreneurs and directly contribute to Nigeria’s overarching US$1 trillion economic target. Complementing policy efforts, mobilizing institutional capital remains essential to realizing these national ambitions. Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, MD/CEO of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), noted ahead of his keynote address that MOFI is pursuing a ₦100 trillion asset portfolio to catalyze investment into strategic sectors, making platforms like FDX vital for bridging the gap between policymakers, innovators, and long-term capital allocators. The summit’s agenda addresses defining priorities in modern finance, spanning decentralized finance, digital identity, compliance, and institutional entry into emerging markets. High-level sessions will explore tokenized real-world assets and capital market rewiring, alongside the security paradoxes surrounding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and digital assets. Confirmed international contributors include experts from Kenya’s Nairobi International Financial Centre, Côte d’Ivoire’s National Bank of Investment, and Zenith Bank UK. Global technology leaders are also using the platform to introduce solutions aimed at lowering transaction friction and expanding access for underbanked communities. Notably, Mastercard will showcase innovations such as Mastercard Move—which facilitates cross-border transfers across more than 200 countries—as well as cost-effective acceptance tools like Tap on Phone, QR-on-Card, and Pay by Link to reduce high regional remittance costs and support merchant adoption. Joined by emerging fintech exhibitors such as BMONI, Edge Penny, GOSAR, and Moove Payment, FDX by GITEX serves as a collaborative launchpad for public and private sector leaders. Together, these stakeholders aim to transition Africa’s financial ecosystem away from legacy constraints toward a secure, resilient, and globally integrated digital economy.
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