FDX by GITEX to unveil blueprint for Africa’s inclusive financial future

FDX by GITEX, a new platform focused on transforming Africa’s financial ecosystem, is set to bring together regulators, investors, enterprises and startups in Lagos to advance financial inclusion and digital innovation.

The platform, scheduled for Sept. 3 at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, will form part of GITEX NIGERIA 2026, with discussions expected to focus on capital mobilisation, regulatory reform, digital assets, cross-border finance and financial infrastructure.

According to the organisers, Africa’s banking and financial sector is entering a new phase, with the continent’s digital payments economy projected to reach 1.5 trillion dollars by 2030.

They said FDX by GITEX was designed to connect capital, policy and digital innovation to expand access to financial services and unlock economic opportunities across the continent.

GITEX NIGERIA 2026, held under the patronage of President Bola Tinubu, is scheduled to take place in Abuja and Lagos from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

The event is supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and endorsed by the Lagos State Government.

Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, said the state was committed to developing a modern, technology-driven financial ecosystem that promoted inclusive growth.

Hamzat said FDX by GITEX would provide an opportunity to shape forward-looking policies and accelerate financial innovation.

“By aligning future banking and finance policy with cutting-edge digital infrastructure, we can deepen financial inclusion, unlock seamless cross-border trade, and catalyse sustainable economic value,” he said.

He added that forward-looking financial policies would empower entrepreneurs and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a 1 trillion-dollar economy.

Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), said achieving Nigeria’s economic ambition required effective mobilisation of institutional capital.

Takang said MOFI was working to professionalise the management of government-owned assets while pursuing a long-term vision of building a 100 trillion naira portfolio.

He said the portfolio would help catalyse investment, strengthen strategic sectors and create sustainable national value.

“FDX at GITEX NIGERIA provides a timely platform to connect policymakers, investors, and innovators, advancing the partnerships needed to accelerate economic transformation and position Nigeria as a leading financial and investment hub,” he said.

The organisers said discussions at the summit would cover intelligent payments, digital assets, decentralised finance, institutional capital and financial infrastructure.

Other areas include digital identity, financial inclusion, borderless payments, trust, compliance and policy coordination.

One of the headline sessions, “Access to Real World Assets and the Rewiring of Capital Markets in Africa,” will examine ways of connecting Africa’s assets and growing pools of capital with investable markets.

Another session, “Trust by Design: Navigating the Security Paradoxes Holding Back Digital Assets and CBDCs,” will focus on balancing security, innovation and public confidence in the deployment of digital financial technologies.

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, National Bank of Investment, Côte d'Ivoire; and Henry Amadiegwu, Chief Information Officer, Zenith Bank UK.

Amadiegwu said artificial intelligence, automation, modern infrastructure and technological integration would be critical to building secure, resilient and compliant digital financial ecosystems.

He said the summit would help stakeholders accelerate Africa’s transition from legacy financial platforms to modern and globally aligned standards.

Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa at Mastercard, said Nigeria remained one of Africa’s most dynamic technology and innovation ecosystems.

Femi-Lawal said GITEX NIGERIA would provide a platform for public and private sector leaders to collaborate on digital transformation and inclusive growth.

Mastercard is expected to showcase solutions aimed at expanding digital payment acceptance and improving cross-border transactions.

The company’s Mastercard Move platform connects more than 200 countries and territories across over 150 currencies, while other solutions to be showcased include Tap on Phone, QR-on-Card and Pay by Link.

Other banking and digital finance exhibitors expected at GITEX NIGERIA include BMONI, Edge Penny, GOSAR, Monica Technologies, Moove Payment, Raenest Technology Services and Softgem.

GITEX NIGERIA 2026 is organised by KAOUN International, global organiser of GITEX events.