…23 startups pitch innovative solutions as Nigeria deepens digital inclusion
Gombe State on Thursday hosted the North-East Zonal edition of the GITEX Nigeria 2025 Startup Roadshow, an initiative aimed at identifying and supporting emerging technology-driven businesses across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in partnership with the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDi), the event brought together 23 startups alongside key stakeholders including policymakers, investors, mentors, and representatives from academia and the tech ecosystem. The participating startups pitched solutions spanning health, agriculture, education, financial services, and clean energy — all tailored to address pressing local and national challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the agency’s North-East Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammed, emphasised that the roadshow is part of a broader national strategy to promote innovation, drive inclusive growth, and diversify the economy through digital entrepreneurship.
“This initiative forms part of a national startup mobilization campaign. It is not just a competition, but a strategic effort to discover, support, and scale promising startups across Nigeria — ensuring that innovation thrives in every region,” he stated.
He noted that despite the socio-economic challenges facing the North-East, the region has continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience and creative potential.
The roadshow, he added, reaffirms NITDA’s commitment to building a robust innovation ecosystem that creates jobs, enhances digital inclusion, and fosters sustainable development.
Delivering the state’s welcome address, the Gombe State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Abdullahi Bappa Ahmad, underscored the importance of the event in advancing both state and national development priorities.
“This platform fosters collaboration, promotes indigenous technological solutions, and connects innovators with critical resources. It reflects our ambition to position Gombe as a regional centre for digital innovation and a contributor to Nigeria’s global tech relevance,” the Commissioner said.
This year’s theme, “Innovation: Connecting Ecosystems, Showcasing Nigeria to the World,” highlights the imperative of strengthening linkages between innovators, government, investors, and academia. The roadshow is designed to equip early-stage startups with the visibility, mentorship, and networking opportunities they need to scale.
Startups selected from the zonal competition will advance to the national finals, where they will compete for investment opportunities, further incubation, and a chance to represent Nigeria at GITEX Global — expected to hold in Abuja.
