Africa’s financial system is entering a new phase of growth as digital payments, fintech innovation, institutional capital and regulatory reforms reshape the continent’s investment landscape, with the digital payments economy projected to reach $1.5 trillion by 2030.

Against this backdrop, FDX by GITEX is set to convene regulators, institutional investors, financial institutions, enterprises and startups in Lagos on September 3, 2026, to examine how capital, technology and policy can be deployed to deepen financial inclusion and expand investment opportunities across Africa.

The summit, held at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, is part of GITEX NIGERIA, West Africa’s largest technology, artificial intelligence and startup event, taking place across Abuja and Lagos from August 31 to September 3, 2026.

Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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.

Mobilising Capital for Nigeria’s Growth

From a capital market perspective, FDX by GITEX comes at a time when Nigeria and other African economies are seeking to mobilise larger pools of domestic and international capital to finance infrastructure, businesses and long-term economic development.

The summit will focus on connecting policymakers and regulators with investors, financial institutions and technology companies, with discussions expected to cover digital assets, capital markets, cross-border finance, financial infrastructure and new models for expanding access to financial services.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the state was committed to developing a technology-driven financial ecosystem capable of expanding participation and supporting economic growth.

He said aligning financial policy with digital infrastructure could deepen financial inclusion, facilitate cross-border trade and unlock new economic opportunities.

According to him, forward-looking financial policies would help support the entrepreneurial ambitions of Lagos residents while contributing to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

MOFI Targets N100tn Investment Portfolio

The role of institutional capital in financing Nigeria’s economic transformation is expected to feature prominently at the summit.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr Armstrong Ume Takang, said achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economic ambition would require more effective mobilisation of institutional capital and better management of government-owned assets.

Takang disclosed that MOFI was pursuing a long-term vision of building a N100 trillion portfolio, which it expects could catalyse investment, strengthen strategic sectors and generate sustainable national value.

He said FDX by GITEX provides an important platform for connecting policymakers, investors and innovators and developing the partnerships required to accelerate economic transformation.

The focus on institutional capital is particularly significant for Nigeria, where pension funds, sovereign-linked assets, insurance funds and other institutional pools represent an important source of long-term financing for infrastructure and productive investment.

Capital Markets Face Digital Transformation

The summit will also examine how technology and digital assets are changing the structure of African capital markets.

One of the headline sessions, “Access to Real World Assets and the Rewiring of Capital Markets in Africa,” will examine how African economies can connect underlying real-world assets with growing pools of capital and transform them into investable opportunities.

The discussion is expected to address the potential for technology to broaden market participation, improve access to investment products and create new channels through which domestic and international investors can finance African assets.

Another major session, “Trust by Design: Navigating the Security Paradoxes Holding Back Digital Assets and CBDCs,” will focus on the balance between innovation, security, regulatory compliance and investor confidence as digital assets and central bank digital currencies develop.

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

Amadiegwu said the adoption of artificial intelligence, automation and modern financial infrastructure would be critical to building more resilient and compliant financial systems across Africa.

He said the objective should extend beyond technological adoption to ensuring that digital finance generates sustainable economic value and expands access to financial services for individuals and businesses.

Cross-Border Payments as Investment Catalyst

Cross-border payments are another key area expected to shape discussions at FDX by GITEX, particularly given the high cost of moving money across African markets.

Mastercard, a technology partner supporting digital payments across Africa, is expected to showcase solutions designed to reduce payment friction and expand access to digital transactions.

Its Mastercard Move platform connects more than 200 countries and territories across over 150 currencies, providing infrastructure for faster and more cost-effective cross-border payments.

The company will also demonstrate payment acceptance technologies including Tap on Phone, QR-on-Card and Pay by Link, which could help small businesses and other underserved segments participate more effectively in the digital economy.

Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa at Mastercard, said collaboration between the public and private sectors, alongside secure digital infrastructure and trusted technology, would be critical to unlocking inclusive economic growth.

Financial Inclusion Moves Beyond Banking

The broader financial inclusion agenda at the summit reflects a shift from simply increasing access to bank accounts towards building interconnected digital financial ecosystems.

Discussions will cover intelligent payments, decentralised finance, digital assets, financial infrastructure, digital identity, institutional investment and regulatory coordination.

For African economies, the significance lies in converting rapid technology adoption into deeper financial intermediation, stronger capital formation and broader participation in formal financial markets.

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

With regulators, investors, financial institutions and technology companies converging in Lagos, FDX by GITEX is positioned to examine how Africa can move from fragmented financial innovation towards integrated systems capable of mobilising capital, lowering transaction costs and expanding investment opportunities.

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