The Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition has launched the Digital Nigeria Builders Festival, an initiative aimed at generating ₦3 billion in investments and contracts for Nigerian startups. The first edition will connect local technology companies with organisations seeking solutions to operational challenges, creating opportunities for business partnerships, investment and commercial agreements.
The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing economic reforms, which aim to improve the business environment, attract investment and strengthen private-sector participation in Nigeria’s economy.
Through the programme, pre-qualified startups will be matched with more than 100 verified operational challenges submitted by ministries, government agencies, corporate organisations and financial institutions. The three-day festival will also feature a dedicated Deal Room where startups and prospective clients can negotiate pilot projects, sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and pursue investment and contract opportunities.
The Builders Festival is designed to address a major challenge facing Nigerian startups: limited access to customers and commercial opportunities. By encouraging government institutions and private-sector organisations to adopt locally developed technology solutions, the initiative aims to help startups expand their operations, secure clients and generate revenue.
The programme is also expected to contribute to job creation, talent retention and the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy by increasing the adoption of homegrown innovations across different sectors.
The launch comes amid continued investment activity in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. Nigerian startups raised US$635 million in the first nine months of 2026, reflecting sustained investor interest in the sector. The ₦3 billion investment and contract pipeline targeted by the Builders Festival is expected to provide an additional route for startups to access funding and commercial opportunities.
By bringing startups and organisations with practical technology needs into direct engagement, the festival aims to strengthen connections between local innovation and market demand.
