GITEX NIGERIA 2025 Showcases Startup Power as Curacel Wins $10,000 Supernova Prize

The inaugural GITEX NIGERIA 2025 concluded in Lagos as West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show cast a spotlight on the influence of emerging local and regional entrepreneurs.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GITEX NIGERIA took place across Abuja and Lagos from 1–4 September. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event was endorsed by Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, global producer of GITEX events.

Taking place in Nigeria’s commercial and innovation capital, the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival showcased the strength of an ecosystem through which talent development pathways and digital infrastructure projects are accelerating Nigeria’s US$1 trillion economy ambition.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, hailed its immediate impact at the national level, declaring: “GITEX NIGERIA sends an inspirational message to every Nigerian: that many positive things are transpiring across our country and opportunities are here. We see many young citizens and entrepreneurs, with enormous innovative minds, making a real difference – generating interest, raising capital, and overcoming challenges by bringing their ideas to life. Such outcomes are crucial because they show that, as the world evolves, so too does Nigeria – as a nation of leaders, innovators, and architects of digital future we envisage.”

As the largest regional showcase of its kind and a convergence point for local and international stakeholders embracing digital transformation, the Startup Festival was perfectly timed to support this mandate.

Over 650 startups from 27+ countries and 29 different industries participated with a shared vision of co-creating tech architecture across multiple sectors undergoing continent-wide digitisation. Its programme included Nigeria’s most globally diverse investor programme, innovation hub showcases, and curated meetings between startups, investors, corporates, governments, industry leaders, and prospective partners.

Hon. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said: “The opportunity and responsibility lies with all of us to build a resilient, innovative, and globally connected ecosystem, one that ensures that Nigeria not only keeps pace with the digital future but also shapes it. To all enterprises, corporates, startups, academia, and partners, we offer a transparent and accelerated path to collaboration, investment, and cooperation with Nigeria.”

Startup participation was bolstered by hundreds of organisations brought by local engagement and international innovation hub partnerships. Within Nigeria, NITDA, Lagos State, FATE Foundation, CcHUB Africa, and Orange Corners were among the partners, while internationally, the UNDP and American Business Council (ABC) contributed.

Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO of NITDA, added: “Across Africa and around the globe, future-oriented partnerships are the lifeblood of thriving startup ecosystems and digital economies. By uniting ambitious organisations from instrumental sectors in the emerging digital economy, we demonstrate how collaboration fuels innovation, accelerates transformation, and empowers Nigerians and Africans to shape their digital future.”

Universally recognised as the world’s leading pitch competition for early-stage companies and emerging entrepreneurs, the Supernova Challenge made its regional debut – culminating in action-packed Thursday final. Over two days, the continent’s boldest disruptors joined Nigeria’s most visionary startups in competing for a US$22,000 total prize pool across six categories.

Abdul-Jabbar Momoh, VP from Nigerian startup Curacel – revolutionising health insurance with AI-driven solutions – emerged as the overall champion, receiving the US$10,000 first prize. Reflecting on the achievement, Momoh said: “Placing first at the GITEX NIGERIA Supernova Challenge gives us more visibility and fuels our expansion across Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as North America. Most importantly we are going to keep on impacting lives in Africa and around the world by deploying solutions to move health insurance distribution.”

Additional winners included Build Africa, InCash, Hadiya, Acecore, Kara, and HiPrep, representing sectors from agritech and energy to mobility and digital finance.