Nigeria has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fintech markets in the world, outpacing several global peers, according to Trixie Lohmirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Speaking at the GITEX Nigeria 2025 in Lagos, Lohmirmand said Nigerian start-ups are attracting global attention not merely by raising capital but by demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in building solutions.
“Nigeria is global. They beat countries like Mumbai, Turkey and many more with fintech and startups,” she said. “The resistance DNA and the way they thrive during tough challenges… Nigerians scale with resilience, not just capital.”
Lohmirmand noted that Nigerian fintech companies stand out for creating infrastructure and entire systems from scratch, unlike counterparts in other markets that build solutions on existing frameworks.
She added that Nigeria has produced some of Africa’s most successful unicorns, underscoring its growing influence on the continent’s digital economy.
The Dubai trade executive further remarked that Nigeria’s business environment, particularly in Lagos, provides entrepreneurs with the kind of real-world challenges that sharpen their capacity to innovate and survive.
“If you can thrive and survive in Lagos, you can thrive anywhere,” Lohmirmand stated.
This year’s GITEX Nigeria has drawn delegates from over 40 international companies, including some of the world’s largest technology firms, many of whom are visiting Nigeria for the first time. The event is serving as a platform for global investors to explore the country’s fintech and startup landscape.
Organisers said the forum aims to position Nigeria as a leading hub for technology and innovation in Africa, while providing startups with an opportunity to showcase solutions developed out of necessity and survival—factors that continue to fuel their rapid growth.
By spotlighting Nigeria on the global stage, GITEX Nigeria 2025 is expected to boost investor confidence and strengthen the country’s reputation as a driving force in Africa’s digital transformation.
