Nigeria is scouting tech startups that will pitch at GITEX Africa
In collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre, NITDA has commenced the selection of eight Nigerian startups that will pitch at GITEX Global events this year.
Ahead of the inaugural GITEX Africa and the GITEX Global annual events, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commenced the search for Nigerian tech startups that will participated at the North Star Pitch Competition.
Through a roadshow that commenced on Tuesday in Abuja, NITDA is deciding which startups will compete for the $200,000 at finals of the Supernova Challenge at the GITEX event.
Last year, Shap Shap, a Northern Nigeria-based logistics startup won $8000 at the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition for the mobility and smart city category at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Dubai. It is arguably the biggest pitch competition in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.
After weeks of call application for the roadshow in Nigeria, 30 startups were selected by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)—owners of GITEX Global—out of over 100 applicants. During the Abuja edition, four startups were selected, namely: Touch and Pay, ToJu, Gifty Digital Shop Maker and Agrovesto.
The winners for the Lagos edition will be selected on May 12, 2023, after pitching sessions at the Eko Innovation Centre.
The eight Nigerian startups that will be selected after the roadshow will get access to return flights for four team members to North Star in Dubai and GITEX Africa in Marrakech. As well as accommodation at both locations.
The startups will also be provided with a fully built and branded startup pod to exhibit at North Star in Dubai in October 2023 and at GITEX Africa later this month. They will also participate in the Supernova Challenge 2023 semi-finals.
GITEX in Africa, for the first time
Last year, GITEX Global, the world's mega tech showcase announced that it will host its inaugural African edition this month.
"The time for Africa is now. Against a stuttering world tech market, Africa has risen and punched well above its weight recently, with big tech investments rocketing and startup funding recording the best year ever in 2021 at six times over the global average," Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International and Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX, said.
The showcase intends to amplify the continent's digital aspirations and achievements powered by tech savvy youth, corporates, and ambitious governments.
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