Speaking during a high-level panel session on the role of digital infrastructure in national economies, Inuwa described digital infrastructure as a critical driver of economic growth, innovation and national competitiveness.

He outlined Nigeria’s efforts to expand broadband connectivity, strengthen cloud infrastructure, promote artificial intelligence development and attract investments into data centres and digital public infrastructure.

The NITDA chief also highlighted Nigeria’s National Cloud Policy, which encourages government institutions to host data locally to enhance digital sovereignty and improve public service delivery.

According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population, growing technology talent base and expanding innovation ecosystem position the country as an attractive destination for digital infrastructure investment.

Inuwa reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to partnerships that will accelerate the development of cloud services, connectivity infrastructure, artificial intelligence and other digital economy initiatives across the country.

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Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, disclosed this during an engagement with Ericsson at the GITEX Africa 2026 in Morocco.

Inuwa said the country’s digital strategy is focused on safeguarding national interests and achieving long-term technological independence, rather than aligning with global geopolitical rivalries.

He explained that Nigeria is developing high-standard regulatory policies aimed at improving digital integration while ensuring that critical infrastructure remains under domestic control.

According to him, the approach is not designed to exclude global technology providers but to promote balanced collaboration that enables local value creation.

“We are not saying we are banning hyperscalers from coming. We want them to come, work with local partners, create value in Africa, and let us capture that value here,” he said.

Inuwa noted that Nigeria’s policy direction mirrors global trends, citing frameworks such as the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act and Data Governance Act as examples of regions asserting control over their digital ecosystems.

He added that Nigeria has already classified digital infrastructure as critical national infrastructure through executive orders, although building a fully sovereign system will require sustained effort.

A key objective, he said, is to ensure that data generated within the country is protected and that local talent contributes to the development of digital intelligence and innovation.

Inuwa also highlighted the need to avoid historical patterns where Africa contributes raw materials and data without benefiting from value-added industries, stressing that the current digital transformation must prioritise local ownership and economic participation.

Discussions are also ongoing around data ownership, particularly in emerging technologies where control of machine-generated data is expected to play a significant role in future regulation.

On the industry side, Ericsson reaffirmed its long-standing presence in Nigeria’s telecom sector. The company’s Director for Government and Policy Advocacy in Africa, Amos Haddebe, said the firm has supported the country’s evolution from 2G to 5G networks over more than five decades.

He noted that Ericsson continues to collaborate with operators such as MTN Group to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Haddebe outlined key elements of a memorandum of understanding signed with the Nigerian government in October 2024, including the establishment of a joint innovation hub, a national hackathon, digital skills development initiatives and knowledge exchange programmes.

He added that the national hackathon, launched under the supervision of the Vice President, is already underway and will be integrated into broader innovation efforts.

Haddebe also raised concerns about increasing competition in Africa’s telecommunications sector, urging governments to treat ICT infrastructure as a matter of national security and to adopt a diversified vendor strategy to enhance resilience.

The discussions reflect Nigeria’s growing focus on digital sovereignty, strategic partnerships and the development of a secure and competitive digital economy.

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In a moving display of solidarity and compassion, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, has donated an electric wheelchair valued at ₦1.2 million to a former classmate battling a spinal cord injury.

The humanitarian gesture was the highlight of the class reunion for the 1997 set of Science Secondary School, Kafin Hausa, held in Jigawa State. The donation was specifically designed to restore mobility, foster independence, and enhance the overall quality of life for the beneficiary, who had been confined to a manual wheelchair.

Leadership with a Human Face
The Secretary-General of the alumni association, Mallam Isa Umar Auyo, addressed the gathering, emphasizing that true friendship is defined by the support provided during difficult times. He noted that the gesture serves as a reminder to all members to stand by one another using whatever resources are available to them.

Reacting to the intervention, Abdulrahman Uba Daushe, Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), Kano State Chapter, lauded the NITDA boss for his generosity. “This donation goes beyond material support; it restores hope, dignity, and independence,” Daushe stated. “I sincerely commend the DG and the entire class for their care, unity, and compassion.”

Empowerment and Collective Progress
The reunion served as more than just a social gathering, as it also featured a dedicated empowerment initiative for other members of the Class of ’97. This segment of the program was facilitated by another prominent alumnus, Hon. Nazifi Sani, a Member of the House of Representatives representing the Gumel/Gagarawa/Maigatari/Sule Tankarkar Federal Constituency.

The empowerment initiative provided financial and material assistance to selected classmates, aimed at strengthening their livelihoods and promoting long-term self-reliance. Attendees applauded the dual interventions by Inuwa and Sani as exemplary models of leadership and shared responsibility.

The event has been widely cited as a call to action for society to increase meaningful interventions for persons with disabilities, proving that professional success can be effectively leveraged to create life-changing impacts for those in need.

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Inuwa made the call at the grand finale of the NITDA Innovation Challenge 1.0, held at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The event featured presentations by Corp members and Interns who showcased technology-driven projects developed under NITDA’s internal innovation programme aimed at solving real-life problems and improving service delivery.

Sharing his personal journey, the DG recounted how his career in technology began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year over two decades ago.

“I had an opportunity to build a website for the place I served, and that opened doors for me,” he said. “Before I finished my service, a company offered me a contract worth ₦1.5 million to develop another website. Since then, I have remained committed to creating value through technology.”

He revealed that NITDA currently hosts over 550 Corp members, many of whom face employment challenges after their service year. To address this, he said the agency is providing platforms that enable them to acquire digital skills, refine their ideas, and build startups before completing their service year.

“We know it’s not easy to get jobs after NYSC,” he noted. “So we are creating opportunities for you to build your own startups while you are here. You don’t have to wait until after your service year — you can start testing your ideas right now.”

The DG commended the participants for their innovative ideas, ranging from smart performance tracking systems to digital branding tools, knowledge management platforms, job placement systems, and certificate verification solutions.

“These are solutions we truly need,” he said, encouraging them to continue exploring new possibilities and building solutions that will define Nigeria’s digital future.

In his remarks, Dr. Ayodeji Eniola, Director in the DG’s Office, described the Innovation Challenge as more than a competition, calling it a “movement” that will redefine innovation within NITDA and across the public sector.

“What we are witnessing today is not just a programme but a movement,” he said. “In the years to come, the world will look back at this moment and celebrate it because the innovations developed here will not only transform NITDA but the entire public service.”

He explained that the initiative was inspired by the DG’s vision to institutionalise innovation through a structured approach, which led to the creation of the NITDA Innovation Framework (NIF) — a blueprint for harnessing creativity and improving public sector efficiency.

“Innovation is not about competition; it’s about collaboration,” Eniola added. “Everyone who took part in this challenge has contributed to building the foundation of something much bigger. Together, we are shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

Under the framework, staff, Corp members, and Interns were encouraged to identify and propose solutions to real challenges within NITDA’s operations and national digital transformation agenda.

The maiden edition of the Challenge attracted 35 submissions from various departments. After screening, 13 priority challenges were selected, leading to the formation of 24 teams that participated in workshops, mentorship sessions, and pitching events. Out of these, 23 teams successfully completed their projects, addressing 10 key internal issues within the agency.

Ten finalist teams presented their innovations before the NITDA Innovation Council, with six emerging as winners.

The NITDA Innovation Challenge is part of the agency’s broader strategy to foster creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving within the public sector, in alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Through initiatives like this, NITDA aims to position itself as a model for innovation-driven governance and a launchpad for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of cash awards to the top six winning teams as follows: Team X (COPA) – 1st Place; Team Sentinel (Smart ID) – 2nd Place; Smart Track Innovators – 3rd Place; Team Trivergent – 4th Place; Team TechLogs (SafeCheck) – 5th Place; Team Big Tech (Digital Brainbox) and Team SRAPture – tied for 6th Place.

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According to him, the agency is positioning Nigeria to harness AI to create over $2 million digital jobs, accelerate innovation across key sectors, and empower its youth population, which he described as the country’s “biggest asset.”

In his keynote address at the 3rd annual Economic Confidential Public Lecture, the NITDA boss stressed that AI has the potential to do for Nigeria’s economy what mobile phones did in leapfrogging landline technology.

The Public Lecture was organised by Image Merchants Promotion Ltd (IMPR), publishers of PRNIgeria, Economic Confidential, Tech Digest, Politics Digest, Spokespersons Digest, Emergency Digest, Arewa Agenda, and Entertainment Digest.

“AI is not just a technology; it is an enabler of national prosperity. Nigeria must seize this opportunity to leapfrog into the future, just like mobile phones helped us bypass landlines. With over 130 million internet users, our country has the digital base to build an AI-powered economy,” Inuwa said.

He highlighted that AI applications could unlock new solutions in food security, fintech, education, and healthcare, noting that the technology is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

On partnerships, the NITDA boss revealed that Nigeria is already working with global technology firms, development partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and institutions such as the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to build a sustainable AI innovation ecosystem.

“Our goal is to move from being a consumer of technology to becoming creators and exporters of AI solutions. By doing so, we can drive inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and make Nigeria globally competitive,” he added.

He explained that the agency is focusing on capacity development, digital infrastructure, and AI research, stressing that a strong innovation ecosystem will ensure young Nigerians not only get jobs but also create them.

The NITDA chief also drew attention to Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest digital market, arguing that if properly harnessed, AI could contribute up to 20 percent of the country’s GDP growth in the coming years.

The event also featured presentation of three new books authored by young professionals and corps members at IMPR. A staff writer with Economic Confidential, Rahma Olamide Oladosu, authored a Book titled: “Renewed Hope in Central Banking,” while “Healing Nigeria: A Chronicle of Health Reforms” was written by the duo of by Lawal Mamman and Maimuma Aliyu. “Diplomacy and Digital Innovation: Youth Insight” was also co-authored by two corps members, Fatimah Usman and Farouk Umar Bala.

Reviewing the book, IMPR Board Chairman, Dr. Sule Ya’u Sule, described the three newly launched books as a “trilogy of ideas and vision” that collectively provide a blueprint for Nigeria’s transformation. He noted that each volume distilled incisive articles, earlier published in IMPR platforms and reputable media houses across the country, into enduring scholarly works that speak directly to Nigeria’s present challenges and future aspirations.

Ya’u said Rahma’s book offers a clear and accessible analysis of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s reforms under Governor Olayemi Cardoso, presenting a coherent vision of monetary stability and financial leadership for Africa.
He further commended “Healing Nigeria: A Chronicle of Health Reforms” by Lawal Dahiru Mamman and Maimuna Katuka Aliyu for its human-centered exploration of Nigeria’s health sector, describing it as “both a manifesto and a call to action” that elevates healthcare equity into a national imperative.

On the third book, “Diplomacy and Digital Innovation – Youth Insight,” co-authored by NYSC members Fatimah Yusuf Usman and Umar Farouk Bala, Dr. Ya’u observed that the work captures the optimism and creativity of Nigerian youth while spotlighting digital transformation and foreign policy as twin pillars of progress.

“This youthful and disciplined reimagination of Nigeria’s global role,” he said, “is both a compass and a challenge, demonstrating the intellectual strength and patriotic urgency of our next generation.”

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By Abbas Badmus 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is taking bold steps to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape with a centralized e-governance platform aimed at integrating government services into a single, user-friendly portal.

This initiative is designed to streamline bureaucratic processes, curb corruption, and enhance public service delivery in a country where manual procedures have long hindered efficiency.

Leading this ambitious digital transformation is NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, who has set a target of digitizing at least 75% of Nigeria’s public services by 2027. The proposed platform draws inspiration from global success stories, such as Ukraine’s widely acclaimed Diia application, offering citizens and businesses seamless access to essential government services—including permits, licenses, tax filings, and national identity verification.

Unlike previous attempts, such as the OneGov.net initiative, which faltered due to fragmented implementation, NITDA’s approach is built on extensive research, strategic partnerships, and a clear execution plan.

In a recent high-level meeting in Abuja, NITDA officials engaged with Ukrainian Ambassador Ivan Kholostenko to explore potential collaborations that could accelerate Nigeria’s adoption of a fully functional e-governance ecosystem.

Ukraine’s Diia platform, which consolidates government services into a single, efficient digital space, is being examined as a model. However, NITDA is tailoring its platform to Nigeria’s unique governance structure and infrastructure challenges.

One of the critical challenges in Nigeria’s digital transformation has been the absence of a robust legal framework to support fully digital government services. Inuwa highlighted the need for strong regulatory backing, particularly concerning data security, access rights, and digital identity verification. To address this, NITDA is actively working on regulatory policies to ensure the platform’s sustainability, security, and compliance with international standards.

User experience remains a priority for NITDA, as previous digital initiatives in Nigeria have struggled with poor usability, unreliable infrastructure, and low public awareness. To counter these issues, the agency is engaging stakeholders across various sectors, including tech startups, financial institutions, and cybersecurity firms, to create a scalable and resilient solution.

The development of a centralized digital government service portal marks a significant step in Nigeria’s digital evolution. If successfully implemented, it will not only improve government efficiency but also position Nigeria as a leader in digital governance across Africa. With strategic partnerships, a strong regulatory framework, and a focus on execution, this initiative has the potential to revolutionize how Nigerians interact with government services in the digital era.

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In view of the critical roles digitalisation and technology play in optimising the operation of businesses in the 21st century, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE has averred that digitising the Nation’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will drive the needed sustainable economic growth.

The DG made this known in Abuja while delivering a Keynote Address on the theme: “Digital Nigeria – Leveraging Technology to Improve Ease of Doing Business for MSMES” at the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) 2023 Annual Lecture series.

Inuwa who noted that technology innovation is occurring at an exponential pace and businesses are increasingly recognising and leveraging technology for growth, quoted a 2020 PwC MSME survey which states that MSMES account for about 96% of all businesses in Nigeria; contribute 49% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and employ 84% of the country’s workforce.

The DG took his audience through the process of starting a business, stressing that technology has helped the government to provide an easy way for anyone to register a business from anywhere, within 24 hours, which he said is quite unlike the past when one would need to travel to Abuja from states for the same purpose.

“As a government we have the responsibility to carry everyone along, especially when it comes to inclusivity or access to digital infrastructure, it is no longer a privilege but a necessity”.

“With the way we are increasingly using systems to make decisions and a whole lot of things, there is need to carry every along as we cannot afford to be left behind in Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.”, Inuwa maintained.

According to him, “we are rounding off with legal framework that will make it easier for investors to come and invest in digital public infrastructure because this will make it a lot easier for SMEs would aid automation of governance”.

“Nigeria has the largest vibrant tech ecosystem in Africa as the country is leading so far in unicorn counts on the continent with five of the seven known unicorns originating in Nigeria”, Inuwa said.

The sustenance of NIgeria’s economy, Inuwa stressed, relies heavily on enterprises, given the the fact the trajectory of customer satisfaction, advertising and payment are results of the increased attention turned to digitalisation in today’s businesses.

“MSMEs that have embraced digitalisation and technology tend to fare better and that underscores a study done in Turkey which shows that 41.2% of 131 SMEs underwent technological innovations and this led to an operational efficiency of 96.9%”

“With the power of technology, you start small but in the long run, you will definitely grow exponentially, if you continue to add value to your business, of course”, the DG avowed.

While painting a picture of what the MSMEs in Nigeria could add to the country’s GDP through digitisation, the Director-General appealed to the Development Bank of Nigeria to also consider giving Startups access to funds as they do MSMEs, adding that the two are basically the same, with the only difference being their nomenclatures.

“If all SMEs in Nigeria can digitise today, we can add $60 Billion by just leveraging technology and recent research has shown that any MSME that transformed digitally could increase its revenue by 26% and reduce costs by 22%”, the DG assured.

The NITDA Boss who highlighted and explained the seven points Strategic Roadmap Pillars of the Agency, said the Federal Government is committed to digitally transforming the economy.

“Today, we collaborate more with western countries than our neighbours, this shows that we are the next frontier when it comes to digital economy”, Inuwa said.

Inuwa harped on the need to foster collaborations with key development partners and build strong institutions so as to deliver and execute all the digital visions in Nigeria, maintaining that the focus of the digital vision remains to uplift Nigeria through digital transformation and innovation.

“Start-ups and MSMES are the engine room for digital transformation and innovation, therefore, I want to encourage DBN to keep up the good work and to also receive the need to include tech startups in all your funding schemes”, Inuwa concluded.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tony Okpanachi, alluded to the fact that the discovery of the internet and its impact on human interaction and commerce have changed the dynamics of human coexistence, as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and other social platforms which started as a means of interaction between people now have commercial and advertising nodes to them, promoting not just social exchange, but also fulfilling an economic need through hyperlinking, interactivity and multimodality.

Dr Okpanachi disclosed that although internet penetration is still at 55.4% in Nigeria, according to DataReportal’s report, which suggests that there were 122.5 million internet users in Nigeria in January 2023, there is a strong need to plot how extant technology, and the new upcoming ones can be used to shore up the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria which sits at 131 out of 190 economies, on the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Rank.

“While issues like security, and poor infrastructure have bedeviled the country for so long, the country must look to other means that transcend these major roadblocks, one of which is technology, and a digitised business environment”.

“MSMEs in Nigeria play a crucial role in economic growth, poverty reduction, employment creation, as well as shared wealth creation and by leveraging technology within their operations, companies can improve their efficiencies, which is one of the roadblocks to doing business in Nigeria”, Dr Okpanachi noted.

The CEO affirmed that the DBN’s Annual Lecture Series is a platform that advocates for MSME financing in Nigeria, and leads the conversation on how technology can drive innovation, resilience, and profitability for MSMEs.

The fourth DBN Annual Lecture hybrid event marked the bank’s 6th anniversary and to celebrate the milestone, the Bank’s Lecture featured speakers drawn from a range of subject matter expertise, comprising public sector, academia, development economics, financial services, and entrepreneurship.

The event also featured keynotes and panel sessions, where the facilitators shared their perspectives on how to drive sustainable business growth with technology that adapts to a green economy.

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 By Joseph Johnson

TECHDIGEST – As part of activities to celebrate International Women’s Day and given the dire need to position young women for global participation in the gig economy, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with NATVIEW and World Bank has successfully rounded off a pilot digital skills development programme called “Gina Mata, Gina Al-Umma”, designed to identity, prepare, and connect disadvantaged girls and young women with emerging skills in the knowledge-economy, geared towards integrating gender intentional learning outcomes focused on technical training, soft skills, and right based learnings for young women interested in the tech ecosystem.

At the closing ceremony of the four days event, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE noted that the training programme which is hinged on creating potential economic opportunities, increasing livelihoods, and access to better lives through the Gig economy is in line with the Agency’s mission to place Nigeria on the path to attaining 95% digital literacy by 2030, in alignment with the National Digital Economic Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020–2030.

The DG who recognised the fact that women are underrepresented in the technology sector, avowed that with programmes like the Gina Mata, Gina Al-Umma programme, NITDA aims to bridge the gap by providing young women with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy.

READ ALSO: FG Records 3.8m Cyberattacks During Guber, State Assembly Polls 

“At NITDA, we are very excited about this partnership with the World Bank, which is in line with our initiative of one million software developers and skills by the end of 2023; Our core mandate is to develop and regulate the information technology sector in Nigeria because believe that the future of our nation lies in the development of its human resources, and as such, we are committed to providing access to training and development opportunities for all Nigerians”, Inuwa stressed. 

Inuwa who seized the opportunity to thank the World Bank for driving the initiative and the implementation partner, Natview Technology, acknowledged the importance of partnerships in achieving the organisation’s goals, noting that Natview Technology has a proven track record of delivering quality digital skills development programmes, adding that he is thankful for the execution of the pilot training programme.

He said “Ladies and gentlemen, as we round off this pilot today, let us remember that the digital economy holds vast opportunities for economic growth and development. However, to fully realize these opportunities, we must ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of gender, have access to the necessary skills and knowledge”.

The NITDA Boss urged all the young women who participated in the training to take full advantage of the opportunity to make significant contribution to the digital economy and Nigeria’s development. 

Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s commitment to ensuring that the entire citizenry is empowered with information technologies through the development of a critical mass of proficient and globally competitive IT manpower. According to him, NITDA remains poised to actualise its mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, local and international partnership, and efficient utilisation of resources in the interest of Nigeria.

The Director-General who later presented certificates to the participants, congratulated them and expressed the hope of seeing the positive impact of the programme on the lives of young women in Nigeria. 

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, NATVIEW Technology, Nuradeen Maidoki who earlier welcomed everyone to the closing ceremony described the Fasaha: Gina Mata, Gina Al-umma (“Building Women, Empowering Communities”) being implemented by Natview Technology as part of the firm’s contribution towards driving digital literacy and skills across Nigeria.

While appreciating NITDA and the World Bank for delivering digital competency beyond Nigeria, Maidoki said through the initiative, NATVIEW hopes to create a pipeline of highly skilled female technologists who can contribute to innovation and growth in Nigeria’s technology industry as the firm believes that by empowering young women with digital skills, it can create a more inclusive and diverse technology industry that reflects the richness and diversity of the society.

“During the 4-day launch, 200 young women were selected to participate in the digital content creation training. Beyond the digital content creation training, these young women also received skills training that will enable them to participate in the gig economy, which creates a platform for them to earn income from home”, Maidoki noted. 

Maidoki said, “the goal of the programme is to train and equip at least 800 girls and young women with digital skills and competencies to be globally competitive in the remote workplace. The pilot launch focuses on training 200 women around digital content creation and marketing while in the future, an additional 600 young women will be integrated from four Northern Nigeria states (Borno, Gombe, Kano, Zamfara) with high FCV cases”.

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TECHDIGEST- Nigeria’s tech and innovation startup ecosystem continues to attract offshore investment, making the country the ultimate destination for tech investment on the African continent.

Despite monetary hiccups and political tensions, Nigeria accounts for about 30% of the total tech investment on the continent and nearly 95% for all West African countries, highlighting its increasing importance globally.

At a recent meeting organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), which brought together telecommunication companies, financial institutions, and other stakeholders, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of driving support for the National Information Technology Development Fund (NITDEF).

READALSO: Bolt targets 300,000 jobs in Nigeria, others

The engagement focused on how NITDA’s achievements adequately reflect taxpayers’ money and the need for prompt payment of levies from stakeholders, including multinationals like MTN and indigenous big corporate players like Zenith Bank.

The NITDEF levy is charged at the rate of 1% of profit of ICT companies that includes “GSM service providers and all telecom companies, cyber companies and Internet providers, pension managers and pension-related companies, banks and other financial institutions,” among others. The meeting afforded NITDA a window to share its roadmap for making Nigeria a skill factory for the global economy and expanding the portfolio of opportunities in Nigeria’s digital economy by leveraging emerging technologies.

Nigeria’s pulsating growth in the tech industry is driven by a mix of factors, including its large population, which translates into a vast market, and a significant number of educated and trainable young people who can service the global IT economy at lower rates than equally skilled people in advanced markets. According to Abdullahi, Nigeria is home to about 30,000 startups, making it about ten times larger than Kenya and South Africa in terms of startup numbers. This makes it mandatory for Nigeria to draw up the right policy frameworks and statutes, including the new Nigeria Startup Act, anchored by NITDA.

The meeting with stakeholders provided an opportunity for NITDA to showcase its achievements and plans for the digital economy. The agency’s efforts towards expanding socio-economic opportunities and achieving the 95% digital literacy penetration target by 2030 were also discussed. The engagement highlighted the need for a continuous effort to bridge the digital skills gap in the country, develop a roadmap for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy and make its digital economy sustainable.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s tech and innovation startup ecosystem is thriving, and its increasing importance globally has made it the ultimate destination for tech investment on the African continent. The meeting between NITDA and stakeholders provided an opportunity to discuss the agency’s achievements, showcase its plans for the digital economy, and highlight the need for continued efforts to bridge the digital skills gap in the country. With the right policy frameworks and statutes, Nigeria can further expand the portfolio of opportunities in its digital economy by leveraging emerging technologies, making it an even more attractive destination for offshore investment.

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TECHDIGEST — The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Digital Literacy which he says will in the long run bridge the global talent gap in the information Communications Technology (ICT) sector and place the country among technology driven Nations

Inuwa said this as a panelist at the just concluded Nigeria-Spanish Business and Trade Forum, in Madrid, Spain.

“Nigeria has talented youths and is blessed with one of the youngest populations in the world; By 2050 we will be the third most populous nations in the world; So, we are concerned about Digital Literacy because the world is moving towards digital and knowledge-based economy and there is a global talent gap in ICT”

The NITDA Boss who noted that ICT is the third largest sectors in Nigeria told the forum that so far, the Implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy NDEPS for a Digital Nigeria which was unveiled and lunched by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 28, 2019, has been phenomenally successful with monumental impact on the Nation’s economy.

“The policy launch placed Nigeria on the Global Digital Economy Map and opened the doors for investors to come and invest in key sectors of the economy. Indeed, in the history of Nigeria, we have never had an administration which is ICT friendly like the Buhari administration”.

The Director-General also went further to explain the strategic pillars under the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) which he said three among the pillars are the key focus of NITDA:

“Building Infrastructure, Talents (digital skills and literacy), and Suitable Environment for investments to thrive remain parts of NITDA’s targets”.

Meanwhile, the DG informed the gathering that efforts to bring the Nigeria Startup Bill to a logical conclusion are currently being intensified.

He expressed optimism that upon getting the legal backing, the Bill will incentivise Nigerians and create a new market in order to encourage more investments and boost the sector’s contribution to the Nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

While commending the Federal Government for the change in the Ministry’s mandate and nomenclature from Communications to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in Oct, 2019, Inuwa stressed that although Telecommunications is the biggest sectors in Africa, Nigeria is the leading market.

He encouraged investors to take advantage of the country’s huge population/demography, resourceful young minds as well as it’s soaring digital economy and invest without fears.

“Africa is a virgin land, we don’t have legacy infrastructure; So, you can easily invest and grow in many sectors”, the DG stressed.

Inuwa was hopeful that achieving the ambiguous target of a 95% digital literacy by 2030 would go a long way in creating new markets for not just Nigerians but investors, both at home and abroad.

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