NIGERIA THRIVING ON INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSIVE GROWTH...... Says NITDA's DG

Dr Kashifu Inuwa
DG NITDA

"For us to succeed as a nation there is need for synergy, and we must strongly believe that the best solution emerges from collaborative efforts, harnessing diverse talents, expertise, and perspectives of the robust ecosystem for the advancement of the country."  Kashifu Inuwa.

Nigeria is empowered digitally and thriving on innovation and inclusive economic growth through technology. 

This was the assertion of Dr Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA at a workshop themed "Intel AI programme for Africa Deep-Tech startups, Ecosystem stakeholders” which was organised by Afrilabs and Intel in Abuja. 

Inuwa noted that, "For us to succeed as a nation there is need for synergy, and we must strongly believe that the best solution emerges from collaborative efforts, harnessing diverse talents, expertise, and perspectives of the robust ecosystem for the advancement of the country." 

He further pointed out that there is the need, "to propel and build a robust technology research ecosystem that aligns with the present administration's redefined priorities to accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, and innovation.

"Our problem in Africa is about implementation processes. We need to have strong institutions to implement these policies and strategies for the realisation of our goals and objectives.”

He opined that there is need to work together to build policies and regulations that will be beneficial and flexible to implement through proper coordination attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Speaking on NITDA's commitment towards the implementation of diverse initiatives and policies, Inuwa stated that it has attracted 6 African countries and other government institutions to visit and understudy for replication to change the conventional way of doing things.  

Providing insights into NITDA's strategic direction, Inuwa mentioned the agency's Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024-2027) 2.0, structured around eight pillars which include Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating Talents, Building a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem, Strengthening Policy Implementation and Legal Frameworks, Promoting Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services, Enhancing Cybersecurity and Digital Trust, Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations, and Cultivating a Vibrant Organisational Culture with an Agile Workforce.

Speaking earlier, the Chief Operating Officer of Afrilabs, Mr Ajibola Odukoya stated that driving innovation economy in Africa by power of our communities will bring about the cultivation of high potential entrepreneurs who will become catalysts for economic growth and social development in Africa. 

The workshop is aimed at finding solutions to research carried out on evaluating the deep tech ecosystem in Africa and lacks tailored support for the growth of startups in the sector.