Digital Backbone Key to Startup Investment, Growth — NITDA

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE 
DG NITDA 

"Digital infrastructure extends far beyond internet connectivity, encompassing critical components such as cloud computing, digital identity systems, payment infrastructure, data exchange platforms, interoperability standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies." Dr. Muhammad Aminu, Special Assistant on Digital Transformation to DG NITDA.

..... “These foundational systems significantly lower operational barriers for startups, enabling founders to focus on innovation, customer acquisition, and scaling, rather than having to build essential infrastructure independently.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated that robust digital infrastructure remains a critical driver for attracting investment and accelerating growth in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

This position was highlighted on Friday, May 8, 2026, during the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0, a virtual event themed “The Capital Reset: What Technologies Are Still Fundable in Africa?”

Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, the Special Assistant on Digital Transformation to the DG, Dr. Muhammad Aminu, stressed that investors are increasingly drawn to startup environments supported by reliable digital systems and predictable regulatory frameworks.

According to him, digital infrastructure extends far beyond internet connectivity, encompassing critical components such as cloud computing, digital identity systems, payment infrastructure, data exchange platforms, interoperability standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.

He noted that, “These foundational systems significantly lower operational barriers for startups, enabling founders to focus on innovation, customer acquisition, and scaling, rather than having to build essential infrastructure independently.”

Aminu further explained that from an investment perspective, strong digital infrastructure reduces uncertainty, minimizes operational risks, enhances scalability, and lowers the cost of expansion—factors that make startups more attractive to both domestic and international investors.

Highlighting government efforts to strengthen the digital ecosystem, he pointed to initiatives such as sovereign cloud projects, data interoperability frameworks, cloud adoption policies, cybersecurity enhancements, data governance reforms, and the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act.

He also underscored the importance of policy clarity and regulatory consistency in sustaining investor confidence within the technology sector.

On human capital development, Aminu revealed that NITDA is prioritising skill acquisition through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, describing a skilled workforce as an essential pillar of digital infrastructure.

In his concluding remarks, he maintained that a well-structured and resilient digital infrastructure framework not only reduces the cost of innovation but also strengthens investor confidence and supports the long-term expansion of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.