NITDA Seals AI, Fintech Deals with Canadian Firms to Fast-Track Digital Economy

"Under the agreements, the parties will explore innovative technology solutions capable of expanding access to digital financial services, particularly for underserved communities, while creating new economic opportunities through technology."

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two Canadian technology companies, Goose FL and Fireflies AI, in a move aimed at deepening Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthening its position in the global technology ecosystem.

The agreements were signed during the Nigeria–Canada Investment Forum and Nigeria Investment Economic Conference in Toronto, Canada, and witnessed by NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi.

The partnerships are expected to advance financial inclusion, accelerate the deployment of local Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and services, and strengthen Nigeria’s emerging digital economy.

Under the agreements, the parties will explore innovative technology solutions capable of expanding access to digital financial services, particularly for underserved communities, while creating new economic opportunities through technology.

A major focus of the collaboration is also the development of indigenous AI infrastructure and services, which NITDA said would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to build, manage and derive greater value from AI technologies within the country.

The agency said the partnerships would further facilitate technology transfer, innovation and digital capacity development, while fostering stronger links between Nigerian businesses and global technology players.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader digital transformation agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy by 2030, anchored on innovation, technology and human capital development.

Through the Canadian partnerships, NITDA is seeking to leverage global expertise while ensuring that emerging technologies such as AI translate into practical benefits for Nigerian citizens, businesses and the wider economy.

The agreements further underscore the agency’s drive to position Nigeria as a competitive destination for technology investment and a leading digital economy in Africa.