In a bid to actualize the objectives set forth in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0 2024-2027), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has affirmed a commitment to collaborate effectively with Ms. Salima Bah, Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovations of Sierra Leone.
Representing the DG, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of NITDA’s Corporate Planning and Strategy Department, conveyed the agency’s dedication to fostering innovation while emphasizing co-creation, stakeholder engagements, and innovation as pivotal drivers of NITDA’s regulatory agenda.
Inuwa further emphasized the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders within and beyond the public sector. He elaborated on the establishment of Digital Transformation Working Groups within each ministry to ensure policy relevance, frameworks, and guidelines across governmental agencies.
In elucidating NITDA’s approach to regulating Information Technology matters, the DG stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and understanding their needs, problems, and fears. He underscored the significance of developing laws and policies that effectively address these concerns.
Addressing service delivery monitoring, Inuwa recommended government agencies submit annual IT plans to ensure alignment with NITDA’s objectives. He highlighted the agency’s utilization of IT clearance as a mechanism for enforcing standards.
Minister Salima Bah underscored the importance of collaboration in propelling Africa forward in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain. She emphasized the continent’s need to leverage these technologies for mutual benefit rather than solely being consumers.
Reflecting on the two-day engagement, Bah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from NITDA’s expertise in policy implementation, digital development, and enforcement of standards and guidelines, particularly in the area of technology clearance and compliance.
The meeting between NITDA and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovations signifies a pivotal step towards fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing digital innovation within the African continent.
