Nigeria’s young population has the power to redefine Africa’s digital future, that was the resounding message from Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), as he addressed participants at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Abuja.
Speaking before a packed audience of innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, Inuwa described the youth as the “engine room” of the continent’s transformation. He emphasised that Nigeria, with over 220 million citizens and a median age of just 18, stands at a defining moment where its greatest asset, the creativity and energy of its young people, can either drive a new era of prosperity or remain an untapped force.
“If we empower and equip our young minds with the right skills and opportunities, Nigeria won’t just power itself; it will power Africa,” he said, warning that neglecting their potential would amount to wasting the nation’s most valuable resource.
The three-day conference, themed “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion and Global Competitiveness,” provided a platform for technology leaders to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and shape strategies that will advance Nigeria’s digital economy.
This year’s edition drew over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, featuring 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, and expert workshops covering five critical tracks,from digital connectivity and trust infrastructure to artificial intelligence, innovation, and skills development.
Inuwa reminded participants that Digital Nigeria is more than an annual event; it is a movement driving national transformation through innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.
“Every connection made here should inspire action,” he urged. “Let’s leave this conference with one shared conviction, that Nigeria can do it, and together, we will.”
