The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated the critical role of robust digital infrastructure in driving investment, enhancing competitiveness, and ensuring sustainable growth within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
This position was reinforced during the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0, a virtual forum themed “The Capital Reset: What Technologies Are Still Fundable in Africa?”
Representing the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the Special Assistant on Digital Transformation, Muhammad Aminu, stated that investors are increasingly attracted to startup ecosystems supported by reliable digital infrastructure and clear, stable policy frameworks.
Aminu explained that digital infrastructure extends beyond internet connectivity to include cloud computing systems, digital identity frameworks, payment infrastructure, data exchange platforms, interoperability standards, cybersecurity systems, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
According to him, these foundational systems reduce operational challenges for startups, allowing founders to concentrate on innovation, customer acquisition, and scaling their businesses rather than building core infrastructure from scratch.
He further noted that strong digital infrastructure lowers investment risks, improves scalability, reduces expansion costs, and ultimately makes startups more appealing to both local and international investors.
Highlighting government efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, Aminu referenced initiatives such as sovereign cloud projects, data interoperability frameworks, cloud adoption policies, cybersecurity and data governance reforms, as well as the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act.
He also stressed the importance of policy consistency and regulatory clarity in sustaining investor confidence within the technology sector.
In addition, Aminu revealed that NITDA continues to prioritise human capital development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, describing skilled manpower as an essential pillar of digital infrastructure.
He concluded that a well-structured digital infrastructure framework significantly lowers the cost of innovation, boosts investor confidence, and supports the long-term growth and expansion of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
