Director General National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, President Japan International Corporation Agency JICA Akihiko Tanaka,inspecting one of the facilities at the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics NCAIR, during the visit to centre in Abuja.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has highlighted the global recognition Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has gained through its collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Inuwa shared this during a meeting with JICA President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja, a specialized office established by NITDA.
In his remarks, Inuwa underscored the positive impact of the NITDA-JICA partnership, noting that it has provided Nigerian startups with opportunities to showcase their innovations at key technology exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East. “Through this collaboration, we have facilitated connections between Nigerian startups and Japanese corporations, such as Mitsubishi, and organized training for 112 startup founders from 56 companies, resulting in the creation of over 300 direct jobs in Nigeria,” Inuwa said.
He also reflected on NITDA’s journey since its establishment in 2001. At the time, less than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers. Today, Inuwa proudly announced, significant strides have been made, with Nigeria’s ICT sector contributing over 16% to the country’s GDP, and 120 million citizens now having access to computers. This growth underscores the agency’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy across the nation.
Inuwa cited research from the World Bank predicting a global talent deficit of 85 million by 2030, which could result in an annual loss of $8.5 trillion. He proposed a solution by fostering a talent pipeline between Nigeria and Japan. “Nigeria’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity to address Japan’s aging workforce, creating a mutually beneficial partnership,” he noted.
As part of NITDA’s future vision, Inuwa outlined the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which focuses on eight key pillars designed to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation. These include fostering digital literacy, cultivating a skilled workforce, and building a robust technology research ecosystem to promote innovation in emerging technologies.
Additionally, Inuwa emphasized the agency’s commitment to policy implementation and reforms, strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and promoting an entrepreneurial ecosystem. He added that NITDA is undergoing internal reforms to enhance agility and foster an inclusive, safe working environment that encourages contributions from all stakeholders.
Dr. Tanaka, in his remarks, praised NITDA’s dedication to fostering technological growth and expressed JICA’s enthusiasm for the partnership. He affirmed that co-creation remains a core principle guiding JICA’s collaborations. “Partnering with NITDA aligns perfectly with JICA’s mission of using information technology to address global challenges and drive sustainable development,” Tanaka said. He emphasized the importance of harnessing the creative potential of Nigeria’s young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that contribute to societal well-being.
Tanaka concluded by noting that the strategic application of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, will significantly boost startup creation among young Nigerian entrepreneurs, further solidifying the country’s position on the global tech stage.
