The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has taken proactive measures to bolster Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and support the country’s digital economy by engaging with international organizations. With the aim of creating a million tech jobs in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s vision, NITDA is forging partnerships with global tech giants to harness resources and expertise for the sustainable growth of the digital landscape.
Emphasizing the significance of collaboration, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, underscored Africa’s potential as the next frontier for innovation and talent in the digital economy, especially given its youthful population. This has led to the attraction of big tech companies, who are keen to establish engineering departments in the region to tap into its burgeoning talent pool.
A recent meeting with a high-level delegation from the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), led by Executive Vice President Trixie Lohmirman, saw NITDA extend a warm welcome to the visitors, encouraging them to consider hosting the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Africa in Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from GITEX’s success, NITDA expressed eagerness to emulate the model and create a similar platform in Africa, benefitting not just Nigeria but the entire continent.
In a bid to further strengthen the tech landscape, NITDA is partnering with the USA consulate general to organize the Global Tech Africa conference in November. This significant event aims to attract US companies to Nigeria for a Pan-African conference, fostering collaboration and paving the way for new opportunities and partnerships.
The Executive Vice President of DWTC expressed gratitude for NITDA’s unwavering support towards GITEX in Dubai, hailing Nigeria’s instrumental role in the conference’s remarkable success. In turn, she assured NITDA of DWTC’s continued support and sought collaboration in providing funding access for Nigerian startups, recognizing the country’s pivotal position as having the largest market for startups in the region.
During a visit to the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Executive Vice President was highly impressed with the passion and potential exhibited by the young talents. In light of this, she advocated for a startup exchange program between Nigeria and other countries, including the UAE, to elevate opportunities and visibility for Nigerian startups.
The engagement between NITDA and global tech giants serves as a promising stride towards fostering a robust startup ecosystem in Nigeria, generating employment opportunities, and positioning the country as a key player in the global tech arena. As Africa’s tech potential continues to soar, such collaborations are poised to drive economic growth and innovation in the region.
