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Tag: NITDA

  • NITDA to drive digital inclusion with 1,600 ICT centres

    NITDA to drive digital inclusion with 1,600 ICT centres

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said it is targeting the establishment of at least 1,600 ICT centres across the country over the next few years as part of efforts to deepen digital inclusion.

    The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who spoke on the sideline of the inauguration of an ICT centre in Akesan, a Lagos suburb at the weekend, said so far the Agency has established a total of 222 ICT facilities in the last two years, and these are in three categories, which include equipping school facilities with ICT tools, building community ICT centres and building ICT hubs.

    According to him, 18 community centres have been built so far, while three ICT hubs have been established.

    “Our target is to build more than 1,600 across the country. We want every community, every Nigerian to be part of this national prosperity and inclusivity when it comes to digital economy,” he said, adding that there was a need for sustainable model of running the centres so that the communities don’t resort to the agency for every little glitch.

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    Inuwa said President Bola Tinubu, on assumption of office, made it clear that economic diversification and inclusivity were paramount to his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said the President outlined seven key priority areas to achieve that vision, with number seven specifically focusing on accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative art, manufacturing, and innovation.

    According to him, this was why NITDA is establishing ICT centres to build a digitally inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen, regardless of societal or social status, gender, and affiliation, has access to digital infrastructure and skills.

    “The President wants to drive that inclusivity by directing us to design, conceptualize, and build these kinds of centers in underserved and unserved communities, so that people from remote areas, unserved communities, have access to the latest technology,” he added.

    Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said the Community Centre is a strategic extension of the government’s national mission to bridge between the Federal Government’s digital economy policies and the unmatched energy, ingenuity, and innovation that Lagos represents.

    Represented by the Director, e-government at the Ministry, Johnson Bareyei, Tinaji said the Centre aligned with the goals of the President’s agenda, which is to decentralise opportunity, expand access to digital skills, and make innovation part of the everyday experience of Nigerians, no matter where they live or work.

    While noting that the Centre is also a reflection of one of the Ministry’s core missions: to bring technology and innovation closer to the people, Tijani said the Community Centre will serve as a hub for: Digital skills development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme;

    Support for startups, creatives, and tech entrepreneurs who are building globally competitive solutions; Regulatory guidance and advisory for safe, inclusive innovation; and Collaboration with local institutions, private sector actors, and communities that are shaping the future of our digital economy.

    He added that the Ministry is committed to promoting inclusivity through capacity-building initiatives like the 3MTT programme.

    According to him, the government is also developing the National Digital Economy & e-Governance Bill, which is a robust legislative framework that will help guide Nigerians’ everyday engagement online.

    Also speaking, the Director, Akeson ICT Centre, Babatunde Nurudeen, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for making the centre happen. He said the Centre will be run sustainably by training some people basic things about computer and make another category of trainees to pay for certification. Through this, Nurudeen said the centre will be run sustainably.

  • NITDA’s startup portal and Nigerian innovators

    NITDA’s startup portal and Nigerian innovators

    By Fatimah Yusuf Usman

    It began without fanfare. No confetti. No grand press conference. Just a quiet upload on a government website — startup dot gov dot ng. Within the portal lies what might become one of the most significant bridges ever built between Nigerian innovators, and the government meant to serve them.

    To some, it is just another government platform. But for thousands of young Nigerians building software from cafes, testing prototypes in backyard sheds, or pitching investors from their phones, this is hope — finally documented.

    The Startup Support and Engagement Portal is the latest offering under the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA), steered by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). On paper, it looks like a registry.

    However, for those who have long cried for structure, visibility, and government backing, it is so much more. It is a signal that their dreams are no longer fringe or invisible but valid, recognised, and worth investing in.

    Nigeria’s startup culture has always been resilient, sprouting from underfunded schools, unstable power supplies, and sometimes unsupportive policies. Our innovators have built apps without accelerators, created platforms without protection, and scaled ideas without systemic support.

    Now, a shift has begun — not in the pages of another white paper, but in real-time, through a portal that promises to bring structure to the hustle, empower innovators, and create employment and wealth.

    Behind this quiet evolution is Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director General of NITDA. The tech expert is a man whose leadership is slowly but steadily becoming a benchmark in Nigeria’s public sector.

    For those who watch closely, his work ethic speaks louder than press releases. He does not just announce ideas; he builds pathways. His stewardship of the Nigeria Startup Act and this new website is another chapter in his growing record of action.

    Inuwa is not perfect — no public servant is — but his track record suggests a rare sincerity of purpose. He listens. He acts. He delivers. And in an ecosystem where bureaucracy often stifles dreams, his approach feels different: practical, hands-on, and refreshingly inclusive.

    Still, the road ahead is not paved with ease. Will this portal become a living system, alive to the needs of a 17-year-old coder in Maiduguri, or the woman running a fintech startup out of Port Harcourt?

    Will it stay agile enough to bolster real growth or become another digital relic updated only during conferences? What NITDA has done is lay a foundation. What Nigeria needs is a structure with doors that open and support that stay consistent.

    This is not just about tech. It is about jobs, dignity, national identity, and the belief that your zip code should not determine the size of your ambition. If we stay intentional — not only in policy but in follow-through — then the startup portal may well become a pipeline for building a country where innovation thrives.

    And perhaps, someday soon, when the world asks where Africa’s next tech miracle is coming from, someone will say: “It began with a quiet link. A bold idea. And the resolve to finally do things differently.”

    Fatimah Yusuf Usman is an NYSC member at the PRNigeria Centre, Abuja. Email: fatimahborkono@gmail.com

  • Fed. Govt inaugurates ‘Startup Consultative Forum’

    Fed. Govt inaugurates ‘Startup Consultative Forum’

    The Federal Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), yesterday inaugurated the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) to drive digital innovations and guarantee empowerment for the citizens.

    The forum was designed to shape the future of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and bring together labelled startups, verified Entrepreneurship Support Organisations (ESOs), angel investors and venture capitalists.

    According to the leadership of NITDA, they are expected to engage in strategic dialogue and drive innovation within the sector as parts of strategies to ensure inclusive implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act, (NSA) 2022.

    The Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said the establishment of the forum signified that government was committed to placing innovation at the centre of national development.

    The DG, who was represented by the Acting-Director, Regulation and Compliance Department, NITDA, Emmanuel Edet, said “the NSA of 2022 was never meant to be another law on paper. It is a new social compact whereby startups are no longer field players but core architects of our economic future.

    “This forum will ensure that policy does not just catch up to innovation, rather policy will evolve with innovation as partners progressively enhancing the digital economic future our country.’’

    According to him, digital economy is no longer a supporting actor, but a strategic driver of job creation, global relevance and youth empowerment.

    “This forum will play a critical role by identifying regulatory roadblocks, shaping better investment pathways, mapping gaps in infrastructure and identifying real opportunities for partnerships across sectors.

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    “The forum will also act as a radar to detect the changes in the ecosystem and a compass to guide through complexity with clarity and honesty,’’ Inuwa said.

    The Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions Department, Oladejo Olawunmi, while inaugurating the forum on behalf of the D-G, said it would serve as a critical platform for collaboration.

    “We remain committed to creating an environment where innovation can flourish and I urge us all to embrace the responsibility before us, translating ideas into tangible policy and impactful outcomes.’’

    National Coordinator of Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation, Ms Victoria Fabunmi pointed out that startups were drivers of employment, innovations and solution providers in any economy.

    Fabunmi mentioned that some of the pillars of collaboration for the SCF included funding and investment, policy regulation, innovation, support for global competitiveness.

    “The forum serves as a platform in which these pillars can be achieved ensuring that the ecosystem works together.

    “The forum is set up to solve problems in the ecosystem leveraging the NSA and it has feedback platform that ensure that conversations had are implemented,’’ she said.

  • NITDA, GEF renew strategic partnership to boost Africa’s tech entrepreneurship

    NITDA, GEF renew strategic partnership to boost Africa’s tech entrepreneurship

    A major highlight of the GEF Business Mixer held in Accra was the renewal of the strategic partnership between the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Global Entrepreneurship Festival (GEF).

    Representing the Director-General, Dr. Aristotle Onumu, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s tech-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

    The signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalises a strengthened collaboration aimed at supporting digital startups, fostering innovation, and accelerating Africa’s global technology competitiveness.

    Read Also: UN, NHRC, NITDA advocate human rights protection in AI deployment 

    Speaking at the event, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Project Lead for GEF, stressed that partnerships like NITDA’s are essential for transforming Nigeria’s “pregnant ideas” into scalable solutions that can revolutionize industries and communities.

    The renewed MoU sets the foundation for deeper public-private sector engagement, ensuring that GEF 2025 serves as a launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs.

    GEF, the world’s largest entrepreneurship event, is scheduled to take place from November 21 to 23, under the theme: “The AI Entrepreneur: Creating a Sustainable Future.”

  • Japan grants Nigeria $30 million for start-up hubs in Abuja

    Japan grants Nigeria $30 million for start-up hubs in Abuja

    In a major boost to Nigeria’s digital economy, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Federal Government of Nigeria have signed a $30 million grant agreement to establish Start-Up Hubs in Abuja. The landmark initiative underscores Japan’s continued commitment to economic cooperation and sustainable development across Africa.

    The project comprises two key components. The first is the development of a cutting-edge Start-Up Hub, valued at $9.9 million, to be implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    The second component, worth $21 million, is the Project for the Development of a Supporting Environment for Social Start-ups in Nigeria, which will be executed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

    Aimed at fostering innovation and supporting emerging enterprises, the project will deliver a world-class facility equipped with advanced digital technologies and collaborative workspaces.

    It also seeks to strengthen linkages across the start-up ecosystem, promoting job creation, industrial diversification, and solutions to social challenges through innovation.

    The funds—allocated with provisions for contingencies—will be disbursed in phases through 2030 and will cover infrastructure development, equipment procurement, and consultancy services.

    Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, igned the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Mr. Yuzurio Susumu, Chief Representative of JICA Nigeria Office, signed on behalf of the Japanese government.

    “This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria-Japan bilateral relations,” Senator Bagudu said. “It reflects our shared vision for innovation-driven economic growth and youth empowerment.”

    According to the agreement, Japanese suppliers will be prioritized for primary contracts, though products and services may also be sourced locally.

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    NITDA, as the project’s lead implementing agency, will oversee key responsibilities, including securing regulatory approvals, providing utility infrastructure, and ensuring environmental compliance and safety during the construction phase.

    NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, praised the agency’s ongoing partnership with JICA, particularly through the iHatch initiative, which has already generated over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.

    “We are now expanding this initiative across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” Inuwa noted. “Through a six-month incubation program, iHatch equips startups with the tools and mentorship they need to launch market-ready products, leveraging JICA’s global expertise.”

    Inuwa also highlighted joint efforts to strengthen ties between Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems by facilitating exchange programs and sponsoring Nigerian startups to attend international events in Japan.

    Last month, both agencies launched the IgniteHer Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Abuja—an intensive five-day training designed to empower women entrepreneurs and promote an inclusive digital economy.

    Once completed, the Abuja Start-Up Hub is expected to become a nucleus for creative entrepreneurs and digital innovators, solidifying the city’s position as a technology powerhouse in West Africa.

    Implementation of the project begins in April 2025 and will run through December 2030. It aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambition to lead Africa’s digital transformation.

    In line with JICA’s operational framework, monthly progress updates will be submitted, and a comprehensive final report is expected within six months after project completion.

  • NITDA expands initiative on economic diversification

    NITDA expands initiative on economic diversification

    The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has announced the nationwide expansion of the Hub Managers training programme in harnessing technological innovation to improve the lives of Nigerians, create jobs and foster economic diversification.

    Inuwa said the development was in total alignment with the Presidential priority area of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth and accelerated diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.

    The DG made this known at the iHatch Cohort 4 -Onsite Training for Hub Managers, which was organised by the agency in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) at the Hotel De Horizon, Abuja.

    According to NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the on-site training programme, which had 37 hub managers from the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, would empower hubs to build robust incubation systems to support startups locally, develop strong regional ecosystems through partnerships and engagements.

    It would also enhance their operational and mentorship capacity and provide access to international exchange programmes towards the adoption of best global practices, Hajiya Umar said in a statement.

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    The NITDA boss who emphasised the current administration’s commitment to reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, noted that the key to achieving this goal lies in leveraging digital technology at the grassroots level to solve local problems across various sectors, including agriculture and small-scale trade.

     “We don’t want technological innovation to be concentrated only in Lagos and Abuja. We want to take it to the grassroots and use it to solve real-life problems. That is why we designed the iHatch initiative,” he noted.

    Inuwa disclosed that the pilot phase of the iHatch, which was conducted in Abuja, successfully trained 50 startups, which led to the creation of 179 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs.

    Inuwa stated that the expansion of the initiative to accommodate all the 37 states will create 740 direct jobs and 7,400 indirect jobs before the end of the year.

    “This initiative will domesticate innovation in states and enable start-ups solve real-life problems in areas of agriculture, healthcare, transportation and other sectors, that are peculiar to their different states”, Inuwa further said.

    While stressing that innovation thrives in clusters where critical stakeholders can exchange ideas and incubate solutions, the NITDA DG underscored the importance of collaboration, networking and ecosystem development in driving innovation.

     “To sustain this initiative, we must build a strong community where startups, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders can continuously share ideas and collaborate.

    “We don’t want startups to just pass through the programme; we want them to remain within the iHatch ecosystem because we want this initiative to expand to all the 774 local governments of the country.” Inuwa explained.

    He noted that in addition to job creation and ecosystem building, the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Startup Act, which aims to provide legal backing and incentives for startups.

    Inuwa therefore urged the participants in the iHatch programme to act as champions in their respective states, spreading awareness about the Act and encouraging other startups to register and benefit from its provisions.

     “In line with the president’s mandate, our ultimate goal is to see every Nigerian digitally literate, using technology to access government and private sector services. We also want our market women to leverage technology to expand their businesses,” he added.

    He stated that the iHatch model ensures investment in local capacity where national potentials can be unleashed.

     “We at NITDA are proud to walk this journey with you. Let’s keep building, let’s keep innovating, and let’s continue to shape the future of Nigeria, one innovation at a time”, Inuwa said.

  • NITDA expands iHATCH initiative to drive job creation, economic diversification

    NITDA expands iHATCH initiative to drive job creation, economic diversification

    The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa has announced the nationwide expansion of the Hub Managers training programme in harnessing technological innovation to improve the lives of Nigerians, create jobs and foster economic diversification.

    Inuwa said the development was in total alignment with the presidential priority area of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth and accelerated diversification through industrialisation and digitisation. 

    The DG made this known at the iHatch Cohort 4 -Onsite Training for Hub Managers, which was organised by the agency in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) at the Hotel De Horizon, Abuja.

    According to NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the on-site training programme, which had 37 hub managers from the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, would empower hubs to build robust incubation systems to support startups locally, develop strong regional ecosystems through partnerships and engagements. 

    It would also enhance their operational and mentorship capacity and provide access to international exchange programmes towards the adoption of best global practices, Hajiya Umar said in a statement. 

    The NITDA boss who emphasised the current administration’s commitment to reforming the economy for sustained and inclusive growth, noted that the key to achieving this goal lies in leveraging digital technology at the grassroots level to solve local problems across various sectors, including agriculture and small-scale trade.

    “We don’t want technological innovation to be concentrated only in Lagos and Abuja. We want to take it to the grassroots and use it to solve real-life problems. That is why we designed the iHatch initiative,” he noted.

    Inuwa disclosed that the pilot phase of the iHatch, which was conducted in Abuja, successfully trained 50 startups, which led to the creation of 179 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs.

    Inuwa stated that the expansion of the initiative to accommodate all the 37 states will create 740 direct jobs and 7,400 indirect jobs before the end of the year.

    “This initiative will domesticate innovation in states and enable start-ups solve real-life problems in areas of agriculture, healthcare, transportation and other sectors, that are peculiar to their different states”, Inuwa further said. 

    Read Also: NAFRC trains senior officers on entrepreneurship, management

    While stressing that innovation thrives in clusters where critical stakeholders can exchange ideas and incubate solutions, the NITDA DG underscored the importance of collaboration, networking and ecosystem development in driving innovation.

    “To sustain this initiative, we must build a strong community where startups, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders can continuously share ideas and collaborate. 

    “We don’t want startups to just pass through the programme; we want them to remain within the iHatch ecosystem because we want this initiative to expand to all the 774 local governments of the country.” Inuwa explained.

    He noted that in addition to job creation and ecosystem building, the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Startup Act, which aims to provide legal backing and incentives for startups.

    Inuwa therefore urged the participants in the iHatch programme to act as champions in their respective states, spreading awareness about the Act and encouraging other startups to register and benefit from its provisions.

    “In line with the president’s mandate, our ultimate goal is to see every Nigerian digitally literate, using technology to access government and private sector services. We also want our market women to leverage technology to expand their businesses,” he added.

    He stated that the iHatch model ensures investment in local capacity where national potentials can be unleashed.

    “We at NITDA are proud to walk this journey with you. Let’s keep building, let’s keep innovating, and let’s continue to shape the future of Nigeria, one innovation at a time”, Inuwa said.

  • NITDA, JICA’s IgniteHer Bootcamp empower 90 women entrepreneurs

    NITDA, JICA’s IgniteHer Bootcamp empower 90 women entrepreneurs

    The IgniteHer Bootcamp, an initiative by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), concluded on March 7 after five days of intensive training of women entrepreneurs.

    The programme, which brought together 90 female entrepreneurs, focused on equipping participants with essential digital skills, business strategies, and mentorship opportunities to scale their ventures and contribute to economic growth.

    Held as part of NITDA’s commitment to fostering gender inclusivity and digital transformation, the bootcamp addressed systemic barriers that often hinder the involvement of women in entrepreneurship.

    Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and real-world case studies, participants gained practical insights into business development, financial management, and the use of technology to drive growth.

    The bootcamp kicked off with a deep dive into gender disparities in business, exploring challenges such as funding gaps and societal biases. Participants were equipped with strategies to overcome these obstacles, setting the tone for the days ahead.

    The second day focused on business planning, with sessions on the Lean Business Model Canvas, break-even analysis, and setting SMART goals to help the attendees develop structured business plans, according to Tech Digest.

    During digital literacy on the third day, participants learned about cloud storage, online communication, internet safety, and financial management. Practical workshops on digital tools for content creation, bookkeeping, and business management provided hands-on experience.

    The fourth day centered on digital transformation, with entrepreneurs exploring how to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies to scale their businesses. Topics included digital branding, marketing, and tools for operational efficiency.

    The final day featured a panel discussion with industry experts, including a business hub manager, an entrepreneur, and a venture capitalist. Moderated by an ecosystem accelerator, the session offered insights into business growth, funding opportunities, and overcoming entrepreneurial challenges.

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    Participants engaged in an open discussion to reflect on their learning and plan their next steps. They praised the bootcamp for its practical approach and transformative impact. Imaobong Edukere, one of the attendees, described the experience as life-changing.

    “The IgniteHer Bootcamp has been an incredibly transformative experience,” she noted. “It’s my first time being in a network of like-minded women entrepreneurs and learning from their knowledge. I feel more prepared to implement what I’ve learned and to impact society.”

    Hadiza Isah Mohammed shared how the program reignited her entrepreneurial spirit. “I was at the point of dropping my dreams because everything seemed not to work, but I’ve been ignited and ready to continue my journey. Kudos to the organizers,” Mohammed said.

    Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized that the agency’s commitment to support women-led businesses aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic growth. “NITDA is ready to handhold these businesses to make an impact,” Inuwa assured.

    The training by JICA will enable Nigerian entrepreneurs to network with Japanese companies and explore potential partnerships. Participants were encouraged to submit pitch decks or business plans for consideration. Those selected will travel to Japan in August 2025 for a startup event.

    The IgniteHer Bootcamp has set a new benchmark for empowering women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. By providing access to cutting-edge tools, expert mentorship, and a supportive network, the program has equipped women to thrive in the digital economy.

  • Experts applaud FG’s heavy investment in cybersecurity infrastructure

    Experts applaud FG’s heavy investment in cybersecurity infrastructure

    Cybersecurity experts have commended the federal government for its substantial investment in cybersecurity infrastructure and skills aimed at protecting Nigeria from cyber threats and disruptions.

    They highlighted key institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as leading forces in cybersecurity operations.

    Speaking at a national workshop held at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja, the experts noted that cybercrime has become a global economic powerhouse, reaching an estimated $9 trillion, with approximately 86 billion transactions monitored daily.

    The event, organized by FPG Technology and Solutions in collaboration with Checkpoint Technology, brought together representatives from NNPCL, CBN, NITDA, the Data Protection Commission, and members of the Organized Private Sector (OPS).

    FPG Technology and Solutions CEO, Rex Mafiana, lauded government institutions for their significant investments in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and assets, emphasizing the importance of securing Nigeria’s cyberspace.

    Mafiana lamented the increasing rates of cyber attacks across the globe, but expressed delight on measures put in place by the Nigeria government to be far ahead of cybercrooks and cyber criminals. 

    Mafiana who described the cyber threat level in Nigeria as high, said that the workshop was organised to reach out to the public and private sectors on the trends in cybersecurity matters in Africa and Nigeria and the need to mitigate the risks. 

    He advised the public and private sector to establish digital boundaries and borders against cyber attacks, asserting that the security, trust and integrity of critical national infrastructure and assets should never be compromised under no circumstances.

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    Speaking on how attacks are carried out by cybercrooks and criminals, the Chief Technology Officer for Checkpoints Technology, Mr Issam El-Haddioui explained that cyber criminals target mainly stealing of information, intellectual properties, and financial data amongst others. 

    He said the cyber criminals are motivated by either activism or financial gains, warning that most attacks begin from phishing and identity theft.

    El Haddioui who oversees the operations of Checkpoints Technology in East and West Africa, said government authorities and the private sector should pay close attention to vulnerability level in different environments and adopt seamlessly into technologies capable of checkmating any form of attacks. 

    “Cybersecurity is a journey. It is not something that you do once and forget. You have to constantly upgrade and update. Security is becoming more complex in the cyber space, so it is important that all stakeholders take action and prevent attacks,” El-Haddioui said.  

  • NITDA partners Flutterwave, Alami to boost digital transformation

    NITDA partners Flutterwave, Alami to boost digital transformation

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, and Alami, a private limited liability firm, to accelerate digital transformation and empower Nigerians.

    The agreement aims to support young entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the technology and creative industries, fostering innovation and strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

    “This collaboration aligns with NITDA’s commitment to implementing the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital era”, said Hajiya Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications of NITDA.

    She explained that the partnership came following a meeting between NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, the CEOs of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, and Alami’s CEO, Ms. Olu White, to strengthen collaborations on FinTech innovation, digital literacy, infrastructure development, and promoting open-source technology.

    Hajiya Umar said in a statement that the parties would be working together to bridge the digital divide by promoting digital literacy, fostering fintech innovation, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to leverage secure and efficient financial solutions.

    She qouted the Director General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, as emphasising the significance of public-private collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations.

    “Flutterwave’s innovative fintech solutions align with our vision for a thriving digital economy. Slow digital adoption among SMEs has been a major obstacle to economic growth, and through this collaboration, we aim to provide businesses with the resources and infrastructure needed to transition into the digital age,” he stated.

    According was to her the NITDA boss also underscored the importance of strengthening NITDA’s engagement with key private sector players like Flutterwave to accelerate digital transformation.

    “This partnership is a vital step towards achieving shared goals for digital transformation, showcasing our commitment to the betterment of Nigeria in line with the President’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

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    “By equipping Nigerian businesses with the tools to embrace digital solutions, we aim to enhance economic growth, create job opportunities, and ensure inclusive access to the benefits of a digital economy. Together, we are committed to building a resilient and sustainable digital future for all Nigerians”, Malam Inuwa said.

    Flutterwave’s Founder and CEO, Olugbenga Agboola, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to empower SMEs, saying, “Many small businesses in Nigeria struggle to fully embrace digital solutions, and we believe that by providing seamless and secure payment technologies, we can help them scale with confidence.

    “Our collaboration with NITDA reinforces our dedication to fostering a truly inclusive digital economy,” he said.

    Speakin further on the matter Hajiya Umar said: “The partnership will focus on Strengthening Public-Private partnerships through Digital Payment Infrastructure and Technology Financing; Digital Nigeria Week 2025: Showcasing Payment Innovations, Workshops & Panel Discussions, Empowering SMEs & Startups, and Fostering Strategic Partnerships.

    “Furthermore, the MoU will focus on Collaboration on NITDA’s Key Initiatives like the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programmes, Digital Literacy and Skills Development, and Cybersecurity.

    “This collaboration represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation, demonstrating NITDA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable digital future for all Nigerians.”