GITEX Africa: NITDA And Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Agenda

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is making  great efforts to strengthen  regional collaboration for digital transformation across Africa to provide opportunities that can propel the continent into a digital era of innovation and inclusive development.

This was the agency’s focus  at the  recent GITEX Africa maiden edition of technology exhibitions in Morocco,which  brought  together industry leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to discuss and showcase advancements in technology.

The event provided an ideal platform for organisations to promote dialogue, showcase innovative solutions, and forge partnerships to harness the potential of the digital age. NITDA’s participation focused on fostering collaborations, sharing best practices, and addressing the challenges hindering Africa’s digital growth.

Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, who was  represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, participated at the two Panel Sessions themed: “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Africa: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities” and “Fast Tracking to an Integrated and Inclusive Digital Public Infrastructure.”

In his presentations, Dr. Onumo discussed the role of technology in driving economic growth, job creation, and digital economy development on the continent. He highlighted the need for African countries to invest in digital infrastructure, skills development, and policy reforms in order to reap the full benefits of digital transformation.

Onumo also stressed the importance of collaboration between governments, academia, industry, venture capitalist, and the tech community in order to accelerate digital transformation in Africa.

He further alluded to the progress made through African Free Trade Agreement and African Smart Alliance and called for a sustained effort towards a common digital identity for Africa.

He however, highlighted the challenges that Africa faces in terms of digital transformation, noting that some  of the biggest challenges are  the lack of adequate infrastructure, digital skills as well as digital inclusion, and pointed out that there is a need for more investments in human capital development.

Despite these challenges, Africa as a continent has the potential to become a major player in the global digital economy. It therefore behoves on stakeholders to work together to overcome the challenges and to seize the opportunities that digital transformation presents.

A digital economy expert who does  not want his name on print told our  correspondent that “National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021- 2024) can help drive the process”.

” Technology is a key driver of economic growth and job creation in Africa and investment in digital infrastructure and digital strategies can be of immense  benefits  to Nigeria’s digital revolution,” he added.

Public-private partnerships are also essential for driving digital transformation in Africa and efforts  must be made to create a more inclusive and sustainable digital future for the continent.

NITDA has been committed to supporting the digital transformation of Nigeria and Africa, and  is working with governments, private sector, and the tech community to develop and implement policies, programmes, and initiatives that will accelerate digital transformation on the continent.