NITDA: Building A Robust Digital Ecosystem Through Strategic Partnerships
By Mubarak Umar
Nigeria’s digital journey is accelerating; at the forefront of this unprecedented growth is the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and one of its key strengths lies in its collaborative approach. Through collaboration with tech hubs, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders, NITDA is laying the groundwork for a thriving digital economy.
NITDA’s partnerships span across various sectors, and this multifaceted approach ensures a comprehensive strategy for digital literacy and innovation. Among the critical areas of focus are training programmes in artificial intelligence (AI), coding, cybersecurity, and basic digital literacy. These initiatives are not just about imparting knowledge; they are about equipping Nigerians with the skills necessary to thrive in a digital economy.
These programmes directly address the need for a digitally literate workforce, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. To equip Nigerians with the skills for the digital age, NITDA aims to achieve a remarkable target of 70% digital literacy by the year 2027.
Through its collaborative training programmes, NITDA is birthing a new generation of highly talented Nigerians. Tech hubs across the country are buzzing with activity, where participants are immersed in learning experiences that cover the latest advancements in technology. Educational institutions are also critical in this endeavour. For this reason, NITDA is working with Federal Ministry of Education to integrate these programmes into their curricula to produce graduates that are ready to meet the demands of the digital age.
Beyond education and training, NITDA’s role includes the co-creation of policies that create a conducive environment for tech startups and established companies alike. By setting standards and regulations, NITDA ensures that innovation can flourish while maintaining the integrity and security of the digital infrastructure.
One notable example is NITDA’s involvement in developing guidelines for AI and data protection, which are crucial as the world increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making. These regulations not only protect users but also provide a clear framework for companies to innovate confidently.
This focus on collaboration extends beyond domestic partnerships. NITDA actively seeks partnerships with international stakeholders. A recent example is the collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos, to host the Global Tech Africa Summit. The event brought together African and international players in the tech space, fostering knowledge exchange and creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration.
The Agency has recognised the transformative power of skill-based trainings, this prompted it to recently deepen its strategic partnership with Cisco to harness these technologies for Nigeria’s development. This collaboration is not just a step forward; it is a leap toward a future where technology drives sustainable growth and innovation across multiple sectors.
This partnership in practical sense, has several ambitious initiatives designed to showcase the capabilities of emerging technologies. Pilot projects are being rolled out to demonstrate the practical applications of these technologies in real-world settings.
In another circumstance, NITDA partnered TikTok to address some of the most pressing issues in the digital age. The partnership focuses on ensuring the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), promoting digital literacy, and creating a positive and secure online space for users.
The importance of this collaboration cannot be overemphasised, especially now that social media becomes increasingly integral to everyday life – the potential for both positive engagement and negative consequences grows. NITDA aims to leverage TikTok platform’s extensive reach and technological prowess to implement robust measures that safeguard users, particularly the younger demographic, who are the most active on social media.
NITDA recently collaborated with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH, known as the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Digital Transformation Center (GIZ/DTC) to host a stakeholder awareness event focused on the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) in Lagos.
This initiative aims to address the digital divide and equip Nigerians with critical digital skills, underscoring its ongoing commitment to fostering digital inclusion across the nation.
Collaboration with GIZ focuses on bridging the digital divide and empowering Nigerians with essential digital skills. A recent example is their joint effort on developing robust standards for digital literacy content to ensure high-quality learning materials are aligned with Nigeria’s National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF).
These are just a few examples of NITDA’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration within the tech ecosystem. The Agency actively seeks partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, including High Tech, Telecommunication and Tech-enabled companies, Tech startups, Development Agencies, etc.
NITDA’s commitment to fostering innovation is evident in its establishment of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) like the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) and the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR). These SPVs act as catalysts for collaboration within the tech ecosystem, allowing for the implementation of initiatives like the Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support (TIES) Scheme and the iHatch Startup Incubation Programme.
In one of his public outings, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, stated that “Collaborating with stakeholders is fundamental to our mission. By working together, we can create an ecosystem that supports innovation and sustainable growth, ensuring that Nigeria is not just a consumer of technology but a key player in the global tech arena.”
“The goal is to create a sustainable digital ecosystem where everyone has the opportunity to participate and benefit. Our partnerships are crucial in bridging the skills gap and ensuring that Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive and resilient”, Inuwa explained.
As Nigeria stands on the cusp of a digital revolution, NITDA’s partnerships serve as a beacon of what is possible when government, industry, and academia come together with a shared vision. The journey to 70% digital literacy by 2027 is ambitious, but with the continued support and collaboration of all stakeholders, it is a goal well within reach. Through these efforts, Nigeria is not just preparing for the future; it is shaping it.
Mubarak writes from Abuja
