Africa Must Build, Not Just Consume Tech — NITDA DG
0
0
Africa Must Build, Not Just Consume Tech — NITDA DG
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged African countries to stop being passive users of technology and start creating and exporting digital solutions.
Inuwa, represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo, made the call in Abuja while delivering a keynote at the African Creators Conference 2025.
Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,” the NITDA boss stressed that Africa’s youthful population, creativity, and digital skills give the continent a rare chance to shape the global tech space.
READ ALSO: Ulammah Confer ‘Zeenatu Deenul Islam’ Title on Moro Chairperson
“Our innovators and creators should take their rightful place as global leaders and solution providers,” he said.
He noted that with over 1.4 billion people — more than 60 per cent under the age of 25 — Africa was at a critical turning point in its digital journey.
Citing Nigeria’s progress, Inuwa said the country now has over 126 million internet users and 205 million mobile subscriptions. He added that programmes like the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, the Nigeria Startup Act, and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 were already repositioning the nation as a digital solutions hub.
The DG also called for stronger regional collaboration, urging African states to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area to harmonise policies and invest in shared digital infrastructure. According to him, such steps could unlock trillions of dollars in value for Africa’s economy.
“The choices we make today will determine whether Africa remains on the margins or takes its rightful place at the centre of global digital transformation,” he warned.
The 2025 edition of the African Creators Conference drew over 3,000 creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders. Discussions centred on how artificial intelligence and digital creativity can fuel economic growth and foster cross-border collaboration.
