NITDA Intensifies Global Partnerships to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy
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NITDA Intensifies Global Partnerships to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA is strengthening its efforts to forge impactful global partnerships that will drive inclusive growth, innovation, and technological advancement in Nigeria.
This strategic direction was highlighted during a recent meeting at NITDA Headquarters, where the agency’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s digital economy goals.
Inuwa, who joined the meeting virtually, noted that NITDA has a strong existing relationship with the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Oladejo Olawumi, Director of the Information Technology Infrastructural Solutions Department, represented Inuwa at the meeting.
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Inuwa announced an upcoming signing ceremony for a significant innovation project being established in Abuja with JICA’s support.
He also revealed an ongoing partnership with the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) to establish a dedicated fund aimed at supporting the growth of Nigerian startups.
INCNews247 reports that NITDA’s collaboration with JICA has already yielded success through the iHatch initiative, a co-designed idea incubation program.
The pilot project, which was implemented in collaboration with JICA, created over 117 direct jobs and more than 370 indirect jobs.
Plans are underway to expand the initiative to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The iHatch initiative provides Nigerian startups with six months of incubation, leveraging JICA’s expertise and resources to develop market-ready products.
Inuwa stated that NITDA and JICA are actively working to bridge the Nigerian and Japanese tech ecosystems, facilitating networking opportunities and sponsoring Nigerian startups to participate in activities in Japan.
The NITDA boss affirmed that SGgrow’s objectives strongly align with NITDA’s mandate to digitally empower Nigeria through inclusive technology and innovation.
“Your presentation perfectly aligns with our mandate and what we do as an Agency,” he stated, emphasizing the Agency’s vision of leveraging technology across all sectors to drive national prosperity and inclusivity.
He stressed the crucial role of a robust startup ecosystem in achieving this vision.
The agency is also developing an investment framework, including efforts with Google to build vital digital sovereign infrastructure.
Inuwa expressed NITDA’s keen interest in exploring a collaborative framework with SGgrow, potentially involving their existing partnership with JICA.
“We can explore how we can work together to build a framework; maybe even to work with JICA to have strong participation from the Japanese government, startups, and other investors. For me, it is more about cooperation than competition,” he disclosed.
Earlier, in his statement, Mashita of SGgrow articulated his company’s mission to identify and support promising Nigerian startups, providing them with opportunities for growth and exposure.
He highlighted their long-term investment approach and belief in Nigeria’s potential as an economic giant, aiming to serve as a key liaison between Nigeria and Japan.
Mashita proposed exploring potential joint projects, enhancing support for Nigerian startups, and examining the possibilities for stock exchange effects within the Nigerian startup ecosystem.
He also reiterated the importance of intergovernmental relationships in fostering a conducive investment environment.
