By Collaboration and cooperation are significant for African nations in leveraging technology for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, wmade the remark during discussion at the first meeting of Council of African Information and Technology Agencies (CAITA), one of the advisory arms of the Smart Africa Initiative at GITEX Africa in Morocco.
He noted the importance of alliance in addressing the challenges faced by African nations and reaffirmed his belief that one digital market for Africa is achievable within the time frame based on the commitment and collaboration shown by members of the alliance.
Inuwa who was represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, reiterated NITDA’s commitment to driving digital innovation and transformation in Nigeria, while also acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Smart Africa Initiative in fostering Pan-African cooperation in the digital space.
He also said that Nigeria is investing heavily in digital skills development, with a number of initiatives aimed at training young people in the latest digital technologies.
“The government’s efforts to build a strong digital economy, promote digital entrepreneurship, and improve digital skills are having a positive impact on Nigeria. The digital economy is growing rapidly, and there is a growing number of successful digital entrepreneurs in our country,” he added.
The meeting, which was held on Thursday, 1st June, 2023, was attended by representatives from 36 African countries, with objective to update members with the progress of Africa Smart Alliance, and elect the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the CAITA Bureau who will administer the affairs for the next two years. The gathering also provided an opportunity for the Alliance Secretariat to share the vision, ideas and best practices on how to build a more inclusive and prosperous digital Africa.
Delegates are optimistic that the discussions held at the CAITA meeting will pave the way for collaborative efforts among African nations, leading to a more connected, innovative, and prosperous Africa in the digital age.
