By “Our mandate is not just about digital economy but transformation of the digital space and how we can empower and enhance productivity across all sector,” the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) Kashifu Inuwa, has said.
According to Inuwa, Nigeria’s focus is beyond digital economy because of the pervasive nature of digital technology and its capacity to transform any industry power by digital technology is large.
Inuwa who was a guest speaker at the Global Tech Africa 2023 with the theme “Facilitating Investments in Africa’s Digital Economy said: “we need to position ourselves and design the economy to reap the benefit of digital transformation.”
In his keynote address titled: “Implementing a National Digital Transformation Agenda”, harped on Nigeria’s digital transformation future as being “brighter and also offers hope of being prosperous.”
Inuwa disclosed that Nigeria’s greatest resource to which he hinges his prediction on, is Nigeria’s abundant human capital which remains her greatest resource.
He said, “It is evident that Nigeria is not just positioned to be the global talent factory, but we are also set for investment and global collaboration because all developed countries will suffer from that deficit, including the United States of America. But Nigeria, we have one of the youngest populations in the world.
The NITDA boss said, the approach are reimagining ourselves in the global economy, secondly, embrace and creation of values for our ecosystem because no one succeeds in isolation and lastly, improve connectivity.”
The United State Consular General, Mr. Will Stephen in his remark said Nigeria’s strive to digital transformation is commendable and assured that with such gusto the nation is exhibiting, her digital transformation would soon blossom.
He sued for continuous collaboration with the USA saying that America would ensure continuous collaboration with Nigeria in promoting her digital transformation agenda.
Executive Trustee of Future Map Foundation, the convener of the Global Tech Africa, Mr. Ahmad Shuaibu who was represented by Mrs. Farida Yahya disclosed that Africa would play pivotal roles in shaping the “unprecedented technological revolution” the world is currently witnessing.
According to her, the continent’s young and vibrant population with her rich natural resources and growing entrepreneurial spirit, provide a solid foundation for the technological innovation.
She noted that the Global Technology Africa Summit 2023 would serve as a powerful platform to showcase Africa’s technological prowess and connect innovators with investors, partners, and mentors. “This gathering of minds will undoubtedly spark new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities, propelling Africa’s technological journey to new heights, she opined.
The highlight of the day one of the conference was the signing of partnership agreement for the Startup Support and Engagement Portal between NITDA and Venture Group Garden, VGG.
The conference which provides platform to bring together African and international stakeholders in technology to unlock growth opportunities for all, and build the tech ecosystem in Africa was put together by Ascend Studio Foundation and in partnership with NITDA, the U.S. Consulate, Venture Garden Group, Business Sweden, and RivExcel Health.
