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The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged African nations to transition from being technology consumers to becoming creators and exporters of digital solutions.
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Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, Abdullahi delivered this call during his keynote address at the African Creators Conference 2025 held in Abuja.
Africa’s Digital Potential
Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,” Abdullahi highlighted Africa’s vast opportunities driven by its youthful population, creativity, and digital fluency.
“With more than 1.4 billion people—over 60% under the age of 25—Africa is uniquely positioned to lead the future of technology and innovation,” he said. “Our innovators and creators should take their rightful place as global leaders and solution providers.”
Nigeria’s Digital Transformation Journey
Abdullahi outlined Nigeria’s progress in the digital economy, citing over 126 million internet users, 205 million mobile subscriptions, and landmark initiatives including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, the Nigeria Startup Act, and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0.
“These initiatives are designed to reposition Nigeria as not just a technology consumer, but a producer and exporter of digital solutions,” he stated.
Regional Collaboration for Growth
The NITDA DG also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He called for harmonised policies and strategic investments in digital infrastructure to unlock trillions of dollars in Africa’s digital economy potential.
Building a Digitally Empowered Africa
Concluding his remarks, Abdullahi urged policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders to make decisive choices for Africa’s future.
“The decisions we make today will determine whether Africa remains on the margins or takes its rightful place at the centre of global digital transformation,” he declared.
African Creators Conference 2025
The African Creators Conference 2025 brought together over 3,000 creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders across the continent. The forum explored how artificial intelligence, digital creativity, and cross-border collaboration can fuel Africa’s economic growth.
