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NITDA Deepens Commitment to Inclusive Digital Growth
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to building a coordinated, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem in Nigeria, reinforcing its strategic role as the country’s digital ecosystem orchestrator.
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This assurance was given during a working visit by Angola’s National Institute of Support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM) to NITDA’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit focused on Nigeria’s startup ecosystem framework and how it can inform Angola’s growing digital entrepreneurship agenda.
Nigeria’s Startup Framework Showcased as Continental Model
The INAPEM delegation was led by its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Bráulio Augusto, and was received by NITDA officials on behalf of the Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who was represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo.
During the engagement, NITDA positioned Nigeria’s startup framework—anchored by the Nigeria Startup Act—as a reference model for Angola’s efforts to build a structured and sustainable digital entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Strategic Reforms Aligned with Federal Government Agenda
NITDA explained that it was established to drive coordinated and sustainable information technology development in Nigeria, leveraging both its regulatory and developmental mandates. The agency described its role as fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth across the digital economy.
These reforms, NITDA noted, align with the Federal Government’s Eight-Point Agenda and are embedded in the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0). The roadmap is structured around eight strategic pillars designed to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy and promote inclusive economic development through technology and innovation.
Digital Literacy and Talent Development Take Centre Stage
A major priority under SRAP 2.0 is digital literacy. NITDA disclosed that it is targeting 70 percent digital literacy by 2027 through the National Digital Literacy Framework, with a long-term ambition of achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
Other focus areas include digital ecosystem development, IT talent advancement, expansion of digital infrastructure, effective policy implementation, and research-driven innovation to support long-term competitiveness.
Angola Seeks Insights from Nigeria Startup Act Implementation
The INAPEM delegation commended Nigeria’s progress in implementing the Nigeria Startup Act, describing the country as a valuable benchmark for shaping Angola’s own startup legislation.
Augusto revealed that Angola’s Startup Law has received initial parliamentary approval and is entering the implementation phase. He said Angola is keen to learn how Nigeria transitioned from legal adoption to practical execution, particularly in startup labelling, incentive administration, ecosystem mapping, investor registration, and the operation of the Nigeria Startup Portal.
Angola Developing Integrated Startup Ecosystem
According to Augusto, Angola is currently developing the Startup Angola Programme under its Digital Entrepreneurship Support Programme. The initiative aims to build a structured and integrated startup ecosystem rather than fragmented interventions.
The programme will prioritise institutional strengthening, startup financing, support for business development service providers, expansion of innovation hubs, and partnerships with international accelerators. Nigeria’s experience, he said, is especially relevant as Angola addresses challenges such as informality, limited access to finance, youth unemployment, digital inclusion gaps, and restricted market access for MSMEs.
Growing African Collaboration on Digital Policy
The INAPEM chief also requested further technical insights into the structure and governance of Nigeria’s National Startup Council, including member selection processes and the operational framework of the Nigeria Startup Portal.
The visit underscores increasing collaboration among African nations on digital policy development and further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a continental reference point for building effective startup ecosystem frameworks.
