Africa’s youthful population, digital fluency, and creativity position the continent to play a defining role in shaping the global digital economy, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Speaking at the African Creators Conference 2025 in Abuja, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, urged African nations to look beyond consumption and actively develop and export homegrown digital solutions.
Inuwa, who was represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, delivered a keynote address on the theme “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy.”
He stressed that Africa must harness its human capital to drive digital transformation and innovation across sectors.
“Our innovators and creators should take their rightful place as global leaders and solution providers,” he said, reaffirming his call for the continent to transition from being passive adopters of foreign technologies to creators shaping solutions for the world.
He stressed further that with over 1.4 billion people, more than 60% of whom are under the age of 25, Africa stands at a critical juncture in the global digital landscape, adding that the continent’s young population is uniquely positioned to shape the future of technology and innovation.
“Our young people, with their creativity, energy, and fluency in digital tools, are poised to shape Africa’s future in technology and innovation,” he noted.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strides in digital development, Inuwa cited key statistics and initiatives: “Over 126 million internet users, 205 million mobile subscriptions, and transformative programs such as the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, the Nigeria Startup Act, and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0. These efforts are aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a producer and exporter of digital solutions.”
Inuwa also underscored the importance of regional collaboration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and advocated for harmonised policies and strategic infrastructure investments to unlock trillions of dollars in potential value across Africa’s digital economy.
Concluding his address, Inuwa urged stakeholders to rise to the challenge of building a digitally empowered Africa. “The choices we make today will determine whether Africa remains on the margins or takes its rightful place at the centre of global digital transformation,” he said.
The African Creators Conference 2025 convened over 3,000 creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent.
The event served as a dynamic platform for exploring how artificial intelligence and digital creativity can fuel economic growth and foster cross-border collaboration among Africa’s brightest minds.