News Highlights:
- Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s DG, revealed that the agency’s partnership with JICA has significantly elevated Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
- This collaboration has resulted in the training of 112 startup founders and the creation of over 300 jobs.
Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has revealed that the Agency’s collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has positioned Nigeria’s startup ecosystem on the global stage.
Inuwa made this statement during a meeting with JICA President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka when he visited the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja, a Special Purpose Vehicle office established by NITDA.
The DG, while emphasizing the impact of NITDA’s partnership with JICA, stated, “Through this collaboration, we have sponsored Nigerian startups to participate in tech exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East. We have also connected them with Japanese corporations like Mitsubishi, leading to the training of 112 startup founders from 56 companies and the creation of over 300 direct jobs in Nigeria.”
“Established in 2001, NITDA’s mandate is to implement the national IT policy. At inception, less than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers. Today, we have made significant progress in bridging the digital divide,” he said.
He noted that there is significant growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector, from less than 0.5 per cent to over 16 per cent of GDP, with 120 million citizens now having computer access.
Inuwa referenced World Bank research projecting a global talent deficit of 85 million by 2030, which could result in $8.5 trillion in lost annual value but proposed that to help bridge this impending gap, “a strategic talent pipeline between Nigeria and Japan could leverage Nigeria’s youthful population to address Japan’s aging workforce challenges, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership.”
He highlighted that NITDA has developed its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), outlining eight key pillars to propel Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The NITDA Director General emphasized that fostering digital literacy and skill development will create a capable workforce to drive the nation’s digital economy, while building a robust technology research ecosystem will promote innovation and research in emerging technologies.
“The Agency also plans to strengthen policy implementation and legal framework, promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance digital trust and nurture an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem and build a strategic partnership and collaboration.
He added that the Agency will focus on internal transformation and reforms so the agency can be more agile and have an environment that is psychologically safe for everyone to contribute.
“Internally, NITDA is undergoing transformational reforms to enhance agility and foster a psychologically safe work environment, encouraging active contribution from all stakeholders.”
In his remarks, Dr. Tanaka commended NITDA’s commitment, noting that partnering with the agency was a prudent choice given its critical role in global development.
He stressed that co-creation is central to JICA’s approach, aligning with its mission to collaborate with organizations like NITDA to foster growth and tackle global challenges.
“Co-creation is the overarching principle guiding our activities, especially in harnessing information technology to drive sustainable development.
“Additionally, JICA acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive strides in advancing information technology and Artificial Intelligence, and we are committed to collaborating on these endeavours,” he noted.
While stressing that the strategic application of these technologies will foster a surge in startup creation among young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, he advocated for harnessing the creative potential of young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that enhance societal well-being.