The recent meeting chaired by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA director general aimed to align Trust Stamp’s verification technologies with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and the agency’s strategic priorities for building a secure, innovation-driven economy.

Digital Trust as Economic Infrastructure

Inuwa emphasized that a secure digital environment is a prerequisite for national development, noting that cybersecurity frameworks are essential for driving investment and accelerating the adoption of digital services across sectors.

“Trust remains a critical foundation for the growth of the digital economy. Secure systems and strong cybersecurity frameworks are essential for driving innovation, economic growth, and national development,” Inuwa stated.

He further clarified NITDA’s role as a forward-looking regulator, focusing on policies that support an enabling environment for innovation rather than promoting specific technologies.

Privacy-Preserving Biometrics and Inclusion

Jonathan Pasha, vice president of Trust Stamp, highlighted the company’s ongoing footprint in Nigeria, which includes collaborating with local telecommunications providers to enhance SIM swap prevention and fraud detection.

Key technical highlights from Trust Stamp’s pitch included:

Biometric Tokenization: Technology that converts biometric data into secure, privacy-preserving representations, allowing for verification without exposing sensitive personal information.

Asset Tokenization: Support for secure verification, fraud prevention, and the tokenization of real-world assets.

Financial Inclusion: Systems designed to function in low-connectivity environments and on low-specification devices to ensure broader access to digital services.

Strategic Outlook

The Director General reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to private sector investments that strengthen digital infrastructure.

He stressed that sustainable development is best driven by private participation under a supportive regulatory umbrella.

Both parties expressed a commitment to advancing technical-level discussions to identify specific areas where Trust Stamp’s global experience can be integrated into Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Techeconomy Analysis: The engagement with a NASDAQ-listed entity like Trust Stamp signals NITDA’s intent to bring global best practices in identity security to the local market.

As Nigeria scales its digital economy, addressing identity fraud and SIM-related crimes remains a top priority for both regulators and financial institutions.

Over three landmark events, ICEGOV 2025, the West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGov), and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) E-Governance Expert Meeting, Inuwa emphasised that Africa’s digital transformation must be driven by trust, collaboration, and a strong commitment to data sovereignty.

Hosted for the first time in West Africa, ICEGOV 2025 brought together ministers, regulators, development partners, and digital innovators from over 50 countries under the theme “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, he described digital governance as a social contract built on accountability and shared progress.

“Digital is not an accessory to development – it is its backbone,” he stated. “Africa’s digital sovereignty must be built on systems that protect our data, empower our people, and strengthen our capacity to innovate locally and compete globally.”

Despite accounting for nearly 18% of the world’s population, Africa contributes less than 1% to global data center capacity and cloud infrastructure – a gap that poses significant risks to the continent’s digital independence.

Inuwa emphasized that data sovereignty cannot exist without local infrastructure capable of hosting, processing, and securing Africa’s data.

He noted that strengthening domestic cloud capacity, encouraging local data hosting, and promoting regional interconnection are essential for achieving true sovereignty in the digital era. He underscored that Africa must build the systems to govern and protect its own data, rather than outsourcing its digital destiny to external actors.

At the West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGov), he called on member states to adopt shared frameworks that align with the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy (2020–2030).

He underscored the need for interoperable systems, cross-border collaboration, and open digital ecosystems that reflect Africa’s unique realities.

“When our services interconnect, our nations progress together. The real power of digital governance lies not in competition, but in cooperation,” Inuwa told regional delegates.

At the APRM E-Governance Expert Meeting, Inuwa urged African leaders to co-create a continental framework for measuring digital governance maturity that is uniquely African, people-centred, and grounded in transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

“E-Governance is not about automating bureaucracy; it is about humanising public service,” he said. “Citizens should experience government as moments of trust, registering a business in hours, accessing healthcare securely, or paying for services without barriers. When those moments work, trust grows; when they don’t, trust erodes.”

Throughout the week, Inuwa also showcased Nigeria’s achievements in building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) – spanning identity, payments, and data exchange, and highlighted the Data Protection Act 2023, which institutionalises digital trust.

He cited over 126 million Nigerians now enrolled in the National Identification Number (NIN) system and referenced the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) and Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programmes as examples of Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive digital capacity building.

Inuwa concluded his remarks across the events by reiterating that Africa’s digital future will be written by Africans through collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility.

“The future of governance will be co-created, not imported. When we connect our systems and our hearts, we can deliver a generation-defining transformation in governance – one that citizens everywhere can see, feel, and trust.”

In reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to digital sovereignty, Inuwa noted that the Agency continues to work closely with regulators, operators, and development partners to localise data sustainably in Nigeria and across Africa.

He highlighted that NITDA’s efforts are guided by a vision of responsible data stewardship, one that ensures national data assets remain under sovereign control while enabling innovation, investment, and efficiency.

Through initiatives supporting local cloud adoption, compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, and the development of Digital Public Infrastructure, NITDA is laying the groundwork for a trusted and self-reliant data ecosystem that advances both national resilience and continental integration.

The successful hosting of ICEGOV 2025 in Abuja not only cements Nigeria’s position as a continental leader in digital governance but also signals a renewed commitment across West Africa to work together toward a digitally sovereign, inclusive, and trusted future.

His keynote titled “Securing Digital Economy: Strengthening Infrastructure and Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence”, was more than a technical presentation; it was a call to secure Nigeria’s digital destiny.

Inuwa began with a sobering truth: as Nigeria’s digital economy accelerates, so do the threats that accompany it. “Cybercrime now costs the world over $10 trillion annually, making it the most lucrative form of crime globally,” he said, citing the World Economic Forum’s ranking of cybersecurity among the top five global threats. “Our strategies must evolve beyond physical protection.”

For Nigeria, the stakes are high. The ICT sector contributes about 17 percent to the national GDP, while the broader service sector, powered largely by digital technologies, accounts for nearly 58 percent of economic output. “The digital economy is the heartbeat of our development agenda,” Inuwa noted. “Every sector now runs on technology, from banking and education to healthcare and transportation.”

Yet, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) transforming how we live and work, the DG warned that it has also reshaped the cybersecurity landscape. “AI enhances productivity and innovation, but it equally empowers cybercriminals with precision tools to execute sophisticated attacks,” he explained.

To stay ahead, Inuwa stressed that security must be embedded into digital infrastructure from the foundation. “Digital infrastructure now goes beyond servers and networks, it includes utilities, telecommunications, and even autonomous vehicles. If a hacker gains access to an autonomous car, the consequences could be disastrous,” he said.

He outlined three core components of AI systems, data, compute power, and algorithms, all of which must be protected to maintain trust and resilience. “If any of these are compromised, the entire system becomes vulnerable,” he cautioned.

But even as technology evolves, human behavior remains the weakest link. “Globally, human error accounts for 90 to 95 percent of cyber incidents,” Inuwa said. “Cybercriminals exploit human weakness because it’s easier to manipulate behavior than to break through advanced systems.”

To address this, NITDA’s cybersecurity strategy rests on four strategic pillars:

1. Governance: anchored by the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, now updated to reflect emerging threats. A Presidential Executive Order has also designated critical digital information infrastructure as national assets, “a milestone that allows our cyberspace to be recognised and protected as a national highway.”
2. Capacity Building: tackling the global shortage of cybersecurity talent, currently 4.4 million professionals short worldwide, including 140,000 in Nigeria. Through the 3 Million Tech Talent (3MTT) programme and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), NITDA aims to empower young Nigerians with digital and cybersecurity skills, targeting 95 percent digital literacy by 2030.
3. Incident Management: led by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with sectoral CERTs across finance, communications, and law enforcement ensuring rapid and unified responses.
4. Collaboration: fostering partnerships with the African Union, Smart Africa, international CERTs, and global tech giants to enhance collective defense mechanisms.

He further revealed that NITDA, in partnership with ONSA, is developing a National Cybersecurity Architecture to promote accountability, information sharing, and unified national defense.

Inuwa closed with a message to all Nigerians, one rooted in personal responsibility.

“Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it’s about people. Every Nigerian has a role to play. Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, avoid phishing scams, and report cyber incidents promptly. Together, we can build a secure and digitally resilient nation.”

By investing in infrastructure, human capital, and innovation, NITDA is shaping a future where Nigeria’s digital economy thrives, securely and sustainably.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), stated that the event is a turning point in Nigeria’s role in building the “future economy.” 

He expatiated that Lagos is not just the nation’s commercial hub but also a global crucible of innovation, where limited infrastructure has never stopped startups from scaling into billion-dollar companies.

“This is a declaration that Nigeria is ready to lead the future economy. We have shown resilience where others relied on capital and infrastructure. We turned necessity into opportunity.”

He credited government policy decisions, such as the cashless initiative first piloted in Lagos in 2012, as a catalyst for the explosion of fintech innovation. That move, he said, created the gaps Nigerian startups rushed to fill, driving the country’s distinction in Africa’s fintech sector.

Abdullahi noted that while fintech has been Nigeria’s “rocket fuel,” the nation’s goals are not limited to financial services. He pointed to opportunities in agriculture, healthcare, and security as the next frontiers, stressing that with the right opportunities, Nigerian talent can compete with any city or nation worldwide.

GITEX NIGERIA 2025, organised under the patronage of the Federal Government and in partnership with the Lagos State Government, is designed to showcase those opportunities. Abdullahi revealed that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had first envisioned bringing GITEX to Lagos after being impressed by its scale in Morocco two years ago.

“Today, that challenge has become a reality,” he said. “We are not waiting for the future to happen, we are building it here in Lagos.”

He also urged global investors and innovators to take part in Nigeria’s transformation. “We have done it in fintech. We will do it in agriculture, in health, in security. Whether with you or without you, this journey will continue. But this is your opportunity to be part of it.”

This obvious blend of ambition, resilience, and youthful innovation in Lagos shows its becoming the engine of Nigeria’s economy and the epicentre of Africa’s digital future.

At the inaugural Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development, held at the Rotunda Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), issued a heartfelt call for partnership not just between organisations, but between vision and action.

“This is not a time to trade blame. It’s a time to build together,” Inuwa said, setting the tone for the day’s conversation around national priorities.

The Call to Co-Create, Not Just Critique

Inuwa, reflecting on Nigeria’s current economic and social challenges, challenged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to move beyond critique and step into the role of co-creators in shaping national policy. He emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a blueprint that demanded collective commitment.

“There are things the government can do that civil society cannot. And there are things civil society can do that the government cannot. But together just together we can do much greater things,” he told the audience.

He outlined the eight priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda: economic reform, national security, agricultural transformation, natural resource development, infrastructure expansion, social sector improvement, industrial diversification, and good governance.

“If we agree on the vision, then we must move forward together regardless of who is in power. The vision must outlast political terms. That’s how nations grow.”

Technology as a Catalyst, Not a Distraction

But vision alone isn’t enough. For Inuwa, the real enabler is technology. From digital tools that connect citizens to policymakers, to AI-driven solutions in agriculture and education, he believes Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of digital opportunity.

He shared that NITDA is currently working with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to deploy an AI-powered citizen engagement platform, a project aimed at helping young Nigerians co-design the policies that shape their future.

“Nigeria doesn’t have a shortage of ideas. What we lack are the tools and more importantly, the will to execute them at scale and on time,” he noted.

Bridging the Trust Gap, One Conversation at a Time

For Inuwa, one of the nation’s most pressing problems isn’t policy, it’s trust. The gap between government and the governed, he argued, stems from a lack of meaningful engagement.

“If we build trust, we win today’s battle. With trust, we can make Nigeria great. But trust doesn’t come from speeches, it comes from shared action.”

He urged CSOs and government leaders alike to build consensus, not competition, and to see civic engagement as the cornerstone of sustainable development.

A Vision Bigger than Any One Person

As the summit drew to a close, Inuwa’s message lingered in the room: No single institution or administration can transform Nigeria alone. But with a unified front, of government, civil society, and empowered citizens, the country can turn its vision into a living reality.

The summit served as more than just a meeting of minds; it was a renewed commitment to collaboration, one that places people, purpose, and progress at the centre of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The Africa Tech Alliance (ATAEx) Awards has, again, lived up to expectations by honouring individuals, organizations, and initiatives that have made significant impact on Africa’s tech ecosystem, focusing on categories such as digital transformation, cybersecurity, ecommerce, financial inclusion, sustainability, and emerging technologies.

For the year 2024, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general Nigeria’s National Information Technology Agency [NITDA] received the Digital Transformation Leadership Award.

The Digital Transformation Leadership Award is a national technology impact award that recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing technology in ways that drive national development and positively impact society.

ATAEx Award screening committee for 2024 nominated Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi for the award in recognition of his role in transforming Nigeria’s technology landscape, fostering innovation, and supporting inclusive digital progress.

ATAEx Man of the Year – Dr. Ayotunde Coker

Dr. Ayotunde Coker is one of the leading players in the development of the data centre industry in Africa and is the Chairperson of an influential industry group, the Africa Data Centres Association.

Before joining OADC as Chief Executive Officer, Dr Coker led Rack Centre to become a household name in Nigeria and a leading brand in Africa, with global recognition and numerous prestigious international awards. Throughout a distinguished international career as a technology and business leader, Dr Coker has held senior positions in finance, energy, management consulting and U.K. Government.

His achievements have been recognised by numerous awards, including the Distinguished Manufacturing Alumni Award (Cranfield Institute of Technology) 2020, and in the same year, he was recognised as one of the Global Top 30 Edge Computing Leaders by Data Economy Magazine.

He holds an MSc from Cranfield Institute of Technology and a PhD (Honoris Causa) from ESCAE University.

Other awardees include;

Direct Selling Company of the Year – QNET.

Best Data Centre Colocation Provider of the Year – DIGITAL REALTY [Nigeria];

Champion of Public Tech Infrastructure Award – GALAXY BACKBONE LIMITED;

Blockchain Advocate of the Year – JUDE OZINEGBE, founder/Convener, Cyberchain;

AI Startup of the Year – NeuRaL AI; African Cybersecurity Mastery Award – DIGITAL ENCODE LTD;

ATAEx Internet Exchange Point of the Year – INTERNET EXCHANGE POINT OF NIGERIA [IXPN];

PR Champion of Africa Award – NEWMARK GROUP LTD;

Africa Tech Community of the Year – InnovationBed Africa;

ICT Company of the Year – TECOM CONCEPTS LTD; 

Outstanding ICT Solutions & Innovation Personality of the Year – HAPPINESS OBIOHA, MD/Sales Director, Tecom Concepts Limited;

Mobile App Defense Excellence Award –  CED TECHNOLOGIES;

Most Innovative Digital Bank Award – PALMPAY;

Life Time Achievement Award in Data Centre Management – DR. AYOTUNDE COKER, CEO, OADC.

Other ATAEx 2024 awardees are; ICT Innovation Storyteller Award – CHINENYE ANUFORO, Head, ICT Desk, Sun Newspaper;

Digital Reporting Excellence Award – MARTIN EKPEKE, Publisher/Editor In-Chief, ITPulse;

Trailblazer in Tech Award – MONIADE ADENIYI;

Global Technology Innovator Award – AYODEJI OGUNMOLA;

Tech Visionary Award – OLUWAKAYODE DURODOLA;

Business Intelligence Mastery Award – ADEDAMOLA BOWALE;

Rising Star in Tech Award – OLANIYI IBRAHEEM;

Blockchain Community of the Year – LAGOS BLOCKCHAIN WEEK;

In his congratulatory message to the award recipients, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-convener, said that ATAEx Awards is part of the annual Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH), which brings together tech leaders, policymakers/regulators, industry experts, and key stakeholders to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in Africa’s digital landscape.

“Recipients are celebrated not only for their achievements but also for their vision and commitment to leveraging technology for Africa’s development”, he said.

This was the emphasis of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0), held recently in Lagos, where industry experts, policymakers, and SMEs discussed innovative strategies for leveraging technology to leapfrog into the digital future.

Themed “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy,” AfriTECH 4.0 accentuated the indispensable role of SMEs, which form the backbone of Africa’s economy. 

According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), SMEs contribute approximately 90% of businesses and 50% of employment across the continent.

Yet, many face challenges in accessing the tools and opportunities necessary for growth. 

The lessons from AfriTECH 4.0 provide a guide for SMEs to build resilience and promote innovation while staying competitive globally.

Financial Inclusion: Empowering SMEs Through Technology

Mr. Biram Fall, regional general manager, QNET sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the massive possibility of financial inclusion in Africa, noting that “with over 350 million unbanked adults, there is a significant potential for financial inclusion and digital solutions for Africa.” 

He stressed the transformative power of fintech in providing essential financial tools like savings accounts, credit, and insurance, all of which are important for SMEs seeking economic independence.

The demand for financial inclusion aligns with projections of a $75 billion e-commerce market in Africa by 2025, driven by internet access and smartphone adoption. However, Fall cautioned against infrastructural and cultural obstacles: “Limited banking infrastructure and high cash dependency hinder digital engagement.” 

SMEs can benefit by embracing mobile wallet solutions, which simplify transactions and boost consumer trust, thereby opening access to a wider e-commerce market.

With over 60% of Africans under 25, young entrepreneurs are leading digital growth by building scalable tech solutions, as emphasized by Jude Ozinegbe, founder/convener at Cyberchain. 

Similarly, women-focused programmes and local initiatives supporting female entrepreneurs ensure inclusivity. In empowering these demographics, SMEs can benefit from diverse perspectives and creative solutions, boosting innovation and long-term growth. 

These will go beyond bridging gender gaps to also stimulating a culture of innovation that strengthens local economies.

Blockchain and AI: Redefining SME Operations

In his keynote, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the disruptive capability of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). 

He stated, “Blockchain and artificial intelligence are powerful technologies that offer Africa unprecedented opportunities. By strategically integrating these technologies, we can propel Africa forward as a dynamic leader in the global digital economy.”

For SMEs, blockchain presents avenues to secure transactions, ensure transparency, and reduce operational inefficiencies. 

Abdullahi projected that blockchain could contribute $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, especially through financial inclusion and governance applications. 

Meanwhile, AI-powered tools offer SMEs the ability to optimize resources, automate operations, and drive productivity, particularly in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Challenges SMEs Face in Adopting Emerging Technologies

While the prospects of digital transformation are evident, SMEs often encounter limitations:

• Digital Literacy: Many SME owners lack the skills needed to effectively use advanced technologies.
• Cost of Technology: Financial restrictions limit access to tools like AI and blockchain.
• Resistance to Change: Traditional businesses often hesitate to digitise operations.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Limited connectivity in rural areas affects adoption rates.

Addressing these issues requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, and educational institutions. Through training, subsidies, and partnerships, these challenges can be mitigated to enable SMEs to unlock their potential.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the Digital Future of SMEs

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, chief visionary officer of Digital Encode Limited, addressed the increasing risks accompanying digital transformation. 

He noted, “The rapid pace of technological advancements has introduced new cybersecurity threats and challenges.” For SMEs, which often operate with limited resources, powerful cybersecurity frameworks are essential to protect against cyberattacks and fraud.

Obadare highlighted that “Healthcare, financial services, and cloud providers remain prime targets, with attacks on critical infrastructure and IoT expected to intensify.” 

The takeaway for SMEs? Adopting a security-first culture, supported by partnerships between governments and private sectors, is essential to ensuring resilience in a digitally interconnected economy.

Useful Tips for SMEs

SMEs looking to make maximum use of technology can follow these steps:

1. Start Small: Begin with low-cost digital tools like WhatsApp Business or mobile payment systems.
2. Leverage Training Opportunities: Join government or private sector training programmes focused on digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
3. Collaborate with Fintechs: Partner with startups that can provide tailored solutions for SME needs.
4. Explore Funding Options: Tap into grants and microfinance opportunities aimed at promoting tech adoption.

Digital Payments: A Game-Changer for SMEs

Mrs Ebehijie Momoh, CEO of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, stressed the growing importance of digital payments in facilitating financial inclusion. 

She noted that “Nigeria’s digital payments landscape is experiencing rapid expansion, with 2023 alone seeing an estimated $730 billion in transactions.” 

For SMEs, innovations like the AfriGo card, which processes transactions in local currency, reduce reliance on foreign exchange and enable faster capital turnover.

Momoh underlined the need for accessibility, affordability, and product diversity in digital payment solutions. She added that “fintech companies are critical in ensuring affordable and accessible services, supported by regulations and a robust digital infrastructure to enable responsible and sustainable financial growth.” 

SMEs that leverage these tools can simplify operations, reduce costs, and expand their market reach.

Policy and Accountability: Bridging the Gap for SMEs

Muhammed Rudman, CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), critiqued the contrast between policies and their execution. He stated, “We have excellent policies, but when it comes to implementing those policies, we are really, really lagging behind.” 

Policy implementation is necessary for SMEs to access the infrastructure and services needed for digital transformation. Rudman called for tougher penalties for non-performance to ensure government accountability, a measure that could directly benefit SME growth.

Collaboration: The Key to Digital Transformation

A recurring theme at AfriTECH 4.0 was the importance of partnerships. From QNET’s financial literacy programmes that promote entrepreneurship to NITDA’s focus on digital literacy, collaboration between governments, private sectors, and SMEs was deemed essential. 

“True progress requires collaboration,” stated Mr. Biram Fall, emphasizing the role of cross-sector partnerships in building a digital economy that is inclusive and resilient.

The insights from AfriTECH 4.0 reiterates that SMEs are at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation and financial inclusion, leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, adopting strong cybersecurity measures, and utilizing innovative digital payment systems, will help SMEs drive economic growth and resilience.

However, the journey requires accountability, supportive policies, and strategic collaborations to reach Africa’s goal of a competitive digital economy. 

“Africa’s potential in the digital age is boundless… We are not just spectators in the digital revolution; we are pioneers. Let us seize this moment to place Africa at the forefront of global innovation.” – Kashifu Abdullahi.

The event which took place at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora marked a significant milestone in advancing Nigeria’s digital technology, and the importance of transitioning to IPv6 to accommodate future demands of the internet.

Dr Bosun Tijani, the minister of Communications innovation and Digital Economy, in his keynote address said the Summit aims to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation and explore the possibilities of IPv6 in unlocking new growth opportunities.

Also at the Summit, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director general of NITDA, highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priority of accelerating diversification through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.

This aims to deepen growth and innovation, unlock the potential of the digital economy, and create awareness about IPv6.

Additionally, the summit seeks to foster collaboration among stakeholders in Nigeria and design an actionable roadmap to promote IPv6 adoption in the country.

The theme for this year centers on “Global Collaborations, Local Transformations.”

GTA is a leading platform for collaboration between African and international tech stakeholders; fostering connections, dialogues, and potential partnerships that will pave the way for the growth of Africa’s tech ecosystem.

With great excitement, we are pleased to announce the GTA 2024 Deal Room. This initiative is designed to facilitate investments for African startups from the community of potential investors. 

The Deal Room will be facilitated in partnership with One Africa and is expected to promote innovation, support emerging startups, and contribute to economic growth in Africa.

“This year’s GTA Conference promises to be a dynamic platform where global collaborations will catalyze local transformations in Africa’s tech scene. I anticipate impactful discussions, actionable initiatives, and significant strides towards advancing our tech ecosystem,” Dr. Inya Lawal, President of Ascend Studios Foundation, implementing partner of the GTA.

Olori Boye-Ajayi of One Africa also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with GTA and the role of facilitating the Deal Room:

“Our partnership with GTA is aimed at fostering innovation, supporting tech startups, and promoting economic growth. The Deal Room will offer a transparent and conducive environment for potential collaborations between tech companies and investors, driving impactful outcomes in the industry.”

In its mission to harness Africa’s tech potential for growth and development, GTA is guided by the recently launched Nigeria Startup Act, positioning the nation for the fourth industrial revolution.

Collaborating with stakeholders, running capacity development programs, facilitating policy formulation, and uncovering investment opportunities; the Deal Room is part of the broad GTA objective – paving the way for tech-driven advancements in Africa.

To be part of this transformative event, register for the GTA 2024 Conference via the website.

For inquiries, contact: yd@yettyd.com or inya@ascendstudiosfoundation.org

More About GTA:

• Global Tech Africa (GTA) Conference is a platform designed to bring together African, International and Local Government representatives, Investors, Founders, Development Partners, Academia, Inventors, Tech Enthusiasts, and other relevant stakeholders in Africa’s tech ecosystem, to unlock growth opportunities and build the continents tech ecosystem.
• The conference is a Future Map Foundation (FMF) initiative, designed and implemented by Ascend Studios Foundation (ASF).
• GTA is in partnership with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the United States Consulate, IHS Towers, Business Sweden, the American Business Council, and the Venture Garden Group. 

The DG’s assurance is in view of the relatively low visibility of the innovation ecosystem in Northern Nigeria, despite being a region with hub of innovators, creatives, startups and several success stories.

He said this while delivering a Keynote Address during a ‘Stakeholders’ Engagement on the State of the Northern Innovation Ecosystem’, which held in Abuja.

Describing the event as “setting the sense of urgency for something to be done in favour of the Northern Innovation Ecosystem’, the Director-General noted that the timely call amplifies the opportunities, challenges as well as the need to build strategic partnerships toward achieving the overall goals.

“This platform has spurred the necessary conversations that we need to have in order to tackle some of the bottlenecks that have over the years stifled the growth of the ecosystem in the region”.

“As an Agency under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, we are here to add our collective voice and render relevant support targeted at fostering economic growth and development in the North and Nigeria as a whole”, Inuwa affirmed.

The DG Aligned the thrusts of the discussions to the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and one of the Priority Areas of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, which is ‘Accelerating Diversification through Industrialisation, Digitisation, Creative Arts, Manufacturing and Innovation’.

According to the DG, the involvement of NITDA in the quest, further aligns with some pillars of  the Agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, which deal with ‘Nurturing an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem’ and Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration amongst others.

Inuwa expressed the hope that the Northern Innovation Ecosystem will be used to create jobs, solve agricultural problems, healthcare, transportation, education and many more in the region.

“In the North and Nigeria in general, our biggest opportunity is the large market and expansion we have, because we have a young population where more than 60% is under 25, which means they are digitally natives”.

“Given the fact that our greatest resource as a country is human capital, we therefore, want to harness this population to make Nigeria a talent net exporter”, the DG avowed.

The NITDA Boss who took time to explain the Strategic Blueprint (five Pillars) of the Ministry and of course the Agency’s eight Pillars of the SRAP document, and how they directly address some of the issues raised, urged for the need to co-create and co-design the solutions with the ecosystem, in order to build trust between the ecosystem and the government.

“We want them to know that the government is here to handhold and support them in terms of interventions, building the talents, and infrastructures in unserved and underserved communities, as well as providing the incentives for them to grow”, Inuwa assured.

Inuwa however challenged Northerners not to allow the identified challenges in the area to hinder their innovative ideas, as there are silver linings in each difficulty.

“Lack of funding is always one of the issues, yes, but we can start with the small we have. It is not enough to always mention the challenges, let us also look for innovative ways to tackle them”, Inuwa urged.

He informed the audience that the Agency is conceptualising the idea of establishing Technology Development Zones, one in each geopolitical zone of the country, adding that there are plans to also have an average innovation hub in every state of the federation.

“To sustain and deal with the recurring challenge of monopoly of the hubs by some facilities in Universities, we are trying to come up with a framework where we can build innovation hubs outside of Universities, then sign an M.O.U with the ecosystem to bring in anyone that is willing to manage the facility, we will give the person targets and KPIs to aid the management of such hubs”.

“It is an idea we are trying to conceptualise and we are open to co-designing it with the ecosystem, so anybody who is interested can reach out to us, so that we can figure out how to achieve that”, the Director-General said.

Jamila Mohammed, head of Experimentation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), while speaking on the essence of the meeting, maintained that the whole idea around having the conversation with the stakeholders for the northern innovation ecosystem is to begin to engage key players in the innovation space to come together and help in positioning the ecosystem, in order to address developmental challenges in the region.

“The essence of all this is to galvanise action to catalyse action, to be able to disrupt the way innovation is done in the region itself”.

“There is a need for us to pull all our resources together to be able to position the resource system to accelerate the SDGs, because we know we are far behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and there is that urgency to be able to come up with new methodologies, and solutions that will take us to that promised land”, Ms. Jamila noted.

Other stakeholders took turns to share their thoughts, as they unanimously affirmed the fact that the Northern Ecosystem Working Group (NEW-G) which was established in collaboration with UNDP remains a significant rallying point to nurture and fuel the Northern Ecosystem’s emergence with strategic levelling up initiatives.