The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has challenged African nations to move beyond being mere users of technology and take bold steps toward becoming creators and exporters of digital solutions.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has challenged African nations to move beyond being mere users of technology and take bold steps toward becoming creators and exporters of digital solutions.
Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, delivered the charge during his keynote address at the African Creators Conference 2025 in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,” the NITDA boss stressed Africa’s untapped potential, anchored on its youthful population, creativity, and digital fluency.
“Our innovators and creators should take their rightful place as global leaders and solution providers,” he declared.
With over 1.4 billion people—more than 60 percent of whom are under 25—Inuwa said the continent stands at a decisive point in the global digital landscape. “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.
Pointing to Nigeria’s progress in digital transformation, Inuwa highlighted key achievements: “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.”
He further emphasised the importance of regional collaboration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling for harmonised policies and strategic infrastructure investments to unlock trillions of dollars in value across Africa’s digital economy.
“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,” Inuwa cautioned.
The African Creators Conference 2025 brought together over 3,000 creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent. The event provided a dynamic platform to explore how artificial intelligence and digital creativity can fuel economic growth and foster cross-border collaboration among Africa’s brightest minds.