Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized that Nigerian youth hold the key to Africa’s digital transformation. He underscored that NITDA’s strategic focus is to actively “skill the youth” and provide concrete platforms for them to create value, thereby unlocking the nation’s potential for unprecedented prosperity.
Speaking at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025, DG Inuwa reiterated the urgency of empowering Nigeria’s huge youth population (average age 18):
“If we fail to skill our youth, if we fail to provide a platform for them to create value, we are stunting the most valuable asset we have as a nation,” he declared.
He affirmed that harnessing this energy and talent is critical for powering not just Nigeria, but the entire African continent into a new era of prosperity, aligning with the economic diversification goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NITDA’s Specific Platforms for Youth Development
The Digital Nigeria Conference itself, organized by NITDA, is presented as a prime platform specifically designed to empower young innovators by bridging the gap between government, industry, and talent:
1. Innovation Showcase and Networking Platform
- Scale: The 2025 conference attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, serving as a massive national and international gathering of innovators, policymakers, and investors.
- Actionable Collaboration: The conference is positioned as a catalyst for actionable collaboration, encouraging young participants to turn dialogue and deals into profit-generating ventures.
2. Focused Skill Development Tracks
The conference curriculum directly targets the skillsets needed for the future digital economy. The event featured 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks:
- Digital Skills and Literacy: Dedicated tracks ensure focus on foundational and advanced technical capabilities.
- Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies: Tracks centered on cutting-edge areas, preparing youth for high-demand global jobs.
- Digital Trade and Innovation: Focus on commercializing digital solutions and fostering entrepreneurial capacity.
3. Fostering Regulatory Support
As the primary organizer, NITDA uses the conference platform to harmonize regulatory frameworks and promote Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), creating a stable and encouraging environment where young entrepreneurs can innovate securely and scale their businesses.
Inuwa concluded with an affirmation that underscores NITDA’s mission: “Every handshake, every dialogue, and every deal made here should be driven by one conviction: Nigeria can do it, and we will do it.”