The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has emphasized the need for collaboration between governments and the private sector to drive human and infrastructural development in Africa.
Speaking at the second edition of the Moonshot Tech Conference 2024, Inuwa highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for innovation and growth in the African tech ecosystem. He stressed the need for intelligent regulation that balances innovation with stability.
“At NITDA, we believe in a collaborative approach to regulation,” said Inuwa. “By working closely with industry experts and startups, we can develop regulations that support innovation while ensuring a stable environment.”
Inuwa also emphasized the significance of human capital in Africa’s tech ecosystem. He noted the global talent deficit and highlighted Africa’s potential to become a global talent factory.
“Governments must invest in education and skills development to harness the potential of Africa’s young population,” Inuwa stated. “By doing so, we can position Africa as a leader in the global tech industry.”
The DG called for a collective effort to strengthen Africa’s digital infrastructure and foster data flow across borders. He emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, the private sector, and international organizations to achieve these goals.
Joining Inuwa on the panel were the CEO of Ghana Chamber of Technology, Dr. Augustina Odame, the Chief Advisor Technology of Sierra Leone, David Manley, and the Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Digital Transformation in Mauritania, Marieme Kane.