The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has extended a bold invitation to global investors to explore Nigeria’s flourishing digital economy, branding it a land brimming with opportunities driven by a young, tech-savvy, and innovative population.
Inuwa made this passionate appeal while engaging key stakeholders including startups and international investors at a GITEX Breakfast Meeting during the ongoing GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Looking ahead to GITEX Nigeria 2025, scheduled to take place from September 1 to 4 in Abuja and Lagos, Inuwa described Nigeria as a country where “innovation meets opportunity,” underscoring the government’s unwavering support for technology-driven development and grassroots entrepreneurship.
“Nigeria is home to a large, youthful, creative, and highly competent workforce. It’s an ecosystem where startups thrive, where technology fuels transformation, and where the entrepreneurial spirit drives innovation,” he said.
With more than 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 25, Inuwa emphasized the country’s strategic advantage as a global talent hub poised to lead in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He also highlighted the government’s digital agenda, which includes sweeping reforms, infrastructure expansion, and an aggressive push for digital literacy.
“The President is fully committed to building robust digital infrastructure and asserting our digital sovereignty, allowing Nigerian innovators to create and export solutions globally,” he added.
Beyond digital literacy, Inuwa noted that NITDA is empowering young Nigerians to become creators not just consumers of technology, while championing cloud adoption and innovation as pillars of sustainable digital growth.
“To succeed in today’s fast-paced world, agility is key. That’s why we are moving away from outdated on-prem systems and embracing the cloud,” he noted.
He further stressed that Africa, with its youthful digital native population, must not merely participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution but lead it.
Inuwa revealed that GITEX Nigeria 2025 will be a landmark event Abuja will host discussions on investor-friendly reforms and policies, while Lagos will spotlight the continent’s most vibrant startup ecosystem.
“We are building a Nigeria where innovation disrupts the status quo, where collective intelligence drives progress, and where technology transforms lives,” he concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Vijayaragavan Venugopal, Sales Director of ZOHO, said the company has seen remarkable growth in Africa over the past seven years, with Nigeria leading the charge.
“We are excited to participate in GITEX Nigeria. It will empower not just Nigeria but the entire African tech landscape,” he said.
In her remarks, Olu Olufemi White, CEO of Alami Capital, called for more human-centered investments in startups, stressed the need for reliable energy and sustainable finance to unlock Africa’s full tech potential.
“Let’s not wait until we become global giants before the world starts telling our story. Partner with us now walk with us to build the nation of our dreams,” she urged.
