In a powerful stride towards building an inclusive digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian women in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the broader digital economy.
This commitment was reiterated by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, during the “Innovate Her 25” conference the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT). Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, emphasized that meaningful innovation thrives through collaboration and inclusivity, values deeply embedded in NITDA’s strategy.
He noted that inclusivity is a core pillar of Nigeria’s National AI Strategy, stating;“Our strategic roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our programmes directly benefit women and underserved groups. We have also developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure.”
Looking ahead, Inuwa announced that NITDA will host a Leadership Summit on AI in September 2025, bringing together stakeholders from across Africa to shape a unified continental vision for artificial intelligence.
Reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to capacity building, the DG highlighted ongoing initiatives in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, implemented in partnership with organisations such as the Renewed Hope Initiative. He noted that thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones are already benefiting from these targeted trainings.
NITDA, he added, is open to partnerships with organisations like NIWIT for bespoke community-based programmes.
“We focus on targeted training with measurable outcomes, not generic approaches,” Inuwa said.
He further spotlighted the “Digital Literacy for All Initiative,” aimed at equipping 70% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027. Through partnerships with NYSC and integration into school curricula, NITDA targets over 30 million beneficiaries particularly from underserved communities and among public servants.
On ethical AI, Inuwa stressed the importance of indigenous development, stating that NITDA is working with stakeholders to build local datasets and large language models that reflect Nigeria’s unique context and protect digital rights.
NITDA is also advancing mentorship for women in tech through initiatives like Women Innovate, and expressed readiness to collaborate with NIWIT on formal mentorship programmes, including through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
“NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward,” Inuwa said.
The session concluded with a resounding call to action for women-focused organisations to leverage NITDA’s open-door policy and collaborate to accelerate digital inclusion. The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive and women are poised to lead.
