Recognizing the pivotal role of women in driving innovation and economic growth, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is championing a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian women within the rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the broader digital economy. Director General Kashifu Inuwa has articulated a compelling vision of an inclusive digital future, where Nigerian women are not only active participants but also recognized leaders and innovators, shaping the trajectory of technological advancement. Speaking at the prestigious “Innovate Her 25” conference, Inuwa emphasized that inclusivity is not merely a peripheral consideration but a core, deeply ingrained objective of Nigeria’s comprehensive AI strategy. This unwavering commitment is concretized in a meticulously crafted strategic roadmap that mandates a minimum threshold of 40% of all NITDA programs to directly benefit women and other historically underserved groups, ensuring equitable access to opportunities, resources, and the skills necessary to thrive in the digital age.
To further solidify its dedication to gender equality and digital inclusion, NITDA has developed a comprehensive and forward-thinking Gender Inclusion Strategy. This strategic framework provides a clear and actionable roadmap to guide interventions in critical areas, including the design and implementation of specialized training programs tailored to the unique needs of women, the development of robust and accessible digital infrastructure, and the promotion of policies that foster a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the technology sector. Looking ahead to the near future, NITDA is poised to host a landmark Leadership Summit on AI in September 2025. This prestigious event will convene leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the African continent, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to sharing best practices, forging strategic partnerships, and developing a unified AI vision that reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of the entire continent.
Beyond these high-level strategic initiatives, NITDA is actively engaged in a diverse and impactful portfolio of capacity-building programs, spanning essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cutting-edge cloud computing technologies, and robust cybersecurity protocols. These programs are often implemented in close collaboration with strategic partners, such as the Renew Hope Initiative, enabling NITDA to extend its reach and provide invaluable training opportunities to thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring nationwide impact and fostering a truly inclusive digital ecosystem. NITDA is also proactively seeking opportunities to collaborate with key organizations such as the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), actively encouraging the submission of proposals for bespoke programs meticulously tailored to cater to the specific and unique needs of individual communities, ensuring that interventions are relevant, effective, and sustainable. Emphasizing a results-oriented methodology, NITDA is prioritizing the implementation of targeted training initiatives with clearly defined and measurable outcomes, moving away from generic approaches and focusing on delivering tangible and lasting benefits to Nigerian women in the digital sphere. This multifaceted and comprehensive approach underscores NITDA’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive digital ecosystem where women can thrive, innovate, lead, and contribute to the economic prosperity of Nigeria.
