Digital Nigeria 2025: Inuwa beckons youths to power inclusive Africa’s digital future

*Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, at the three-day Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025, in Abuja, urges Nigerian youths to take the lead in driving digital transformation across the African continent

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As a veritable human resource to evolve a prosperous and inclusive digital future for Africa, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged Nigerian youths to take the lead in driving digital transformation across the continent.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, stated this in his opening remarks at the three-day Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition 2025, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, in Abuja, FCT.

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Inuwa emphasised that the West African country’s young population holds the key to a prosperous and inclusive future for the African continent.

The Director-General of NITDA also commended Vice-President (Senator) Kashim Shettima for headlining the occasion, describing his presence at Digital Nigeria Conference 2025 as a powerful demonstration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration cares deeply about Nigerian youths.

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NITDA restated that the conference “provides a dynamic platform for ecosystem stakeholders to showcase their works, and explore emerging trends aimed at transforming Nigeria and African continent’s digital future.”

Organised by Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency, the Digital Nigeria Conference, it noted, serves as a platform that bridges the government and industry, as well as foster collaboration between policymakers, innovators, and private-sector leaders in the economy.

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The agency further noted that it aims to harmonise regulatory frameworks, promote Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs), and drive the effective implementation of Nigeria’s national digital strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Underscoring the link between the initiative and the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy, Inuwa reiterated that theme of this year’s conference, “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness”, aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on economic diversification through digitalisation, industrialisation and innovation.

According to him, Nigeria with over 220 million people and an average age of 18, stands at a critical crossroads, one that could either unleash unprecedented prosperity or deepen socio-economic challenges, if the country fails to harness the creativity of its youths.

The Director-General of NITDA further explained: “If we harness the energy, the creativity and talent of our youths, we are not just going to power Nigeria, but we can power the entire Africa into a new era of prosperity.

“But if we fail to do that, 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.”

Inuwa disclosed that the 2025 Edition of the conference attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states, making it both a national and international gathering of innovators, policymakers, and investors under one roof.

“This year’s event features 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks,” stated he.

The NITDA Chief Executive as well enumerated the five tracks: digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure and trust, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, digital trade and innovation, and digital skills and literacy.

In his remarks, he urged the participants to see the conference as more than a networking opportunity, but as a catalyst for actionable collaboration.

Inuwa declared: “Every handshake, every dialogue, and every deal made here should be driven by one conviction: Nigeria can do it, and we will do it.”