NITDA’s partnership with JICA putting Nigeria’s startup ecosystem on global map: Inuwa

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, highlights the impact of the agency’s partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency, including sponsorships of Nigerian technology startups to participate in exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As regards Nigeria’s collaboration with the global organisation, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), says that the agency’s partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has put the West African country’s tech startup ecosystem on the global map.

Inuwa noted this during a recent meeting with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, JICA President, when the latter visited the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) office established by NITDA, in Abuja, FCT.

The Director-General of NITDA, who highlighted the impact of the agency’s partnership with JICA, related that “through this collaboration, we have sponsored Nigerian startups to participate in tech exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East.

“Additionally, we’ve connected them with Japanese corporations, such as Mitsubishi, resulting in training for 112 startup founders from 56 companies and creation of over 300 direct jobs in Nigeria.”

He equally stated: “Established in 2001, NITDA’s mandate is to implement the national IT policy. At inception, less than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers.

“Today, we have made significant progress in bridging the digital divide.”

There is significant growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector, from less than 0.5 percent to over 16 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 120 million citizens now having computer access.

Referencing the World Bank research that predicted a global talent deficit of 85 million by 2030, potentially leading to $8.5 trillion in lost annual value, Inuwa, however, proffered suggestions to bridge the looming skills gap.

The NITDA Chief stated: “A strategic talent pipeline between Nigeria and Japan can leverage Nigeria’s youthful population to address Japan’s aging workforce challenges, creating a symbiotic partnership.”

SRAP 2.0. and Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda

Inuwa emphasised how NITDA has articulated its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0).

He explained SRAP 2.0 framework outlines the eight key pillars to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The Director-General further emphasised while Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating would drive the development of a skilled workforce to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, building of a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem would encourage innovation and Research & Development in emerging technologies.

“The Agency also plans to strengthen policy implementation and legal framework, promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance digital trust and nurture an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem and build strategic partnership and collaboration,” said he.

Inuwa stressed the IT regulator would focus on internal transformation and reforms, so NITDA could be more agile, and have an environment that is psychologically safe for everyone to contribute.

He disclosed “internally, NITDA is undergoing transformational reforms to enhance agility, foster a psychologically safe work environment, and encourage active contributions from all stakeholders.”

JICA’s collaboration with NITDA for development ‘a wise decision’, says Dr. Tanaka

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Tanaka applauded NITDA’s dedication, stating that partnering with NITDA was a wise decision due to the agency’s vital role in global development.

He also emphasised that co-creation is JICA’s guiding principle.

The approach, he stated, aligns with JICA’s mission to collaborate with organisations like NITDA to drive growth and address global challenges.

Tanaka said: “Co-creation is the overarching principle guiding our activities, especially in harnessing information technology to drive sustainable development.

“Additionally, JICA acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive strides in advancing information technology and Artificial Intelligence, and we are committed to collaborating on these endeavours.”

In respect of the strategic application of these technologies and how this would foster a surge in startup creation among young Nigerian entrepreneurs, the JICA President advocated the need to harness the creative potential of young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that enhance societal well-being.