NITDA unveils strategy to connect Nigerian startups with global markets in N3bn investment pipeline

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency challenges African innovators, investors and policymakers to transform the continent into a globally competitive creator of innovative solutions, intellectual property and sustainable technology enterprises, targeting

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In attaining Africa’s transition from digital technology consumers to global creators, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has challenged African innovators, investors and policymakers to transform the continent into a globally competitive creator of innovative solutions, intellectual property and sustainable technology enterprises.

Inuwa stated this in his keynote address delivered at the Moonshot 2026, held October 28–29, and organised by TechCabal at the National Theatre, Lagos.

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This year’s event had the theme, “Courage & Conviction — Building for a New World”.

The Director-General of NITDA emphasised that Africa’s technological future must be defined by innovation, entrepreneurship, collaboration and measurable economic impact.

He said: “Africa’s next chapter will not be written by the technologies we consume.

“It will be written by the value we have the courage to create.”

The Chief Executive of Nigeria’s IT sector regulatory agency also observed that Africa possesses exceptional technological talent, but continues to face significant gaps in access to quality infrastructure, financing, mentorship and markets.

Inuwa explained that bridging these gaps requires stronger collaboration among government, Universities, investors, technology companies and innovation hubs.

Insight into NITDA’s role in evolving Nigeria Digital Economy

Highlighting NITDA’s evolving role as an ecosystem orchestrator, Inuwa explained that the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) prioritises connecting digital talent to opportunities, research to commercialisation, startups to capital, innovation to markets and technological advancement to public trust.

The NITDA Chief also tasked the Nigerian technology ecosystem on moving beyond celebrating hackathons, pitch competitions and funding announcements towards building commercially viable enterprises that create jobs, solve real problems and compete internationally.

He further noted: “The true measure of an innovation ecosystem is not how many startups it celebrates.

“It is how many sustainable enterprises it helps create.”

As part of this transformation, the Director-General highlighted the forthcoming Builders’ Festival at the Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition, scheduled for November 10–12, 2026, in Abuja.

The agency disclosed the digital initiative aims to connect indigenous startups developing solutions to real industry challenges with corporate organisations, investors and potential customers, targeting a ₦3 billion investment pipeline for promising entrepreneurs.

Inuwa clarified that the figure represents a mobilisation target rather than funding already secured.

Developing indigenous AI capabilities

Speaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, Inuwa urged Nigeria to develop indigenous AI capabilities in agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and local-language technologies rather than remain dependent on imported applications.

He urged investors to support promising indigenous enterprises, corporations to create opportunities for startup solutions, and government institutions to strengthen enabling policies, infrastructure and strategic partnerships.

The NITDA Chief maintained that Africa’s technological competitiveness would depend on three critical foundations: innovation, trust and disciplined execution.

He also stated: “The future will not belong only to those who predict it.

“It will belong to those with the courage to build it, the conviction to sustain it, and the discipline to make it work.”

Inuwa, therefore, urged African innovators to embrace global ambition while developing solutions that create lasting economic opportunities and prosperity across the continent.

He added: “Let us stop asking whether Africa can build the future. Let us start demonstrating how Africa will build it.”