The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged African countries to shift from being passive consumers of technology to becoming creators and exporters of digital solutions.
Inuwa, represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, made the call in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the African Creators Conference 2025.
Speaking on the theme *“The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,”* the NITDA chief highlighted the continent’s vast potential, driven by its youthful population, creativity, and digital fluency. He noted that with Africa’s population of over 1.4 billion, more than 60 percent of whom are under 25, the continent is at a critical juncture in the global digital space.
“Our innovators and creators should take their rightful place as global leaders and solution providers. Our young people, with their creativity, energy, and fluency in digital tools, are poised to shape Africa’s future in technology and innovation,” Inuwa said.
He pointed to Nigeria’s progress in the sector, citing over 126 million internet users, 205 million mobile subscriptions, and initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, the Nigeria Startup Act, and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0, all aimed at positioning Nigeria as a producer and exporter of digital solutions.
The NITDA boss also stressed the need for regional collaboration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling for harmonised policies and strategic infrastructure investments to unlock trillions of dollars in Africa’s digital economy.
“The choices we make today will determine whether Africa remains on the margins or takes its rightful place at the centre of global digital transformation,” he added.
The African Creators Conference 2025 brought together more than 3,000 creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent to explore how artificial intelligence and digital creativity can drive economic growth and strengthen cross-border collaboration.
