In a significant step towards a more inclusive digital landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is leading an initiative to empower Nigerian women in the realms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the digital economy.
This dedication was emphatically expressed by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, during the “Innovate Her 25” conference, which marked the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology.
At the event entitled “Women in AI: Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation and Leadership,” Inuwa, who was represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, the Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, stressed that genuine innovation flourishes through collaborative partnerships and collective efforts—principles that are ingrained in NITDA’s operational philosophy.
Elaborating on Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, Inuwa stated that inclusivity is a fundamental goal: “Our strategic roadmap requires that a minimum of 40% of our initiatives directly support women and underserved groups. We have also established a Gender Inclusion Strategy to steer interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure,” he noted.
Further accentuating Nigeria’s role in the digital domain, Inuwa enthusiastically shared that NITDA will host a Leadership Summit on AI in September 2025.
This pivotal event will bring together stakeholders from across the African continent to cultivate a collaborative atmosphere for creating a cohesive AI vision for Africa. In line with the conference’s focus on empowering women in technology, the DG outlined NITDA’s extensive capacity-building efforts encompassing AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
“We collaborate with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” he acknowledged, showcasing the agency’s extensive reach. NITDA is poised to partner with organisations like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), actively inviting proposals for tailored programmes that address unique community needs.
“We prioritise targeted training with measurable impacts rather than generic solutions,” Inuwa asserted, highlighting a results-driven approach.
He also drew attention to NITDA’s “Digital Literacy for All Initiative”, which aims to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027.
By forming strategic alliances with the NYSC and incorporating digital literacy into national school curricula, the agency intends to train over 30 million Nigerians, with a particular emphasis on underserved communities and public servants.
Addressing vital issues related to ethical AI, Inuwa highlighted the necessity of developing local datasets and large language models that reflect Nigeria’s specific context: “We are collaborating with stakeholders to create indigenous datasets that protect Nigerians’ digital rights and ensure ethical AI application,” he promised.
NITDA is also promoting mentorship for women in technology through impactful schemes like Women Innovate. The agency is open to partnering with NIWIT to develop structured mentorship programmes and is willing to formalise such collaborations through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
“NITDA is dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration are the keys to our progress,” Inuwa asserted.
The session wrapped up with a compelling call to action, encouraging women-focused organisations to take advantage of NITDA’s open-door policy and come together in promoting digital inclusion throughout Nigeria. The future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive, with women leading the charge.
