In a bold push to reshape Nigeria’s digital landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is driving a major initiative to boost gender inclusion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the broader digital economy.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a bold push to reshape Nigeria’s digital landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is driving a major initiative to boost gender inclusion in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the broader digital economy.
This commitment was reaffirmed by NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, during the “Innovate Her 25” conference — the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology. Represented by Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Inuwa said inclusive innovation is central to the agency’s mission.
“True innovation blossoms not in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor,” he said, noting these principles are embedded in NITDA’s operational ethos.
He pointed to Nigeria’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which places inclusivity at its core. “Our strategic roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our programmes directly benefit women and underserved groups. We have also developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas such as training and infrastructure,” Inuwa explained.
Inuwa also announced a major milestone ahead: “In September 2025, NITDA will proudly host a Leadership Summit on AI. This landmark event will bring together stakeholders from across the African continent to forge a unified AI vision for Africa.”
He highlighted NITDA’s wide-ranging capacity-building efforts, including training in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. “We work with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones,” he said.
The agency, he added, is open to deeper collaboration with groups such as the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), encouraging them to submit tailored proposals. “We focus on targeted training with measurable outcomes, rather than generic approaches,” he noted.
A central pillar of NITDA’s vision is its “Digital Literacy for All Initiative,” aimed at ensuring 70% of Nigerians are digitally literate by 2027. Inuwa said the agency, in partnership with NYSC and other institutions, plans to train over 30 million Nigerians, with special focus on underserved communities and public sector workers.
On the ethical dimensions of AI, Inuwa stressed the need for local context. “We are working closely with stakeholders to build indigenous datasets and large language models that safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights and ensure ethical AI use,” he stated.
He further underscored the importance of structured mentorship for women in tech. “NITDA welcomes collaboration with NIWIT to design impactful mentorship programmes, and we are open to formalising such efforts through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs),” he said.
Inuwa concluded with a call to action, urging women-focused organisations to take advantage of NITDA’s open-door policy. “NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward,” he declared.
As Nigeria’s digital economy gains momentum, NITDA is ensuring women are not just included — they are leading the charge.