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NITDA Photo
A cross section of dignitaries during the meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi has declared that Africa’s economic destiny hinges on its computing capacity. He describes this capacity as the foundation for sustainable digital transformation, job creation, and intra-African trade.

Abdullahi stressed that core investment in local digital public infrastructure represents the critical step to unlock sustainable transformation and drive meaningful economic growth across the continent. Without such commitment, Africa risks remaining on the periphery of the global digital economy.

The DG made these remarks at the 2nd annual Sustainability Week Africa, held in Cape Town, South Africa. During the event, he shared insights into how leveraging technologies can accelerate the transition to a greener economy. His address highlighted the intersection of digital innovation and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability Week Africa serves as a continental platform that showcases practical ways for governments, businesses, and communities to embrace green growth. The 2025 edition focused on Africa’s role in driving energy transition, climate resilience and sustainable development. Participants explored innovative solutions to pressing challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.

Speaking during a panel session on Digital Infrastructure for Jobs and Trade in Africa, Abdullahi emphasised the urgent need for Africa to develop its own computing infrastructure. This development would achieve digital independence and competitiveness in the global economy. He argued that self-reliance in technology is essential for long-term prosperity.

He noted that while Africa can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to leapfrog development, it must also build the computing capacity required to sustain innovation. Relying on external resources limits sovereignty and stifles local creativity.

“In the 21st century, computing power is a primary factor of production and we cannot rely on exporting our raw data to other regions to process it and build products for us,” he averred.

Drawing parallels with Europe’s collaborative approach to developing high-performance supercomputers and AI factories, the DG urged African governments to adopt similar models. He advocated creating policy incentives that attract private sector investment in digital infrastructure. Such incentives could include tax breaks, subsidies, and streamlined regulations to encourage rapid deployment.

He explained that digital public infrastructure (DPI) operates at two levels: the shared physical and technical infrastructure, such as connectivity and cloud capacity; and the functional layer, including digital identity, payment systems and data exchange platforms. These elements enable citizens and businesses to access services seamlessly. Together, they form the backbone of a modern economy.

Citing Nigeria’s progress, the NITDA DG disclosed that more than 130 million Nigerians have enrolled under the national digital identity system. Efforts are underway to establish a national data exchange platform and a DPI centre of excellence. These initiatives promote interoperability and best practices across all tiers of government. They also foster trust in digital services by ensuring secure and efficient data handling.

He added that such initiatives could serve as a model for other African countries. Abdullahi advocated for an “African-built DPI” that reflects local needs rather than imported systems. Tailored solutions would address unique cultural, linguistic and economic contexts, making technology more accessible and relevant.

“The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in Nigeria, Dr. Bosun Tijani is leading and pushing for establishing a DPI centre of excellence, where we can have people building the actual DPI data exchange well, building APIs and also coming up with best practices,” he disclosed. This leadership exemplifies how visionary policy can catalyse continental progress.

On digital literacy, Abdullahi reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to achieving 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2027, under the National Digital Literacy Framework. Ambitious targets like these require widespread education and inclusion efforts.

He noted that digital skills have now become mandatory for students and civil servants. Through partnerships with organisations such as Cisco and the NYSC, training programmes target youth, women and traders. Participants learn to use digital tools and AI-powered applications to expand economic opportunities. These skills empower individuals to participate fully in the digital economy, from e-commerce to remote work.

The NITDA boss called for clear policy frameworks to guide AI adoption and technology development across Africa. He described digital transformation not as a sector, but as an enabler for every sector of the economy. Agriculture, healthcare, education and manufacturing all stand to benefit from integrated digital strategies.

“In Africa, we need to have our digital circuits by building our own capacity for digital self-determination. We should not rely on other countries to be sending hardware and software to us because our goal is to build a better life for our citizens and technology will help us achieve that,” he noted. This self-determination fosters innovation that aligns with African priorities, such as affordable energy and inclusive growth.

Abdullahi concluded by calling for stronger coordination between governments, the private sector, and development partners to harmonise digital standards and scale innovation across the continent. Collaborative platforms, like regional tech hubs and joint ventures, could accelerate this process.

He said, “Africa’s advantage lies in our ability to leap, to build collaboratively and to design technology for inclusion. If we build the digital rails together, our youth will drive Africa straight into the heart of the global digital economy.” Abdullahi’s vision paints a future where Africa not only participates in but leads the digital revolution, harnessing technology to uplift millions and secure a prosperous tomorrow.


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