In a strong stride towards an inclusive digital future, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading a transformative drive to empower Nigerian women in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital economy.
NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, made this pledge at the “Innovate Her 25” Conference”, the 10th National Conference and 11th Annual Meeting of Nigerian Women in Information Technology.
Speaking at the event with the theme “Women in AI: Unlocking Resilience, Fostering Innovation and Leadership” Inuwa, maintained that true innovation cannot thrive in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor – principles deeply embedded in NITDA’s operational ethos.
The NITDA boss, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, highlighted Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, adding that inclusivity is embedded as a core objective,
He explained: “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.”
Further underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in the digital space, Inuwa announced that in September 2025, NITDA would host a Leadership Summit on AI, which will feature stakeholders from across the African continent, fostering a collaborative environment to forge a unified AI vision for Africa.
According to him, in alignment with the conference’s focus on empowering women in technology, the NITDA’s diverse capacity-building initiatives will span AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Inuwa clarified: “We work with partners such as the Renew Hope Initiative to train thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.”
He expressed the readiness of the agency to collaborate with organisations like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT), actively encouraging proposals for bespoke programmes that cater to specific community needs, adding that NITDA focuses on targeted training with measurable outcomes, rather than generic approaches”, emphasising a results-oriented methodology.
The Director-General also spoke on NITDA’s “Digital Literacy for All Initiative,” which is designed to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital literacy by 2027. Through strategic partnerships with the NYSC and the integration of digital literacy into national school curricula, the agency plans to train over 30 million Nigerians — with a dedicated focus on underserved communities and public servants.
Addressing critical concerns surrounding ethical AI, Inuwa emphasised the importance of developing indigenous datasets and large language models reflective of Nigeria’s unique realities, saying “we are working closely with stakeholders to build local datasets that safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights and ensure ethical AI use,” he assured.
In addition, he explained that NITDA was also championing mentorship for women in technology through impactful initiatives such as Women Innovate and welcomed collaboration with NIWIT to design structured mentorship programmes and remained open to formalising such partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
He said: “NITDA is committed to fostering inclusive economic growth through innovation. Partnership and collaboration remain the way forward.”
The session was rounded off with a strong call to action, with Inuwa urging women-focused organisations to leverage NITDA’s open-door policy and unite in advancing digital inclusion nationwide as the future of Nigeria’s digital economy is inclusive, and women are at its forefront.
Photo Caption
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, in a group photograph with participants at the Nigerian Women in Information Technology 10th National Conference and 11th Annual General Meeting held in Abuja
