By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has called on African nations to transition from being mere consumers of technology to becoming creators and exporters of digital solutions.
This is contained in a press statement e-signed by the Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations at NITDA, Hajia Hadiza Umar.
Represented by the Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships at NITDA, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, as per the press statement, Mallam Abdullahi delivered this message during his keynote address at the African Creators Conference 2025 held in Abuja, north central, Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,” the NITDA boss reiterated his vision for Africa’s digital transformation, emphasising the continent’s vast potential driven by its youthful population, creativity, and digital fluency. “Our innovators and creators should take their rightful place as global leaders and solution providers,” Abdullahi stated.
He stressed further that with over 1.4 billion people—more than 60 per cent of whom were under the age of 25—Africa stood at a critical juncture in the global digital landscape , adding that the continent’s young population was uniquely positioned to shape the future of technology and innovation. “Our young people, with their creativity, energy, and fluency in digital tools, are poised to shape Africa’s future in technology and innovation,” he noted.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strides in digital development, Abdullahi cited key statistics and initiatives. Said he: “Over 126 million internet users, 205 million mobile subscriptions, and transformative programs such as the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative, the Nigeria Startup Act, and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0. These efforts are aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a producer and exporter of digital solutions.”
Abdullahi also underscored the importance of regional collaboration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advocated for harmonised policies and strategic infrastructure investments to unlock trillions of dollars in potential value across Africa’s digital economy.
Concluding his address, the NITDA DG urged stakeholders to rise to the challenge of building a digitally empowered Africa. “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 said.
The African Creators Conference 2025 convened over 3,000 creators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the continent. The event served as a dynamic platform for exploring how artificial intelligence and digital creativity can fuel economic growth and foster cross-border collaboration among Africa’s brightest minds.
