NITDA Bemoans Bottlenecks Impeding Digital Growth

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has decried certain bottlenecks impeding the growth of digitalisation in Nigeria.

To this end, its Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, Tuesday stressed the need to enable laws, regulations and policies that will not only attract investors, but promote a business-friendly and ease-of-doing business environment.

He also called for proper planning, functional digital infrastructure and incentives for young people in the digital industry, as part of efforts to drive the much desired digital transformation in Nigeria.

Inuwa stated this at an E-Tech Africa Summit & Emerald Pitch Fest Competition organised by Moolu Venture Lab and Moolu Venture Capital in Abuja.

He stressed the need for the creation of functional digital infrastructure, noting that African countries must begin to modernise their digital infrastructure to fully benefit from the digital economy.

According to him, “To attract investors, it is crucial to have enabling laws, regulations, and policies that promote a business-friendly and ease-of-doing business environment. The effective implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act will significantly alter the narrative.

“Proper planning and incentives for young people engaging in digital innovation are necessary to encourage them to develop technologies that address our peculiar local problems and socio-economic needs.

“Most importantly, development depends on creating functional digital infrastructure. African countries must modernize their digital infrastructure to fully benefit from the digital economy.”

The NITDA boss noted that the programme aligns with several initiatives being implemented by the agency through its Special Purpose Vehicles (Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) to expand Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem.

Inuwa added that with the enactment of the Nigeria Startup Act, the country’s digital transformation has received a new boost.

Also, the Managing Partner of Moolu Venture Capital, Prince Ogbonna, said the 2033 vision of the foundation is to empower 1,000 startups and raise new unicorns in Africa.

He noted that the move demonstrates the commitment of Moolu Venture Lab to support and uplift the African startup ecosystem, making a significant contribution to the continent’s economic growth and development.

The highpoint of the event was the grand prize of $1,000 award given to Agrovesto as the best pitch of the Emerald Pitchfest 2023.