The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is collaborating with several partners to empower young entrepreneurs and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the creative industry to drive digital transformation.
The agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, and Alami, a private limited liability company, to empower young entrepreneurs in the technology and creative industries with digital skills.
Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, made this known in a statement on Friday, following a meeting between the chief executives of the organizations in Abuja.
According to Umar, part of the agreement focuses on strengthening collaborations in FinTech innovation, digital literacy, infrastructure development, and promoting open-source technology to boost the economy.
She stated that the MoU is expected to bolster the economy and aligns with NITDA’s commitment to implementing the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), which aims to equip SMEs with skills for the digital era.
Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, stated in the statement that public-private collaboration is key to achieving Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations.
“Flutterwave’s innovative fintech solutions align with our vision for a thriving digital economy.
“Slow digital adoption among SMEs has been a major obstacle to economic growth, and through this collaboration, we aim to provide businesses with the resources and infrastructure needed to transition into the digital age.
“This partnership is a vital step toward achieving shared goals for digital transformation, showcasing our commitment to the betterment of Nigeria in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Inuwa said.
He added that by equipping Nigerian businesses with the tools to embrace digital solutions, NITDA aims to enhance economic growth, create job opportunities, and ensure inclusive access to the benefits of a digital economy.
The NITDA Director-General emphasised that the agency is committed to building a resilient and sustainable digital future for all Nigerians.
Flutterwave’s Founder and Chief Executive, Mr. Olugbenga Agboola, expressed confidence in the potential of the partnership to empower SMEs, noting that many small businesses struggle to fully embrace digital solutions.
Agboola said that by providing seamless and secure payment technologies, small businesses could be helped to scale up their confidence and foster an inclusive digital economy.
He mentioned that the MoU would focus on strengthening public-private partnerships through digital payment infrastructure and technology financing, promoting activities around the 2025 Digital Nigeria Week, and other programmes.
The MoU will focus on NITDA’s key initiatives, including the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), innovation and entrepreneurship programmes, digital literacy, skills development, and cybersecurity.
The parties are expected to work together to bridge the digital divide by promoting literacy, fostering fintech innovation, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to leverage secure and efficient financial solutions.
(NAN)
