Abuja – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is spearheading an initiative to empower Nigerian women in the digital economy and AI. This program equips women with essential digital skills, increasing their participation in technology sectors. NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Our roadmap mandates that at least 40% of our initiatives directly support women and underserved populations. We’ve also introduced a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide interventions in areas like training and digital infrastructure.” This approach helps bridge the digital divide and promotes economic growth.
AI’s Role in Bridging the Digital Divide
NITDA’s roadmap prioritizes women’s inclusion in the digital future. It mandates that at least 40% of its programs directly benefit women and underserved populations. The agency developed a Gender Inclusion Strategy to guide actions in training and digital infrastructure development. Director General Inuwa stated, “True innovation blossoms not in isolation, but through synergistic partnerships and collective endeavor.” The agency is working with stakeholders to build Nigerian datasets and large language models. This work protects digital rights and ensures AI technologies are built on ethical foundations.
Enhancing Digital Skills Through Targeted Training
NITDA implements wide-ranging capacity-building efforts in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. These programs partner with organizations like the Renewed Hope Initiative. Thousands of women across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones have already received training. The agency focuses on training with clear results, avoiding generic solutions. NITDA plans to equip 70% of Nigerians with digital skills by 2027 through its “Digital Literacy for All” initiative. This aims to help over 30 million people from underserved communities and public service. Mentorship opportunities for women in technology are also expanding through programs like Women Innovate.
The agency’s core mission is “inclusive growth through innovation.” NITDA identifies collaboration as essential for progress. The agency is actively seeking partnerships with groups like the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIT). These partnerships aim to create structured mentorship programs and enhance training initiatives for Nigerian women in the digital economy and AI. This effort ensures technological benefits reach all of society, promoting equity.
By Abiodun Labi,Senior Correspondent
