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The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi has called on African nations to transition from being consumers of technology to becoming creators and exporters of digital solutions.
Represented by the director of stakeholders’ management and partnerships at NITDA, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, Abdullahi delivered this message during his keynote address at the African Creators Conference 2025 held in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “The Future of Africa in the Global Digital Economy,” Abdullahi 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,” he said.
The NITDA boss stressed that, with over 1.4 billion people, more than 60 per cent of whom are under the age of 25, Africa stands at a critical juncture in the global digital landscape. He added that the continent’s young population is 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. “Over 126 million internet users, 205 million mobile subscriptions and transformative programmes 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.”
Also, Abdullahi emphasised the importance of regional collaboration through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He advocated harmonised policies and strategic infrastructure investments to unlock trillions of dollars in potential value across Africa’s digital economy.
Concluding his address, Abdullahi 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 platform for exploring how artificial intelligence and digital creativity can fuel economic growth and foster cross-border collaboration among Africa’s brightest minds.
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