At the bustling corridors of GITEX 2025 in Dubai, one of the world’s largest technology gatherings, the spotlight once again turned to Africa.
And right at the centre of that conversation was Nigeria, represented by a voice that has become synonymous with digital transformation across the continent: Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Sitting for a Fireside Chat on the AI Stage, Inuwa didn’t just speak about Artificial Intelligence (AI), he painted a vivid picture of a country intent on rewriting its technological destiny.
“Our vision is clear,” he began. “We want to harness the transformative power of AI responsibly, ethically, and inclusively, to drive sustainable development through collaboration.”
A Strategy Built on Principles, Not Promises
Nigeria’s AI strategy, Inuwa explained, isn’t just a policy document; it’s a roadmap built on five guiding principles, responsibility, ethics, inclusivity, sustainability, and collaboration.
“These are not just words,” he said with conviction. “They are our compass. Everything we do in AI must reflect these values. We’re not just building systems; we’re shaping a future that works for everyone.”
Under this framework, the National AI Strategy focuses on three core objectives and five strategic pillars, establishing robust infrastructure, strengthening the ecosystem, accelerating AI adoption in key sectors, ensuring ethical governance, and promoting local innovation.
AI in Action: From the Farms to the Classrooms
The NITDA boss illustrated how AI is already transforming lives across Nigeria.
In agriculture, farmers now access real-time data on soil, weather, and crop health to make smarter decisions.
In healthcare, AI-powered tools are improving diagnosis and extending medical services to rural communities.
In education, AI literacy is being embedded into the curriculum so young Nigerians aren’t left behind.
And in finance, algorithms are detecting fraud, improving access to credit, and driving financial inclusion.
Beyond the private sector, the government is reimagining public service delivery through AI.
“Imagine obtaining your passport or business permit in minutes instead of weeks,” Inuwa said. “AI can make that possible. It’s not just about efficiency, it’s about rebuilding trust between government and citizens.”
A Digitally Ready Population
Backing his vision with data, Inuwa revealed that 70% of Nigeria’s online population already uses generative AI tools, far above the global average of 48%. This adoption rate, he said, is powered by Nigeria’s youthful population and strategic investment in digital skills.
He highlighted several flagship initiatives:
- Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL): Targeting 95% national digital literacy by 2030.
- 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme: One of the world’s largest digital upskilling projects.
- Policy for Digital Literacy Integration: Ensuring every level of education embeds digital learning.
Building Nigeria’s Own AI – M-ATLAS
Perhaps the most striking revelation of the session was Nigeria’s plan to develop its indigenous Large Language Model (LLM), dubbed M-ATLAS.
“Nigeria has over 500 languages and countless dialects,” Inuwa explained. “Foreign AI models can’t fully capture our nuances, culture, or expressions. That’s why we’re building M-ATLAS, an AI that understands the meaning of akwa, ekaabo, or sannu, not just translates them.”
This vision, he said, goes beyond technology, it’s about cultural identity, inclusion, and representation in the age of AI.
Africa’s Next Leap
Reflecting on the continent’s journey, Inuwa drew a powerful parallel with Africa’s mobile revolution.
“Just as Africa leapfrogged in mobile adoption, we can do even more with AI, this time, by building from within and shaping the rules, not catching up with them.”
He closed with a message that resonated deeply with the audience:
“AI is not about machines replacing humans; it’s about amplifying human potential. It’s strategy first, technology second. Our mission is to use AI responsibly to drive prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. If we get it right, AI could multiply Nigeria’s productivity and innovation a hundredfold.”
At GITEX 2025, as the world looked to the future of Artificial Intelligence, Nigeria made its position clear, not as a follower in the AI race, but as Africa’s emerging powerhouse, building a future that speaks the language of its people and reflects the spirit of its nation.
