The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) showcased Nigeria’s emerging technological innovation and prowess on the global stage through its strategic coordination of the country’s participation at the recent G20 Ministerial Meeting on the digital economy held in Bangalore, India.
The G20 Ministerial Meeting brought together leaders and experts from the world’s largest economies to deliberate on strategies and policies for fostering digital transformation, economic growth, and innovation. NITDA’s role in orchestrating Nigeria’s representation at this significant event underscored the nation’s commitment to harnessing technology for substantial economic advancement.
Heading the Nigerian delegation was the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. William Allo, who represented the minister-designate, Dr. Bosun Tijani. This delegation demonstrated a strong dedication to propelling Nigeria into a new era of technological progress.
A noteworthy testament to the collaborative spirit that propels Nigeria’s endeavours in the digital landscape was the joint leadership of the delegation by the director-general of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi and Allo.
This year’s assembly focused on critical domains that hold substantial implications for technology’s role in contemporary society. The discussions revolved around fortifying digital public infrastructure, enhancing digital skills strategies and bolstering cybersecurity measures. These areas collectively form the foundation for an interconnected and secure digital landscape.
One pivotal aspect of the discussions was the commitment to strengthening digital public infrastructure, which encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at optimising the framework of our digital society. Another strategic focus was on fostering digital skills strategies, ensuring that individuals possess the necessary proficiencies to thrive within the digital ecosystem.
Additionally, the discussions delved into the significance of enhancing cybersecurity measures. Safeguarding sensitive information, protecting critical infrastructures and preserving individual privacy were key concerns in the context of technological advancement. Collaborative efforts across public and private sectors were emphasised as essential in developing a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem that can counter evolving threats effectively.
In addition to the core delegation members, NITDA sponsored six innovative Nigerian startups – EveryFarmer, Flexisaf, BetterLife, Hallainvest, Quadloop and Lexchain – to participate in the programme. This sponsorship aimed to facilitate their global engagement and provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers from around the world.
These startups not only showcased their technological prowess but played a pivotal role in positioning Nigeria as a hub of digital ingenuity and innovation with global relevance. Nigerian education technology startup, Flexisaf, stood out among more than 150 startups from around the world by winning the Best Audience Choice Award. This award recognised Flexisaf’s potential to make a positive impact on education through technology.
Flexisaf’s platform offers personalised learning experiences for students of all ages, utilising artificial intelligence to adapt the curriculum based on students’ progress. Features such as gamified learning, social learning and real-time feedback keep students motivated and engaged.
NITDA’s coordinated efforts at the G20 Ministerial Meeting underscored Nigeria’s commitment to embracing technological innovation and contributing to global discussions on digital transformation, economic growth, and cybersecurity. The recognition garnered by Flexisaf further highlighted the country’s capability to excel in the global digital arena.
