The Director-General/CEO of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has participated in a high-level engagement convened by the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, bringing together senior technology leaders, investors and digital policy experts to explore how trusted technology, strategic partnerships and international cooperation can accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The engagement focused on key areas including artificial intelligence, trusted digital infrastructure, connectivity, investment, digital skills and emerging technologies. Discussions also examined the growing role of technology diplomacy in shaping economic competitiveness and national development.
Inuwa highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, expanding digital ecosystem and regulatory clarity as key opportunities for positioning the country not only as a consumer of global technology, but also as a creator, partner and competitive destination for technology investment and innovation.
A major focus of the engagement was the need to move beyond discussions towards partnerships capable of delivering measurable outcomes. These include mobilising investment in critical digital infrastructure, strengthening local capabilities, expanding access to global technology markets and ensuring that emerging technologies contribute meaningfully to job creation, productivity and inclusive economic growth.
The high-level engagement featured representatives from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, Google, Visa, ServiceNow, IREX, APTelecom, Africell, Cybation, United States Telecommunications Training Institute and the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue.
Among the distinguished participants were Michelle Giuda, CEO of the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue; Janice deGarmo, Chief Global Engagement Officer, Krach Institute; Adam Cassidy, Ambassador at Large for Cyber, Cyberspace and Digital Policy, U.S. Department of State; Mark Mitchell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Middle East and Africa, U.S. Department of Commerce; and Sarah Troutman, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
According to NITDA, the engagement reinforces the recognition that Nigeria’s digital transformation cannot happen in isolation. The agency emphasised that building a globally competitive digital economy requires strategic collaboration that connects policy, technology, infrastructure, capital, talent and markets.
NITDA further stated that it remains committed to leveraging international partnerships to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation priorities and translate global relationships into investment, knowledge transfer, local capacity, market opportunities and sustainable economic value for Nigerians.
About The Author
