The federal government has called on African nations to adopt shared digital frameworks to accelerate the continent’s transformation, enhance data sovereignty, and foster regional collaboration.
The call was made by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi CCIE, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), during the 18th International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV 2025), held for the first time in West Africa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony in Abuja, Inuwa emphasized that Africa’s digital future must be driven by trust, innovation, and cooperation. “Digital is not an accessory to development, it is its backbone. Africa’s digital sovereignty must be built on systems that protect our data, empower our people, and strengthen our capacity to innovate locally and compete globally,”
he said.
ICEGOV 2025 brought together ministers, regulators, development partners, and digital innovators from over 50 countries under the theme “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion.”
Inuwa described digital governance as a social contract, urging nations to prioritize accountability and shared progress.
Highlighting Africa’s underrepresentation in global digital infrastructure, Inuwa noted that the continent, home to nearly 18 percent of the world’s population, accounts for less than one percent of global data center capacity. He stressed that local infrastructure, domestic cloud adoption, and regional interconnection are essential to secure African data and advance self-reliance.
At the West African Digital Governance Forum (WADGov), Inuwa encouraged member states to embrace interoperable systems and cross-border collaboration that reflect Africa’s realities. “When our services interconnect, our nations progress together. The real power of digital governance lies not in competition, but in cooperation,” he said.
During the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) E-Governance Expert Meeting, Inuwa advocated for a continental framework to measure digital governance maturity, one that is people-centered, transparent, and accountable. He underscored that e-governance should humanize public service, enabling citizens to access services efficiently and securely, thereby building trust.
Throughout the week, Inuwa showcased Nigeria’s achievements in digital public infrastructure, including the National Identification Number (NIN) system, digital payments, and data exchange platforms. He also highlighted initiatives like the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) and Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programmes, which aim to expand digital capacity inclusively.
Inuwa therefore affirmed that Africa’s digital future will be written by Africans, through innovation, collaboration, and responsible data stewardship, adding that, “The future of governance will be co-created, not imported. When we connect our systems and our hearts, we can deliver a transformation that citizens everywhere can see, feel, and trust.”
