The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, has announced the Federal Government’s commitment to integrating women tech entrepreneurs into the nation’s digital innovation and technology development. This initiative aims to address the historically low level of women’s participation in technology innovation and development in Nigeria.
Female tech founders training program garners an overwhelming response
At the opening ceremony of the Female Tech Founders Training program held at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja, Director General Kashifu Inuwa expressed concern about the limited involvement of women entrepreneurs in the technology sector. He highlighted that NITDA, in collaboration with NCAIR, has launched various programs nationwide to align with the Federal Government’s eight-pillar strategy for enhancing women’s participation in technology innovation, acquisition, and development.
Dr. Amina Samba Magaji, Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Development at NITDA, represented the agency at the event. She reported that the response to the program had been extraordinary, with over 7,000 Women Tech Founders registering to participate within just two weeks.
Inuwa stated, “I am delighted to stand before you today as we embark on a transformative journey. In just two weeks, our call for the Female Founders Training resonated across our great nation, yielding an extraordinary response with a staggering 7,151 applications pouring in from all 36 states. This overwhelming interest underscores the untapped potential and enthusiasm that exists among our women in the field of technology.”
Advancing women in technology
The Female Tech Founders Training program is designed to empower women in technology, providing them with networking opportunities and the means to enhance their businesses collectively. Beyond the training, the program’s focus extends to exploring ways to create wealth and employment opportunities in the technology industry through the active participation of women tech entrepreneurs.
Inuwa emphasized that successful applicants from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria would not only receive empowerment but would also be encouraged to share the knowledge and skills they acquire with others, thereby contributing to the country’s overall progress.
“Over the next two weeks, our mission encompasses identifying and showcasing innovative tech-based ideas and solutions developed by Nigerian females. We aim to promote and support these tech-based ventures founded by women, contributing to the closing of gender gaps within the tech ecosystem. Furthermore, our commitment extends to promoting and supporting digital job creation for females, a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and equality,” he stated.
Alignment with national priorities
The Director General highlighted the program’s alignment with two key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda: the investment in the digital economy to empower Nigerians with new skills and sustain jobs, and the drive for women’s empowerment to champion equity and parity across every facet of life.
The Federal Government, through NITDA and NCAIR, is taking significant steps to promote women’s participation in the technology sector and bridge the gender gap in innovation and development. The Female Tech Founders Training program, with its impressive response, signals a positive shift towards a more inclusive and equal tech ecosystem in Nigeria. This initiative not only fosters individual empowerment but also contributes to the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global digital landscape.
