NITDA Collaborates with World Bank and WTO to Boost Nigeria's Digital Economy and Trade

By Abass Ganiyu

Strategic Roadmap and National Public Key Infrastructure Among Key Initiatives for Digital Transformation

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to partner with the World Bank and World Trade Organisation (WTO) to drive Nigeria's digital transformation and economic growth. This collaboration aims to reform the economy through industrialisation and digitisation, aligning with presidential priorities for sustained, inclusive growth.
During a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank and WTO, led by Aleksandar Stojanov, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, detailed the agency's comprehensive plans encapsulated in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 for 2024-2027. This plan includes eight strategic pillars, focusing on strengthening policy implementation and legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for the digital economy and trade.

Inuwa highlighted NITDA's progress in establishing a National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to support the nation's electronic signature framework, developed through extensive research and significant infrastructure investment. Efforts are also underway to enact a comprehensive digital economy bill that will incorporate the electronic signature framework and other critical regulatory instruments.

Emphasizing the importance of blockchain technology, Inuwa revealed plans for a broader blockchain policy to implement smart contracts and enhance digital transaction security and efficiency. Additionally, NITDA is developing a data exchange platform to streamline messaging systems and promote innovation through balanced data protection and accessibility.

Stojanov shared initial findings from a digital trade regulatory gap analysis conducted by the World Bank, highlighting the critical role of regulations in enhancing digital trade in Nigeria. He assured the World Bank’s commitment to supporting NITDA’s efforts in advancing digital trade and cross-border data services.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards leveraging digital technology for economic growth and development in Nigeria, offering substantial lessons for navigating similar challenges in the burgeoning gig economy.

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