The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to transitioning Nigeria from a resource-dependent to a knowledge-based economy through its active participation in the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2026).
The event, which serves as a premier gathering for innovators and policymakers, focuses on driving the collaborations necessary to shape the future of Africa’s digital ecosystem.
A Vision for Economic Transformation
Themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” the 2026 festival aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic agenda to reposition Enugu State as a regional hub for technological advancement. By pivoting from its historical identity as a coal-mining center to a modern digital powerhouse, the state aims to foster a sustainable, innovation-driven entrepreneurship culture.
Innovation as Nigeria’s New Currency
During the summit, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by Aristotle Onumo, PhD, Director of Stakeholders Management and Partnerships, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to claim its stake in the global market.
“Nigeria must not only consume technology but create it. Innovation must become our currency, and digital skills must become the bridge to opportunity,” Inuwa stated, noting that the global digital economy is projected to contribute up to $23 trillion to global GDP in the coming years.
Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
In a practical demonstration of support, NITDA presented 50 high-performance laptops to beneficiaries of the Digital Skills Acceleration Competition (DSAC). This merit-based initiative is designed to take individuals with zero technical background and transform them into globally certified digital professionals.
The DSAC program covers several high-demand technical pillars, including cybersecurity and networking, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data science, the Internet of Things (IoT) and programming., and digital literacy and essential soft skills.
By equipping participants with these tools and certifications, NITDA and Enugu State are positioning local talent to compete within the rapidly expanding global digital economy.
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