The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reiterated that strong and reliable digital infrastructure remains critical to attracting investment, improving competitiveness, and driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
The agency reaffirmed this position during the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0, a virtual engagement themed, “The Capital Reset: What Technologies Are Still Fundable in Africa?”
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the Special Assistant on Digital Transformation to the DG, Muhammad Aminu, said investors are increasingly attracted to startups operating in environments supported by dependable digital infrastructure and clear policy frameworks.
He explained that digital infrastructure extends beyond internet connectivity, noting that it includes cloud computing systems, digital identity frameworks, payment infrastructure, data exchange platforms, interoperability standards, cybersecurity architecture, and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
According to him, these foundational systems help lower operational barriers for startups, allowing founders to focus on innovation, customer acquisition, and business expansion rather than building core infrastructure independently.
Inuwa stated that from an investment perspective, robust digital infrastructure reduces uncertainty, lowers operational risks, enhances scalability, and significantly cuts expansion costs, making startups more attractive to both local and international investors.
The NITDA DG also highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, including sovereign cloud projects, data interoperability frameworks, cloud adoption policies, cybersecurity and data governance reforms, as well as the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act.
He further stressed the importance of regulatory clarity and policy consistency in attracting long-term investment into the technology sector, noting that NITDA is prioritising human capital development through the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
Inuwa said a strong and well-structured digital infrastructure framework would not only reduce the cost of innovation but also boost investor confidence and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
