NITDA Collaborates with World Bank and WTO to Enhance Digital Trade and Cross-Border Data Services

The Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE presenting a copy of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2024-2027 to representatives of the Workd Bank and World Trade Organisation, Washington DC Office, Aleksandar Stojanor and Dr. Maryam Lawal for the Digital trade engagement

NITDA Collaborates with World Bank and WTO to Enhance Digital Trade and Cross-Border Data Services

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman 

ABUJA, NIGERIA May 06, 2024 - 

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is set to collaborate with the World Bank and World Trade Organisation (WTO) to enhance digital trade and cross-border data services in Nigeria. This partnership aims to implement presidential priority areas of economic reform and acceleration of diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.

NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, hosted a delegation from the World Bank and WTO, led by Mr. Aleksandar Stojanov, to discuss fostering collaboration and sharing ideas on developing regulatory policies to accelerate economic growth through technological innovations.

Inuwa outlined NITDA's comprehensive plans, including the newly recrafted Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0 for 2024-2027, which focuses on strengthening policy implementation and legal frameworks to create an enabling environment for the digital economy and digital trade.

He highlighted key regulatory advancements, including the establishment of a National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and efforts to enact a comprehensive digital economy bill. The agency is also developing a broader blockchain policy and a data exchange platform to streamline messaging systems.

The collaboration aims to enhance Nigeria's digital landscape, promote innovation, and ensure cyber resilience. NITDA expressed its willingness to work with individuals, organisations, and experts to refine and implement these strategic initiatives.

The World Bank assured its support for NITDA in propelling digital trade and cross-border data services, citing the importance of regulations in enhancing digital trade.