NITDA Partners with Cisco to Advance Nigeria's Digital Transformation
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA May 14, 2024 - The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cisco System Incorporation to accelerate Nigeria's digital transformation. The partnership aims to unlock the value of digitalization in Nigeria and drive an inclusive future.
The collaboration will focus on five key areas: repurposing NCAIR to create an AI and Cybersecurity Experience and Incubation Center; establishing a Broadband Innovation Centre; setting up a Smart Agriculture Demo Farm; designing and deploying Technology Learning Hubs; and incubating Defense Technology Solutions.
This partnership aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's priority areas of accelerating diversification through digitization and innovation, strengthening national security for peace and prosperity, and boosting agriculture to achieve food security.
NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, emphasized the importance of AI and cybersecurity, noting that "as we develop AI, we also need to develop and design it with security in mind." He also highlighted the need for broadband innovation to achieve 95% broadband coverage in Nigeria.
The partnership will also focus on smart agriculture to improve food production and productivity, using technologies like IoT, drones, and others.
Cisco's Country Director, Mr. Clayton Naidoo, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it will improve agricultural production, create job opportunities, and increase financial strength for citizens.
The partnership will leverage technology to bring economic opportunities to Nigeria, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Cisco will also build a world-class experience center for cybersecurity and AI, a broadband innovation hub, and a smart agriculture demo farm.
The highlight of the event was a visit to a demo smart farm at the Abuja Technology Village.
Comments