Nigeria is charting a bold course to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation, with a strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity as foundational pillars for innovation, governance, and regulatory modernization. This ambition was on display at GITEX Africa 2025 in Marrakesh, Morocco, where the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) outlined its vision for the continent’s future digital economy.

At the forefront of this initiative, Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of NITDA, emphasized the transformative potential of AI as a compliance automation and leadership tool. Speaking on a panel on April 15, Inuwa said, “AI is shifting the skills we value and the processes we rely on daily. To drive strategic governance, you must be an AI-powered leader who fosters co-intelligence—collaboration between humans and intelligent systems to realize a unified digital vision.”

Despite infrastructural limitations, such as inadequate broadband penetration and limited digital infrastructure, Nigeria is placing AI at the heart of its governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) strategy. The unveiling of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, in Lagos marks a critical step toward embedding AI in public service delivery, regulatory intelligence, and digital policymaking.

The strategy is supported by both national ambition and global partnerships. A ₦2.8 billion grant from Google, announced in October 2024, aims to develop a robust AI talent pipeline across the country. While critics argue that Nigeria must first address core issues such as energy reliability, poverty, and food security, government leaders see the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a turning point not to be missed. “We missed the first, second, and third industrial revolutions,” Inuwa noted. “But this one—we must lead.”

Cybersecurity: The Second Pillar of Nigeria’s Digital Future

Alongside its AI ambitions, Nigeria is also taking concrete steps to bolster its cyber resilience and digital defense infrastructure. During GITEX Africa, NITDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SecDojo SAS, a French cybersecurity training firm, to launch a national Cybersecurity Academy in Nigeria. The initiative will provide simulation labs, tailored curriculum development, and capacity-building programs aimed at addressing the global cybersecurity skills shortage.

Nigeria’s vulnerability to cyberattacks remains a pressing concern. According to Check Point Software Technologies’ December 2024 Global Threat Index, Nigeria ranks as the 13th most vulnerable country to cyber threats. The MoU with SecDojo reflects a broader commitment to enhance compliance training, strengthen internal controls, and improve regulatory risk management frameworks.

“We have a youthful population, and if properly trained, they can plug directly into the global cybersecurity value chain,” Inuwa said during the MoU signing on April 14. “This is not just about protecting Nigeria—it’s about exporting cybersecurity talent and services.”

Embedding Digital Skills in Education

Digital talent development has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s tech-forward agenda, as seen in the Three Million Technical Talents (3MTT) initiative. However, Inuwa acknowledged that most of Nigeria’s current digital skills programs are delivered through short-term accelerators and bootcamps. To build long-term resilience, he is advocating for curriculum integration within the national education system.

“Preparing for the future requires embedding emerging tech skills into our national education framework,” he said, pointing to Cisco’s academic integration model in Nigerian universities as a practical template.

The Road Ahead

Nigeria made a compelling pitch in Marrakesh, signaling its readiness to lead Africa’s regulatory technology evolution. However, realizing this vision will require sustained investments in compliance infrastructure, policy implementation, and regulatory enforcement at home. The momentum is promising, but the outcome will depend on execution.

As the continent navigates its digital future, Nigeria’s bet on AI and cybersecurity could set a precedent for RegTech innovations, compliance management systems, and data-driven governance models across Africa.