By Joy Onuorah
Nigeria’s digital economy is getting a major boost! The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially partnered with Africa’s leading payments technology company, Flutterwave, and Alami, a private firm dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs and SMEs.
The trio has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the country’s economy.
A Strategic Move for Digital Growth
This collaboration aligns with NITDA’s mission to implement the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the tools they need to thrive in the digital era.
Following a high-level meeting, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola, and Alami’s CEO Ms. Olu White agreed to focus on key areas such as:
FinTech innovation
Digital literacy
Infrastructure development
Open-source technology adoption
By leveraging their combined expertise, the partners aim to bridge the digital divide, boost financial inclusion, and create a secure and efficient financial ecosystem for Nigerian businesses.
Public-Private Collaboration for Economic Growth
Speaking on the partnership, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving Nigeria’s digital ambitions:
“Flutterwave’s innovative fintech solutions align with our vision for a thriving digital economy. Slow digital adoption among SMEs has been a major obstacle to economic growth, and through this collaboration, we aim to provide businesses with the resources and infrastructure needed to transition into the digital age.”
Inuwa emphasized that NITDA’s engagement with private sector leaders like Flutterwave is crucial in accelerating digital transformation.
He reiterated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria’s technological and economic advancement.
Empowering SMEs for a Digital Future
Flutterwave’s Founder and CEO, Olugbenga ‘GB’ Agboola, echoed the significance of the partnership, noting the challenges SMEs face in adopting digital solutions:
“Many small businesses in Nigeria struggle to fully embrace digital solutions. By providing seamless and secure payment technologies, we can help them scale with confidence. Our collaboration with NITDA reinforces our dedication to fostering a truly inclusive digital economy.”
Key Focus Areas of the Partnership
The MoU outlines several major initiatives, including:
Strengthening Digital Payment Infrastructure & Technology Financing
Hosting Digital Nigeria Week 2025 with workshops, panel discussions, and showcases of payment innovations
Empowering SMEs & Startups with digital tools and strategies
Collaboration on NITDA’s Key Initiatives, including:
National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS)
NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0)
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs
Digital Literacy & Skills Development
Cybersecurity Initiatives
A Major Step Towards a Digital Nigeria
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a digitally empowered future.
By equipping Nigerian businesses with cutting-edge digital solutions, the collaboration will drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and ensure inclusive access to digital transformation benefits.
With this alliance, NITDA, Flutterwave, and Alami are laying the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable digital economy, one that empowers businesses, fosters innovation, and positions Nigeria as a leader in the global tech space.
