In a bid to achieve the mandate of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030 and foster economic resilience in Nigeria through collaboration with key stakeholders, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Computer Information System Company (CISCO). The primary objective of this partnership is to promote digital transformation and bridge the digital skills gap in the country.
The MoU was signed during the CISCO Networking Academy for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Partner Conference in Paris in the presence of industry stakeholders from around the world. This collaboration is aimed at supporting Nigeria's digital transformation agenda and enhancing digital skills training and development. The MoU aligns with CISCO's Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, which seeks to promote and expand the CISCO Networking Academy program for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.
The CISCO Networking Academy is an initiative that fosters collaboration between public-private partnerships offering digital skills training through a high-quality curriculum and inclusive workforce development programs.
Furthermore, the MoU will empower NITDA's efforts in narrowing the digital skills gap by ensuring CISCO deploys initiatives that enable entrepreneurs in Nigeria to acquire new skills, innovate, and establish customer connections. The CISCO Incubation and Innovation Center, also known as CISCO Earn, Design, Go to Market, Earn (EDGE), will serve as a hub for stimulating innovation and supporting digitization initiatives. It will provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their technologies and offer resources and tools to indigenous innovators, helping them develop secure, intelligent, and connected solutions.
As a testament to the remarkable contributions of NITDA's Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, the agency was honored with the prestigious CISCO Golden Bridge Award during the program. This recognition highlights NITDA's commitment to driving digital transformation and promoting a thriving digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
