By Chimezie Godfrey
The National Information Technology Development Agency has declared that the future growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem will largely depend on the country’s ability to build strong, secure and reliable digital infrastructure capable of attracting long-term investment.
The agency stated this during the Africa Fintech Foundry Ecosystem Roundtable 7.0, a virtual engagement themed “The Capital Reset: What Technologies Are Still Fundable in Africa?”
Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, the Special Assistant on Digital Transformation to the DG, Muhammad Aminu, said investors are increasingly prioritising startups operating within environments supported by dependable digital infrastructure and predictable policy frameworks.
According to him, digital infrastructure extends far beyond internet connectivity and includes cloud computing systems, digital identity frameworks, payment systems, cybersecurity architecture, interoperability standards, data exchange platforms and emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
“These foundational systems significantly lower operational barriers for startups, enabling founders to focus on innovation, customer acquisition, and scaling, rather than having to build essential infrastructure independently,” he stated.
Aminu explained that from an investment perspective, strong digital infrastructure reduces uncertainty, lowers operational risks, enhances scalability and cuts the cost of expansion for startups.
He noted that these advantages make African startups more attractive to both domestic and international investors seeking stable and growth-oriented technology markets.
The NITDA official further highlighted several government initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, including sovereign cloud projects, cloud adoption policies, cybersecurity reforms, data governance initiatives and interoperability frameworks.
He also referenced the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act as part of efforts to create a more supportive environment for innovation and technology-driven businesses.
According to Aminu, policy consistency and regulatory clarity remain critical to sustaining investor confidence within the African technology sector.
He added that NITDA was also prioritising human capital development through the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, stressing that skilled manpower remains a vital component of digital infrastructure development.
In his concluding remarks, Aminu stated that a well-structured digital infrastructure framework would not only reduce the cost of innovation but also support long-term growth, expansion and investor confidence within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
Weak Digital Infrastructure Scares Investors Away, NITDA Warns African Startups
