*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, at a recent forum in Washington, D.C., describes renewable energy as a ‘fundamental enabler’ for digital inclusion and economic empowerment in Nigerian rural communities

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has restated the vital role of renewable energy and digital innovation in accelerating inclusive growth and transforming rural communities across Nigeria.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, noted this as a panellist at the Civil Society Policy Forum during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF), in Washington, D.C., United States (US).

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Inuwa described renewable energy as a 鈥渇undamental enabler鈥� for digital inclusion and economic empowerment.

NITDA stated Inuwa also said: 鈥淩enewable energy is not the destination.

“It is a catalyst when there is power, connectivity follows, and that connectivity triggers true transformation.”

He further illustrated how access to clean energy and technology could transform rural livelihoods, citing examples of AI-powered farming tools, online platforms for women entrepreneurs, and remote digital jobs that allow youths to earn globally while living locally.

The Director-General of NITDA explained: 鈥淎 farmer equipped with a simple app can double his income, send his child to school, and employ others.

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“A young person with internet access doesn鈥檛 need to migrate to Abuja or Lagos he can work from his village and earn in Dollars.”

He equally linked these initiatives to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises sustainability, diversification, and inclusivity.

According to Inuwa, the Nigeria Digital Economy strategy under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, rests on five key pillars knowledge, policy, infrastructure, innovation and entrepreneurship, and trade.

He stated the NITDA鈥檚 operational framework rather expands the eight strategic pillars, including digital literacy, research, cybersecurity, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Inuwa disclosed that NITDA, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, is integrating digital literacy into Nigeria鈥檚 school curriculum from kindergarten to tertiary levels.

Inuwa: NITDA to 50 million Nigerians by 2027

Besides, digital competency is now a prerequisite for employment and promotion in the Nigerian Civil Service, said he.

Inuwa explained through these initiatives, the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency aims to train 50 million Nigerians by 2027, creating a skilled workforce to drive the nation鈥檚 digital transformation.

The Director-General asserted: 鈥淥ur vision is clear, our journey is set, and our resolve is stronger than ever.

“We invite everyone to join us in building a digitally empowered and prosperous Nigeria.”

In his contributions at the panel session, Fowzia Hassan, Senior Operations Officer, Infrastructure at the World Bank Group, reaffirmed the Bank鈥檚 commitment to expanding energy access across Africa through its ambitious Mission 300 (M300) initiative targeting 300 million new connections by 2030.

Hassan said: 鈥淎ccess to energy has always been central to the Bank鈥檚 development agenda, but with M300, we鈥檝e set a clear target, a deadline, and the resources to make it happen.”

She explained that the initiative consolidates efforts by the World Bank, IFC, and MIGA to strengthen regulations, attract private investment, and deploy innovative financing models such as blended finance and risk sharing facilities to reach underserved communities.

Highlighting the gender dimension of energy access, Hassan also cited data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) showing that women make up 32 percent of Africa鈥檚 renewable energy workforce, mostly in non-technical roles.

The World Bank Group top official advocated deliberate formulation of policies to enhance women鈥檚 participation in technical and leadership positions.

She asserted: 鈥淲omen are vital consumers, producers, and decision makers in energy.

“Yet they face barriers ranging from finance to education and workplace inclusion.”

Among key World Bank supported initiatives are partnerships with the African Development Bank (AfDB) on National Energy Compacts, the DAIRS programme in Nigeria designed to mobilise over $1 billion for mini grids and solar systems, and the Women in Energy Network Africa (WEN-Africa).

Hassan noted WEN-Africa has already facilitated jobs for 57 women, with a goal of creating 4,000 energy sector jobs for women within three years, Hassan added.

鈥淐reating a clean, inclusive, and just energy transition is not just about connecting homes it鈥檚 about empowering people, especially women and youth, to drive Africa鈥檚 prosperity,鈥� she said.

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