Know the Expert "Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi" - April

In this interview, Kashifu Inuwa reflects on Nigeria’s preparations to host ICEGOV 2025 (Abuja, Nigeria, 4–7 November 2025), highlighting the event’s strategic importance and its potential to accelerate digital transformation across Africa. He also outlines the country’s growing leadership in digital governance and its efforts to harness youth-driven innovation and digital talent for inclusive development across Africa.

Based in Nigeria, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi is a technology architect and transformational leader with experience in solution design, networking, software development, and digital transformation across private and public sectors.
As Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), he has been contributing to positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in the global digital ecosystem.
One of the significant strides made under his leadership is the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL), which aims to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030, making digital literacy a mandatory skill in the Nigerian education system and public service.
He has led several other significant initiatives, including the Three Million Tech Talents (3MTT), designed to prepare Nigerian youth for future work and national frameworks on digital infrastructure, AI, and online safety. 
He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, complemented by executive education at globally renowned institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford. He is also a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

United Nations University (UNU-EGOV): First, thank you for hosting ICEGOV 2025; collaborating with you and your team over the past few months has been a pleasure. What does this conference represent for NITDA, as our Local Organiser, and for Nigeria?

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi (KIA): Let me start by extending our heartfelt appreciation to the United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV) for the excellent collaboration and support leading up to this milestone. 
Hosting ICEGOV 2025 with the theme “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation, and Inclusion” is a significant moment for NITDA, our Ministry and, indeed, our country. For NITDA, the conference is a validation of our strategic efforts in leveraging digital technology and innovation inspired by collaboration and partnerships to make Nigeria a digitally empowered nation, fostering inclusive economic growth. It represents a unique opportunity to position Nigeria as a thought leader and active contributor to global conversations on digital government, innovation, and technology policy. 
For Nigeria, it is exciting news that ICEGOV is taking place in the Continent’s most populous country, proudly referred to as the Giant of Africa. Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing digital economies, where technology is transforming governance, empowering citizens, and accelerating sustainable development. From fintech to digital public infrastructure, AI to blockchain, Nigeria is at the forefront of digital transformation.
ICEGOV 2025 is an African event. We believe it is a platform to set the stage for policy dialogue and collaboration that change the narrative and put the continent at the forefront of digital governance for accelerating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and African Agenda 2063. 
Also, the strategic objectives of this event align with two key priority areas under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) which are accelerating diversification through industrialisation, digitisation, creative arts, manufacturing and innovation; and improving governance for effective service delivery. We hope that ICEGOV 2025 will shape the digital governance conversation, research collaboration, and policy drive to accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda, African Agenda 2063 and SDGs 2030.

UNU-EGOV: In your view, what key strengths or unique factors led to Nigeria being selected to host such a prestigious international event?
KIA: I believe several factors positioned Nigeria as a strong and deserving host for ICEGOV 2025. First and foremost, Nigeria’s strategic commitment to digital transformation and public sector innovation has been very visible on the global stage. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the guidance of the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria has made considerable progress in initiating and implementing digital governance policies.
Nigeria has been at the forefront of pushing for digital governance reforms through its Nigerian e-Government Masterplan, now being translated into the National e-Governance and Digital Economy Bill, which is before the National Assembly. NITDA also initiated and supported the enactment of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the Nigerian Startup Act, making Nigeria one of the few countries on the African continent with these bold steps. 
Furthermore, Nigeria’s commitment to digital transformation through initiatives such as the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) and the National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), driven by the flagship Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) programme aimed at achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030 is increasingly gaining global recognition.
Additionally, NITDA has been proactive over the years to demonstrate the capacity to both conceptualise and execute digital government initiatives in line with international best practices. Some of our notable works include the Nigeria e-Government Interoperability Framework (Ne-GIF), Nigeria Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP), and the Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA), which all strongly resonate with the core themes of ICEGOV.
Moreover, Nigeria’s vibrant youth population and rapidly expanding digital talent pool offer a compelling value proposition. As a nation of creators, problem-solvers, and innovators, Nigeria aligns seamlessly with ICEGOV’s mission to foster inclusive, forward-looking digital governance. Importantly, the hosting city, Abuja boasts of the infrastructure, institutional readiness, and logistical capacity to successfully deliver a conference of this magnitude.
Overall, NITDA, through its commitment to excellence and participation in previous editions of ICEGOV, has demonstrated that Nigeria can organise a world-class event and host the world. I am sure UNU-EGOV appreciated this quality and our way of forging strategic partnerships.

UNU-EGOV: How are preparations progressing thus far? Could you provide some insight into the current planning and organisation stage? The Call for Papers is already underway…

KIA: As the Local Organiser under the patron of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), NITDA has established a high-level implementation structure with the guidance of the UNU-EGOV framework. 
The Honourable Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, earlier in February, made a public announcement that Nigeria is hosting the ICEGOV 2025. The public announcement generated strong interest from researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in-country and across the continent and globally. Since this announcement, NITDA has been working with UNU-EGOV, the African Union through African Peer Review Mechanisms (APRM), local Universities and other stakeholders to make the conference a resounding success.
We have secured the prestigious Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja as the official venue for the conference. In collaboration with UNU-EGOV, we have also identified and confirmed distinguished individuals to serve as the Conference Chair and Programme Chairs. Additionally, the Call for Papers has been issued, marking a significant milestone in our preparations.
In addition to constituting the Steering and Conference Committees, each comprising diverse and clearly defined roles, we have also established the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to effectively oversee the planning and implementation of ICEGOV 2025. The LOC is composed of seasoned professionals from both within and outside government and is structured around strategic subcommittees responsible for key workstreams, including marketing and communications, partnerships and sponsorships, protocol and logistics, venue and exhibitions, among others. This structure ensures a coordinated and efficient approach to delivering a world-class conference.
We are having regular fortnightly meetings with the Programme and Organisation chairs. We are currently promoting the call for papers across relevant academic and policy networks to encourage diverse and high-quality submissions. We are going to issue promotional videos and a documentary about Abuja in the coming weeks. 
The LOC is currently finalising strategic partnerships with key academic institutions, federal agencies, development organisations, and industry stakeholders to ensure the seamless delivery of ICEGOV 2025. In parallel, we are curating a dynamic programme of side events, innovation showcases, and cultural experiences that will spotlight Nigeria’s unique strengths and offerings. Importantly, we are embedding local ownership and inclusivity into every aspect of the planning process—from ensuring regional representation across the country to enabling meaningful participation from youth, academia, startups, and civil society. We recognise the significance of this global event, and we remain fully committed to delivering a successful, insightful, and impactful ICEGOV 2025.

UNU-EGOV: The theme for ICEGOV 2025 is “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion.” How does this theme align with Nigeria’s national digital priorities and, more broadly, with Africa’s digital transformation agenda?

KIA: The theme “Shaping the Future of Digital Governance through Cooperation, Innovation and Inclusion” resonates deeply with both Nigeria’s national digital priorities of advancing a robust digital economy as envisioned by Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and the establishment of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. As I mentioned earlier, ICEGOV 2025 particularly aligns and mirrors the two priority areas of Mr President- accelerating diversification through digitisation and innovation as well as improving governance for effective service delivery. 
Africa Union, in accelerating the Africa Agenda 2063, has developed the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa. The strategy recognises that digital transformation is the driving force for innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth. 
The emphasis on cooperation, innovation, and inclusion is a shared vision. Many African nations are collaboratively working towards a digital future that leverages technology for sustainable development, economic diversification, and improved governance. By hosting the ICEGOV 2025, Nigeria reinforces its role as a regional leader, setting standards for ethical and inclusive digital governance while actively participating in the continent’s digital transformation.

UNU-EGOV: Which key topics will be given particular focus throughout the conference programme? 

KIA: The ICEGOV 2025 topics are carefully curated to align with both global priorities and Nigeria’s national strategic interest in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Sovereignty, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and emerging technologies. The conference programme is structured around 11 thematic tracks that collectively reflect the emerging frontiers of digital governance, inclusion, innovation, and trust.
The following topics will be given particular attention:
i.    Public Sector Digital Transformation: Through Track 4, ICEGOV will examine practical reforms in digital service delivery, leadership, and institutional agility, reflecting Nigeria’s and global reform priorities in e-government.
ii.    Responsible AI and Emerging Technologies: Track 3 and 5 will focus on Harnessing AI and Emerging Technologies for the public good, exploring how innovation can be aligned with ethical safeguards, equity, and public interest.
iii.    Digital Sovereignty, Privacy, and Cybersecurity: Recognising national autonomy over digital systems as a strategic imperative, Track 2 will explore frameworks for Digital Sovereignty, data protection, and cybersecurity, highlighting the balance between openness, trust, and control in digital governance.
iv.    Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Scalable and Inclusive Services: With the global call for foundational digital systems such as digital identity and data exchange in developing countries, the conference will prioritise Track 7 on Building Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to showcase scalable models and foster dialogue around interoperability, access, and public value delivery at societal scale.
v.    Governance of Digital Economies: Track 10 will provide perspectives on how governments and private sector actors govern and co-create value in the digital economy, including platforms, fintech, and data monetisation.
vi.    Digital Transformation in the Global South: Finally, Track 11 will spotlight digital transformation narratives, case studies, and Global South cooperation, focusing on Africa, including South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria’s roles as regional leaders.

UNU-EGOV: What lasting impact do you hope ICEGOV 2025 will have on Nigeria’s digital governance landscape? Do you believe the conference could serve as a catalyst for advancing digital governance policies and frameworks across the African continent?

KIA: Absolutely. We see ICEGOV 2025 as a unique and timely opportunity to catalyse real and lasting change in Nigeria’s digital governance landscape and, indeed, across Africa. For Nigeria, hosting this prestigious global conference is expected to:
i.    Strengthen Policy and Institutional Frameworks: The exchange of global best practices and peer learning will inform and reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen the development of robust digital governance policies that are inclusive, citizen-centric, and resilient.
ii.    Deepen Stakeholder Engagement: ICEGOV will create a platform for open dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and civil society. This multi-stakeholder approach is essential for building trust and co-creating effective governance solutions.
iii.    Promote Local Innovations: By showcasing Nigerian innovations in FinTech, digital ID, AgTech, and AI, we hope to inspire uptake across public Ministries Departments and Agencies and amplify local tech solutions globally.
iv.    Position Nigeria as a Leader in Africa’s Digital Agenda: The conference will reinforce Nigeria’s role as a thought leader and convener on digital governance issues in Africa, encouraging greater collaboration across the continent.
v.    Translate Research into Innovation and Impact: ICEGOV 2025 will catalyse transforming academic research into practical, scalable solutions by strengthening the linkage between research institutions, innovators, industry actors, and government. Through this ecosystem approach, we aim to harness the conference’s research outputs to drive innovation, inform policy, and accelerate the deployment of technologies that deliver measurable impact in governance and service delivery.

UNU-EGOV: On a more personal note, what does hosting ICEGOV 2025 mean to you, both as a representative of NITDA and as a Nigerian citizen?

KIA: On a personal level, hosting ICEGOV 2025 is both a great honour and a deeply humbling experience. It also reinforces my belief in the power of visionary leadership, collaborative effort, and the transformative potential of collaborative intelligence to create inclusive and sustainable societies. To play a part in making this happen, connecting Nigeria to the world and the world to Nigeria, is truly a milestone I will always treasure.
As a representative of NITDA, it reflects years of deliberate effort in laying the foundation for a digital Nigeria through stakeholder engagement, staff exposure and capacity, and a culture of professionalism and innovation. It is gratifying to see those efforts recognised on a global stage and culminate in Nigeria being entrusted with such a globally significant event. 
As a Nigerian, it fills me with immense pride. It’s a moment of national affirmation that we are not just participants in the global digital map, but active contributors, capable of shaping its direction. It’s a testament to the resilience, creativity, and potential of the Nigerian people.

UNU-EGOV: Finally, what message would you like to share with participants considering attending ICEGOV 2025 in Abuja from 4–7 November? What can they expect from the Nigerian experience?

KIA: To all prospective participants of ICEGOV 2025, I extend a heartfelt invitation to join us in Abuja, Nigeria, from 4–7 November 2025 for what promises to be an inspiring convergence of ideas, cultures, and innovations. You can expect a truly world-class conference experience, enriched by Nigeria’s renowned hospitality, diversity, and vibrancy. From engaging keynote speeches and high-impact policy dialogues to cutting-edge research presentations and collaborative workshops, the programme has been thoughtfully designed to foster meaningful conversations around the future of digital governance.
Beyond the formal sessions, we invite you to immerse yourself in the Nigerian experience- a dynamic blend of Africa’s vibrant creativity, cultural richness, and technological resilience and a nation with a youthful population and thriving tech ecosystem. 
Abuja, our capital city, offers a welcoming mix of tradition and modernity, scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, and a deep spirit of hospitality. It is a safe, engaging, and forward-looking city that reflects the aspirations of a rising digital nation.
Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, innovator, technologist, or development partner, ICEGOV 2025 will offer you a space to learn, connect, co-create, and be inspired. It will leave you with exciting experiences and long-lasting memories. Come with your ideas, your curiosity, and your passion. We look forward to learning with you, and from you, as we shape the future of digital governance through cooperation, innovation, and inclusion.