The Nigerian government has emphasised the critical need to empower women in the digital economy, highlighting its potential to unlock significant economic growth.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, revealed that bridging the digital gender gap could contribute an estimated $13 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the next decade.
Abdullahi pointed out that Nigeria’s female population stands at approximately 108 million, representing nearly half of the country’s total population. He stressed that empowering women is essential for achieving inclusive and gender-neutral socio-economic development.
Citing a report by the World Wide Web Foundation, he noted that enhancing women’s participation in the digital economy would not only boost GDP but also create income-generating opportunities, improve digital literacy, and elevate the overall economic well-being of women.
Abdullahi described women entrepreneurs as vital economic drivers, job creators, and problem-solvers who contribute to sustainable development. However, he acknowledged that structural barriers, such as limited access to capital, skills gaps, and uneven digital literacy, continue to hinder their full participation in the digital economy.
Ambassador Kazuyoshi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigerian women through technical and financial skill enhancement, business model strengthening, and networking opportunities. This collaboration aligns with broader efforts to integrate women into Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, ensuring they play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s technological future.
The initiative underscores Nigeria’s determination to harness the untapped potential of its female population, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous digital economy.
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