Bridging the Digital Divide: NITDA’s DL4ALL Initiative Empowering Nigeria’s Informal Sector through Digital Literacy

Bridging the Digital Divide: NITDA’s DL4ALL Initiative Empowering Nigeria’s Informal Sector through Digital Literacy

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” — Alvin Toffler, American writer and futurist.

By Ernest Ogezi

In today’s digital age, where technology drives much of the global economy, digital literacy has emerged as a powerful tool for economic growth and inclusion. In Nigeria, where millions still face economic disparities, digital literacy offers an opportunity to transform the livelihoods of those in the informal sector. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is leading this effort through its “Digital Literacy for All” (DL4ALL) initiative, aimed at equipping Nigerians with essential digital skills. This initiative, particularly focused on underserved communities, holds immense potential to narrow the digital divide and empower informal workers across the country.

NITDA’s DL4ALL program, launched in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), represents a significant step forward in expanding digital literacy nationwide. Youth corps members are being mobilized as digital literacy ambassadors, tasked with training millions of Nigerians in their local communities. Launched across 12 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kebbi, Jigawa, and Kwara, among others, the initiative aims to boost Nigeria’s digital literacy rate to 70% by 2027.

Highlighting the importance of youth involvement, NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE emphasized the pivotal role that NYSC members will play in this endeavor. Positioned within local communities, these young graduates will serve as key players in promoting digital literacy, especially in remote and underserved areas.

The informal sector is a critical component of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for around 65% of employment and contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, many informal workers—such as market traders, artisans, and small business owners—continue to rely on outdated methods and are largely disconnected from the benefits of the digital economy. For these individuals, basic digital literacy could be transformative, opening up new avenues for growth and income generation.

This is where the DL4ALL initiative becomes particularly relevant. The program focuses on equipping informal workers with fundamental digital skills, such as using the internet, navigating mobile applications, and managing data. These skills are essential for improving productivity, accessing broader markets, and expanding networks. According to NITDA’s DL4ALL platform, digital literacy encompasses abilities like searching for and evaluating online information, managing digital content, and understanding how to protect personal data​. For workers in Nigeria’s informal sector, acquiring these skills could mean accessing new opportunities, improving business efficiency, and fostering economic resilience.

DL4ALL is a part of NITDA’s larger Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which is designed to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy. The initiative is also aimed at improving access to essential services, enhancing employability, and increasing citizen participation in the digital economy, with a special focus on empowering young Nigerians.

Nigeria’s ambition to achieve 95% digital literacy by 2030 is bold but necessary. One of the unique strengths of the DL4ALL initiative lies in its decentralised approach, which leverages the NYSC’s reach and the trust that corps members often command in their assigned communities. This grassroots model is especially effective in rural and marginalized areas, where access to formal education and training can be limited.