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 However, many informal workers—such as market traders, artisans, and small business owners—continue to rely on outdated methods and are largely disconnected from the benefits of the digital economy.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.

NITDA launches digital innovation competition to address infrastructural challenges

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says it has launched the 2024 Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge competition, aimed at addressing infrastructural challenges in the country.

Director of Corporate Affairs and External Relations of NITDA, Mrs Hadiza Umar, said this in a statement personally issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Umar said the competition tagged “Mapping Nigeria’s Future-Infrastructure for Development” began on Sept. 11 and would end on Oct. 23.

She also said the pitching of the challenge would be at the 2024 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition, expected to be held from Oct. 22 to 24.

“The 2024 Innovation Challenge is set to empower the next wave of Nigeria’s brightest innovators.

“It’s more than just a competition, it’s an opportunity to leverage technology and creative problem-solving to tackle the pressing infrastructure challenges facing the nation.

“This initiative plays a pivotal role in achieving the core objectives of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, driving economic growth and fostering job creation.

“Aligned with NITDA’s mission to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, the challenge supports Nigeria’s leap towards a thriving digital economy under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy’s Strategic Blueprint,” she said.

According to her, with a focus on building a future-ready digital Nigeria, participants will collaborate in teams, using digital tools and techniques to digitally map key infrastructure across Nigeria.

She added that the maps would highlight essential facilities like hospitals, schools, roads, and utilities and provide insights needed to drive sustainable development across the country.

“Through this initiative, we intend to engage participants in real-world data collection and digital mapping.

“The challenge will showcase critical infrastructure needs and opportunities in Nigeria, foster community engagement among diverse groups of participants.

“It will enhance skills in Geographical Information Systems, data science, and storytelling among the youth and professionals.”

The director added that the challenge would be in three stages, which included the state ,regional and national levels.

According to her, competitors from all 36 states and the FCT will battle it out, with 37 teams moving to the next round.

“These qualifiers will represent their regions across six geo-political zones, with six regional winners emerging.

“The regional champions will gather in Abuja for the ultimate showdown at the Digital Nigeria conference.

“Each of the six regional winners will walk away with N1 million, while the national winner will take home the grand prize of N5 million,” she said.

Umar reassured that NITDA continued to shape Nigeria’s IT landscape with innovative policies and standards that would create digital jobs, foster entrepreneurship and nurture the next generation of tech talent.

Promoting a Greener Nigeria: NITDA’s Commitment to Renewable Technology

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it” — Robert Swan, environmentalist and explorer

Ernest Ogezi

As the world transitions towards sustainability, Nigeria is making strategic strides in embracing green technology to meet the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) plays a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s adoption of renewable energy solutions and promoting environmentally friendly practices within the tech sector. By integrating renewable technologies into the nation’s digital infrastructure, NITDA is leading efforts to create a sustainable future that balances technological progress with environmental responsibility.

Renewable energy technologies have become central to global efforts to mitigate climate change. As nations work to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, the adoption of clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power has surged. In Nigeria, renewable energy offers a vital pathway to addressing the country’s energy deficit while reducing carbon emissions. NITDA’s initiatives in promoting green technology are aligned with these global trends, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions in the digital era.

One of  NITDA’s key initiatives is the promotion of green data centers powered by renewable energy. Data centers are critical to the functioning of the digital economy but are also significant consumers of electricity. Traditional data centers, which rely heavily on non-renewable energy sources, contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. To address this, NITDA advocates for the development of data centers that utilize solar and wind energy, thereby reducing their environmental impact. By encouraging the tech industry to adopt energy-efficient practices and renewable energy sources, NITDA is helping to reduce the carbon footprint of Nigeria’s growing digital infrastructure.

In addition to green data centers, NITDA is actively promoting the adoption of solar energy solutions across various sectors. Solar power, with its abundance and cost-effectiveness, is particularly well-suited for Nigeria, a country that receives ample sunlight throughout the year. NITDA has been instrumental in supporting the deployment of solar panels in remote and underserved areas, providing reliable and sustainable electricity to power ICT infrastructures such as telecommunication towers and internet access points. This initiative not only contributes to reducing carbon emissions but also helps bridge the digital divide by bringing connectivity to communities that were previously off the grid.

The agency’s commitment to green technology extends to the promotion of sustainable practices within the broader ICT industry. NITDA has been a strong proponent of eco-friendly manufacturing practices, encouraging companies to adopt green technologies in the production of electronic devices. This includes the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient designs, and waste reduction strategies. By fostering a culture of sustainability within the tech industry, NITDA is ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of the product lifecycle.

Furthermore, NITDA has been involved in advocating for the integration of renewable energy solutions in the national power grid. The agency supports initiatives that enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s power grid to accommodate and distribute electricity generated from renewable sources. This is crucial for ensuring the stability and reliability of power supply, particularly in areas where renewable energy is the primary source of electricity. By working with stakeholders across the energy and technology sectors, NITDA is helping to build a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure for the country.

NITDA’s efforts are also closely aligned with Nigeria’s broader national development goals and international commitments to sustainability. The agency’s promotion of green technology is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). By advancing renewable energy solutions and environmentally friendly practices, NITDA is contributing to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and foster sustainable economic growth.