The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, has reinforced efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s SME-driven innovation ecosystem through engagement with innovators, founders, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders at the Future Map Foundation Roundtable 1.0, North-West Edition. The forum focused on building a strong, inclusive, and sustainable innovation environment that supports small businesses and technology-driven enterprises across Northern Nigeria.
The roundtable created an open platform for dialogue on regional innovation policies, practical funding pathways, and public-private collaboration needed to help SMEs scale their solutions beyond local communities. Discussions highlighted the role of innovation in driving productivity, job creation, and competitiveness for small businesses operating in emerging digital markets.
During the engagement, the NITDA Director General reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to people-focused innovation that is locally relevant while remaining globally competitive. He noted that digital transformation must translate into real business value, enabling startups and SMEs to grow efficiently, access new markets, and integrate technology into everyday operations.
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The forum also emphasised the importance of trust, coordination, and long-term partnerships between government, private sector players, and ecosystem builders. Participants agreed that a collaborative approach is critical to unlocking the North-West’s innovation potential and positioning SMEs as key drivers of Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
By aligning innovation policy with enterprise needs, the engagement further strengthens Nigeria’s push toward inclusive digital growth where small businesses play a central role in economic development.
