In a strategic move to actualise the “Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration” pillar outlined in the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) 2024-2027, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has affirmed commitment to collaborate effectively with the government of Sierra Leone. This came as the Agency hosted a delegate from the West African country, led by the country’s Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovations, Ms. Salima Bah.
Representing the DG, the Director of the Corporate Planning and Strategy Department, Dr. Aristotle Onumo, conveyed NITDA’s dedication to fostering innovation without inhibiting it and emphasising the significance of co-creation, stakeholder engagements, and innovation in driving NITDA’s regulatory agenda.
Inuwa further highlighted the necessity of collaboration among various stakeholders within and beyond the public sector and elaborated on the establishment of the Digital Transformation Working Group within each ministry. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the relevance of policies, frameworks, and guidelines across governmental agencies.
In clarifying NITDA’s approach to regulating Information Technology matters, the DG stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and understanding their needs, problems, and fears. He underscored the significance of developing laws and policies that address these concerns effectively.
While addressing the monitoring of service delivery, Inuwa recommended an annual submission of IT plans by government agencies to ensure alignment with Agency’s objectives and highlighted the Agency’s use of IT clearance as a swift mechanism for enforcing standards.
On her part, Minister Salima Bah underscored the importance of collaboration in propelling Africa forward in emerging technologies such as AI and blockchain and stated the need for Africa to leverage these technologies for mutual benefit rather than being mere consumers.
Reflecting on the two-day engagement, Bah expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from NITDA’s expertise in policy implementation, digital development, and enforcement of standards and guidelines, particularly in the area of technology clearance and compliance.
The minister noted that the meeting between NITDA and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communications, Technology, and Innovations signifies a pivotal step towards fostering cross-border collaboration and advancing digital innovation within the African continent.
