- Nigeria joins global partners to accelerate clean energy adoption and digital empowerment.
- The initiative seeks to drive inclusion, create jobs, and strengthen rural innovation.
Nigeria’s renewable energy and digital transformation strategy is reshaping how the country connects, learns, and grows. The government now recognises clean energy as a key driver of inclusion, innovation, and long-term growth.
During the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in Washington, Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasised that renewable energy supports digital inclusion. He explained that access to energy bridges the divide between rural communities and the modern economy.
“Renewable energy is not the destination; it is a catalyst. When power comes, connectivity follows, and transformation begins,” Inuwa said.
He further noted that consistent access to electricity is vital for expanding technology-driven services in remote areas. Consequently, investing in renewable energy provides the foundation for a strong digital economy that benefits everyone.
Moreover, Inuwa explained that combining clean energy and technology can transform livelihoods. For instance, farmers now use AI-powered tools, while women run online businesses, and youths earn remotely. Therefore, access to electricity and the internet opens doors to learning, income, and innovation.
He also linked these programmes to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on sustainability and inclusion. In addition, he said NITDA’s digital framework builds on eight strategic pillars, including digital literacy, research, and strategic partnerships.
Importantly, NITDA is integrating digital literacy into the school system nationwide. As a result, students from nursery to university will acquire essential digital skills. “Digital competence is now a requirement for employment and promotion in the civil service,” Inuwa added.
Through these efforts, the agency plans to train 50 million Nigerians by 2027. This initiative, therefore, strengthens Nigeria’s renewable energy and digital transformation agenda while building a skilled, connected population.
Meanwhile, Fowzia Hassan, Senior Operations Officer at the World Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to closing Africa’s energy access gap. She stated that the Mission 300 programme aims to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of gender inclusion. Women currently make up just 32 per cent of Africa’s renewable energy workforce. Hence, deliberate action is needed to increase female participation in technical and leadership roles.
Hassan also revealed that the Bank supports several African initiatives, including Nigeria’s DARES Programme and the Women in Energy Network Africa. These projects aim to fund solar systems and mini-grids and create thousands of jobs for women.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s renewable energy and digital transformation represent twin engines of progress. Together, they are lighting homes, empowering youth, and driving sustainable growth across Africa’s largest economy.