The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has revealed that young female entrepreneurs in Nigeria are outpacing their male peers in education. This insight was shared by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, at the recent Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit (WEETS) 2024 in Lagos.
According to NITDA’s findings, 52.2% of young women entrepreneurs have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to only 42.8% of young men. This education gap highlights the growing role of women in Nigeria’s business landscape.
The trend extends beyond education. The 2023 State of Entrepreneurship in Nigeria report shows that 46% of startups in the country are now led by women, up from 39% in 2022. This increase demonstrates the rising influence of women in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.
NITDA is actively working to boost women’s participation in the tech sector. The agency has set a goal of 40% women participation in all its skill development programs. This initiative is part of NITDA’s broader Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan for 2024-2027, which aims to ensure equal access to digital resources for all Nigerians.
One key program in this effort is the Digital Literacy for All (DL4All) initiative. This program focuses on equipping Nigerians, especially women, with essential digital skills. NITDA believes that empowering women in the digital sector is crucial for advancing Nigeria’s economy and tech industry.
The importance of women in technology extends beyond Nigeria. Globally, women make up 30% of the artificial intelligence (AI) workforce and 39% of all workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, according to the Global Gender Gap Report of 2023.
The potential for growth in these areas is significant. Forbes predicts that the AI market will reach $407 billion by 2027, up from $86.9 billion in 2022. This presents a huge opportunity for women to play a key role in shaping the future of technology and business.
Ugochi Emmanuel, the organizer of the WEETS Summit, emphasized the critical need for women to seize these opportunities. The WEETS Foundation is committed to helping women access the digital economy through advanced skills training and mentorship programs.
NITDA’s focus on empowering women in technology aligns with global trends and local needs. By increasing women’s participation in the tech sector, Nigeria aims to drive innovation, boost economic growth, and create a more inclusive digital future.
The agency’s efforts, combined with the rising educational achievements of young female entrepreneurs, paint a promising picture for women in Nigeria’s tech and business sectors. As more women take on leadership roles in startups and acquire advanced digital skills, they are poised to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy.
This shift towards greater female participation in technology and entrepreneurship could have far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s economic development. It may lead to more diverse perspectives in problem-solving, increased innovation, and potentially, more tailored solutions to address societal challenges.
As Nigeria continues to develop its digital economy, the role of women will be crucial. With support from organizations like NITDA and initiatives such as the WEETS Summit, women are well-positioned to lead the charge in shaping Nigeria’s technological future.
