NITDA, Flutterwave, Alami launch strategic alliance to accelerate Nigeria’s digital economy, empower SMEs

Public-private collaboration targets SME growth, fintech innovation, and nationwide digital literacy under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a major boost to Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has partnered with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, and Alami, a youth-focused SME empowerment firm, to drive digital adoption, fintech innovation, and inclusive economic growth. The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to equip SMEs and startups with tools to thrive in the digital era.

RELATED: NITDA and Education Ministry launch digital literacy initiative in Nigeria

Key Focus Areas of the Partnership

1. Fintech Innovation: Scaling secure payment infrastructure for SMEs via Flutterwave’s technology.
2. Digital Literacy: Nationwide training programs to bridge the digital skills gap.
3. SME Empowerment: Access to financing, cybersecurity tools, and open-source technologies.
4. Policy Alignment: Implementing the National Digital Economy Policy (NDEPS) through public-private collaboration.
5. Digital Nigeria Week 2025: A flagship event to showcase payment innovations, host workshops, and foster partnerships.

 Nigeria’s digital economy needs private-sector collaboration

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA Director General:

“Nigeria’s digital economy cannot thrive without private-sector collaboration. Slow SME digitization hinders growth—this partnership unlocks tools for secure payments, digital literacy, and innovation. Flutterwave and Alami are critical allies in achieving our SRAP 2.0 goals and the President’s vision.”

Olugbenga Agboola, Flutterwave CEO:

“Over 40 million Nigerian SMEs lack access to seamless payment solutions. By integrating our technology with NITDA’s reach, we’re democratizing financial inclusion and empowering businesses to scale confidently.”

Olu White, Alami CEO:

ADVERTISEMENT

“Youth and SMEs are Nigeria’s economic backbone. Through this alliance, we’ll provide training, funding, and mentorship to ignite tech-driven entrepreneurship in underserved communities.”

Strategic Impact & Milestones

• Digital Nigeria Week 2025: A platform for startups to pitch innovations, connect with investors, and explore partnerships.
• Job Creation: Targeting 500,000 upskilled youths and 100,000 digitized SMEs by 2026.
• Cybersecurity: Collaborative frameworks to protect SMEs from rising digital threats.
• Open-Source Advocacy: Promoting affordable tech solutions for micro-businesses.

SMEs are lifeblood of Nigeria’s economy 

With SMEs contributing 48% of Nigeria’s GDP yet only 15% fully digitized (World Bank), this partnership addresses critical gaps:

• Funding: Bridging the $158 billion SME financing gap in Africa.
• Skills: 65% of Nigerian youths lack advanced digital literacy (UNESCO).
• Infrastructure: Expanding secure payment systems to rural SMEs.