Nigeria is strengthening its digital transformation agenda through a new collaboration with Canadian technology stakeholders aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI), digital finance, innovation, and technology transfer.
The partnership was announced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which disclosed that agreements signed in Toronto, Canada, are expected to support financial inclusion, local AI infrastructure development, capacity building, and the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. The agreements involve Canadian technology companies, including GooseFL and Fireflies AI, and form part of broader efforts to expand international cooperation in emerging technologies.
According to NITDA, the collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s strategy to build local technological capabilities while creating opportunities for innovation and digital skills development. The agency has increasingly positioned AI as a key pillar of the country’s digital economy agenda, with ongoing initiatives focused on fostering AI adoption and supporting indigenous innovation.
The agreements are expected to contribute to the development of AI infrastructure and support the deployment of technology solutions that can improve access to digital financial services. Financial inclusion remains a major priority for Nigeria, where digital technologies are increasingly being viewed as tools for expanding access to banking, payments, and other financial services.
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NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa has repeatedly emphasised the role of emerging technologies in transforming financial services and supporting economic growth. The agency has also advocated stronger collaboration between regulators, innovators, and financial institutions to accelerate the adoption of AI-powered solutions across the economy.
The latest collaboration comes as Nigeria continues to pursue partnerships that can strengthen its position within Africa’s growing technology ecosystem. The Federal Government has tasked NITDA with coordinating efforts to advance artificial intelligence and digital transformation, while working with private-sector partners to drive innovation and broader economic impact.
Beyond AI development, the partnership is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer between Nigerian and Canadian stakeholders. Such initiatives are increasingly viewed as important for developing local expertise, supporting startups, and enabling businesses to adopt advanced digital tools.
The announcement also reflects growing technology cooperation between Nigeria and Canada. In recent years, both countries have expanded engagement in trade, investment, innovation, and digital development, with technology emerging as a key area of collaboration.
While financial details of the agreements were not disclosed, NITDA said the partnerships are expected to advance innovation, strengthen local AI capabilities, and support the expansion of digital financial services in Nigeria.
Senior AI Writer
Bio: Okikiola is a writer and AI enthusiast with a background in Office Technology and Management from the Federal Polytechnic Offa. She went further to study an MSc in International Business at De Montfort University (DMU). With extensive work experience across administrative and business roles, she now focuses on exploring how artificial intelligence can transform work, innovation, and everyday life.