DG of NITDA proposes Nigeria–MENA Digital Fintech corridor at 4th MENA Fintech Festival
Date: 2025-12-05
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Director-General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development
Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has proposed the creation of a
Nigeria–MENA Digital Fintech Corridor to enhance interoperable cross-border
payments, establish shared regulatory sandboxes, promote responsible AI
deployment, support youth-led innovation exchanges, and develop digital finance
solutions that prioritize people.
Mr.
Abdullahi made the announcement during his keynote address at the 4th MENA
Fintech Festival in Doha, Qatar, themed “The Role of Innovation in Driving
Economic Growth and Financial Inclusion.” He highlighted Nigeria’s growing
leadership in fintech, citing a vibrant ecosystem, expanding financial
inclusion, and a rapidly advancing digital economy.
The NITDA DG stressed that innovation must extend beyond access to ensure financial health, resilience, and shared prosperity, particularly for women, youth, rural communities, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He
called for stronger collaboration between Africa and the MENA region,
positioning Nigeria as a strategic partner in shaping the future of digital
finance and driving inclusive economic growth.
