NITDA DG Advocates Digital Sovereignty for Developing Nations at IGF 2024

At the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) themed “Building our Multi-stakeholder Digital Future,” Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), called for strengthened digital sovereignty for Developing and Least Developed Countries (DLDCs).

Speaking on the session “Addressing the Challenges of Digital Sovereignty in DLDCs,” Inuwa emphasized the critical need for Africa and other DLDCs to assert control over their data, technology, and infrastructure. His address focused on three pillars: data localization, security, and infrastructure development, as vital components of digital sovereignty..

Inuwa began by demystifying key concepts such as data sovereignty, data residency, and data localization. He explained that digital sovereignty ensures a nation’s absolute control over its digital assets, including data, technologies, and the legal frameworks governing them.

“Nations must assert their right to control their data and technology. Digital sovereignty isn’t just about protection; it’s about empowerment—about using data and technology to drive growth, security, and innovation,” he said.

He pointed to Nigeria’s significant strides in this area, including the development of a data classification framework and partnerships with global hyper-scalers to establish local data centres. These efforts ensure sensitive data remains within Nigeria’s jurisdiction, safeguarding the nation’s strategic interests.

Highlighting risks associated with shared cloud infrastructures for critical services, Inuwa stressed the importance of setting up dedicated cloud sub-units for vital sectors such as defense, intelligence, and national security.

“Africa must recognize that the risks of outsourcing critical services on shared cloud platforms outweigh the benefits. Sector-specific cloud infrastructure is no longer optional—it’s a necessity,” he remarked.

Inuwa also urged African nations to harness their unique resources to attract hyper-scalers—global technology companies providing large-scale cloud and data services. He emphasized the continent’s abundant renewable energy, expansive land, and growing pool of skilled labor as competitive advantages.

“Hyper-scalers can be incentivized to localize their infrastructure here. This not only safeguards our data but also catalyzes economic growth, creating jobs and building expertise for the digital economy,” he added.

Inuwa’s presentation at the IGF was an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s leadership in digital sovereignty and share actionable insights with the global community. By promoting frameworks for data security and localized infrastructure, Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in the global digital economy.

The IGF served as a vital platform for dialogue, with participants agreeing on the need for multilateral collaborations to build a more equitable, secure, and inclusive digital future. Inuwa’s call to action resonated with stakeholders, underscoring the urgency of prioritizing digital sovereignty for the sustainable growth of DLDCs.