The Federal Government of Nigeria has joined forces with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote technological advancements and sustainable development initiatives in the country.
This was revealed on Wednesday by Felix Ale, Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA). According to Ale, the collaboration was cemented during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, met with USAID’s Chief Innovation Officer, Mohammed Abdel-Kader.
Nnaji noted that their discussions centered on leveraging technology to address key developmental challenges in Nigeria. The meeting highlighted the urgency of innovative partnerships, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and digital financial inclusion.
“These collaborations are essential not only for improving the lives of underserved populations but also for strengthening Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem,” Nnaji stated.
The minister emphasized the power of technology to create solutions that can uplift marginalized communities and spur overall economic growth. A key focus of the talks was the role of AI in enhancing agricultural practices, given Nigeria’s concerns over food security. Both parties recognized the importance of adopting advanced technologies to improve farming techniques.
“By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to empower smallholder farmers and meet the growing food demands of our nation, while promoting sustainable practices,” Nnaji said.
The emphasis on agriculture is part of a broader strategy to boost productivity and increase resilience in the face of climate change, which poses significant threats to Nigeria’s food supply.
Energy access was another prominent issue in the discussions. Nnaji stressed the need for off-grid and renewable energy solutions as critical to meeting Nigeria’s energy goals. He mentioned potential collaboration under USAID’s Power Africa initiative, which focuses on expanding electricity access through clean, sustainable energy technologies.
“We must integrate AI into grid management and explore decentralized renewable energy options to ensure a reliable power supply for our communities,” he noted.
The minister underscored that the meeting went beyond dialogue, as Nigeria and USAID agreed to formalize a partnership dedicated to scaling innovative technologies across the country
