The Federal Government of Nigeria and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have formed a strategic partnership aimed at advancing technological innovation and sustainable development in the country. This was revealed in a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Felix Ale, on Wednesday.
The collaboration was formalized during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, met with USAID’s Chief Innovation Officer, Mohammed Abdel-Kader. Their discussions centered on leveraging technology to address critical developmental challenges in Nigeria.
According to Nnaji, the meeting highlighted the importance of innovative partnerships in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and digital financial inclusion, which are pivotal to enhancing Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem.
“These collaborations are essential for improving the lives of underserved populations and strengthening Nigeria’s tech industry,” Nnaji stated.
One of the key areas of focus during the meeting was the potential role of AI in revolutionizing agricultural practices. Both parties acknowledged the urgent need for technological advancements to improve farming techniques, with food security being a top priority for the nation.
“By adopting advanced technologies, we aim to support smallholder farmers and address the growing food demands while promoting sustainable farming practices,” Nnaji said.
The discussions also touched on energy access, with a strong emphasis on the deployment of off-grid and renewable energy technologies to help Nigeria meet its energy targets. Nnaji highlighted the collaboration opportunities under USAID’s Power Africa initiative, which focuses on expanding electricity access through sustainable energy solutions.
“We must explore AI-driven grid management and distributed renewable energy technologies to ensure reliable power for our communities,” he added.
The partnership between Nigeria and USAID will extend beyond discussions, with plans to formalize joint research and pilot projects in critical sectors such as healthcare and education. These efforts will focus on implementing AI solutions to drive transformative changes.
Nnaji emphasized that the collaboration would be instrumental in meeting Nigeria’s development goals, improving the quality of life for its citizens, and fostering sustainable growth across various sectors.
