WTISD 2025: Nigeria’s Digital Economy Minister Urges Private Sector to Invest in Women-Led Tech and Gender Equality

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark the World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2025, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has called on the private sector to adopt gender-responsive practices and invest in women-led tech hubs.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the official commemoration on Saturday, May 17, Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani emphasized that gender equality in the digital space is crucial to unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Gender Equality in Digital Transformation.”

“When Women Are Left Behind, Nigeria Loses”

Represented by Adeyemo Olugbenga, Director of National Frequency Management, the Minister stressed that the digital economy must prioritize inclusion:

“We must ensure that no one, especially women and girls, is left behind. The digital economy is not just about infrastructure and innovation but about people,” he said.

“When half of our population faces barriers to access, skills, and leadership in tech, we are not just failing women we are limiting Nigeria’s potential.”

Dr. Tijani called for systemic reforms starting from elementary schools through universities, encouraging more girls to pursue STEM disciplines, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

He noted that although Nigeria has achieved a broadband penetration rate of 46.2%, many women still lack access to smartphones and digital tools, which hinders their participation in the digital economy and restricts their entrepreneurial potential.

The Minister issued a multi-pronged call to action:

• Private Sector: Adopt gender-inclusive workplace policies and fund women-led tech incubators.

• Educational Institutions: Break STEM stereotypes and build digital confidence among girls.

• Civil Society & Media: Amplify the voices of women breaking barriers and hold stakeholders accountable.

• Men & Boys: Be active allies in challenging stereotypes and fostering equality in tech spaces.

“This year’s theme is not just timely, it is imperative,” he declared.
“We need to make gender equality in tech a reality, not just a concept.”