Flagship Programs & Youth Empowerment

Oracle-ZITDA Skills Development Initiative (SDI): Launched in mid-2025 following a strategic agreement in London, this program provides over 3,000 youth with certifications in Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), AI/Data Science, and Oracle APEX. As of January 2026, training is ongoing with multiple candidate batches verified via ZITDA’s official portal.
NCC 4G/5G Technical Training: A collaborative effort with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) launched in May 2025. It focuses on high-level technical skills for the next generation of telecom infrastructure.
Computer Appreciation for State Executive Council (SEC): A mandatory digital competency program for top government officials launched in October 2025 to ensure the state leadership is tech-literate.
Women-in-Tech Grants: A 2025 initiative that trained 150 women in digital entrepreneurship, providing each with an Android device and a ₦100,000 startup grant.
Zamfara Digital Literacy Framework (ZDLF): Launched in June 2025, it is the first state-specific framework in Nigeria designed to integrate digital skills into schools and the civil service.
Zamfara Institute of Information Technology (ZIIT): Ongoing construction of the physical campus intended to host the state’s primary digital research and innovation labs.

Experience AI Workshop: A January 2025 event organized by ZITDA and Women Techmakers to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to female students and professionals.
Zambia Summit Recognition: In October 2025, during the Digital Government Africa Summit, Zamfara’s digital literacy model was internationally recognized as a template for inclusive growth.

Zero Right-of-Way (RoW) Charges: Implemented in late 2024 and maintained through 2026, this policy waived fees for telecom companies to lay fiber-optic cables, significantly accelerating broadband penetration in Gusau.
MoU with NetOne Neo Technology: Signed in October 2025 to develop a local IT value chain, aiming to transform Zamfara into a sub-regional tech hub.
E-GovConnect Platform: The central hub for state automation. Key modules deployed in 2025 include the Visitors Management System, Biometric attendance, electronic personnel files (E-Files), official emails for Executive Council Members and the Digital Executive Council Chamber.
eLTE & Secure Government Connectivity: Installation of an eLTE Base Station at Government House Gusau in collaboration with Galaxy Backbone (GBB) and Huawei, providing secure broadband coverage within a 15km radius.
Project 774 Collaboration with FMCDE, GBB, NigComSat and NITDA
Transport & Smart System: Automation of the Zamfara State Transport Authority (ZSTA) with an AI powered fleet management and digital ticketing system covering 50 buses including real time tracking, passenger safety monitoring, digital ticketing and free Wi-Fi access
ICT Equipment Deployment: ZITDA coordinated large scale distribution of desktop computers, laptops, printers, projectors and Starlink internet to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), strengthening institutional capacity and enabling digital operations across government.

Arewa Tech Fest 2026 (Spotlight on Zamfara): Following a successful bid in 2025, ZITDA is the official host of the 2026 edition of Arewa Tech Fest in Gusau. This regional summit brings together innovators and investors to showcase the Northern Nigerian tech ecosystem.
13th National Council on Communications (Dec 2025): Zamfara was awarded “Best State in E-Government” and “1st Runner-Up in ICT Human Capital Development.”
Digital Government Africa Summit (Oct 2025): Governor Dauda Lawal led a delegation to Lusaka, Zambia, securing international partnerships and showcasing the state’s ZDLF.
GITEX Africa 2024/2025: ZITDA sponsored local startups to exhibit in Morocco, facilitating global exposure for Zamfara-based innovators.