James Agada Emerges 8th ISPON President, Promises Global Push for Nigeria’s Software Industry

James Agada has emerged as the 8th President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), taking over the leadership of the industry body with a promise to accelerate the growth, visibility and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s software industry.

Agada’s emergence comes at a time when Nigeria’s technology ecosystem is increasingly being viewed as a critical component of the country’s economic diversification strategy, with software, digital services and technology enabled businesses playing a growing role in job creation, innovation and economic value creation.

As ISPON president, Agada is expected to focus attention on strengthening the local software industry while creating greater opportunities for Nigerian technology companies and software professionals to compete in regional and international markets.

A key part of his vision is to improve the visibility of Nigerian software beyond the domestic market and promote the capabilities of local developers, technology companies and innovators on the global stage.

The new ISPON leadership is also expected to deepen engagement between software practitioners, government, regulators, businesses and other stakeholders in developing policies and initiatives that support the growth of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

For an industry that has produced globally recognised startups and technology companies, industry leaders argue that the next phase of Nigeria’s digital transformation must go beyond technology adoption to building and exporting intellectual property, software products and technology services developed locally.

Agada’s emergence therefore places ISPON at an important intersection between technology policy, software development, digital infrastructure and Nigeria’s broader economic ambitions.

His administration will also have the opportunity to champion stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, support professional development and help create an environment where Nigerian software businesses can scale sustainably.

With Nigeria seeking to strengthen its position in Africa’s digital economy, the new ISPON presidency could provide an important platform for articulating the interests of software practitioners and advancing policies that make the country a more competitive destination for technology innovation and investment.

The central question now is whether Agada’s administration can translate its ambition for greater global visibility into concrete programmes, stronger industry collaboration and measurable opportunities for Nigerian software companies and professionals.

What You Should Know

* James Agada is now the 8th President of ISPON, succeeding the previous leadership of the professional body.

* His presidency comes as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy and technology ecosystem.

* A major priority of his administration is expected to be increasing the global visibility and competitiveness of Nigerian software.

* ISPON represents an important constituency within Nigeria’s software and technology ecosystem, engaging with practitioners, businesses, government and other stakeholders.

* The push for global visibility reflects a broader shift from simply consuming technology to developing and exporting Nigerian technology products, services and intellectual property.

Why It Matters

Nigeria has established itself as one of Africa’s major technology markets, but the country’s long-term digital economy ambitions will depend increasingly on its ability to create and export technology not just consume it.

A stronger Nigerian software industry could contribute to foreign exchange earnings, high-value employment, innovation, digital sovereignty and economic diversification.

Agada’s challenge, therefore, goes beyond leading a professional association. ISPON under his leadership has an opportunity to become a stronger voice for the policies, infrastructure, skills and market opportunities required to make Nigerian software globally competitive.

If successfully implemented, the push for greater international visibility could help Nigerian software companies move from being recognised primarily as local technology players to becoming significant exporters of African-built digital solutions.

TechTV Take

The next big opportunity for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem may not simply be building more startups—it may be building more globally competitive software from Nigeria.

Agada’s ISPON presidency arrives at a moment when the industry needs stronger advocacy, deeper collaboration and a more deliberate strategy for taking Nigerian technology to the world.