“The innovative ecosystem holds tremendous value, estimated at over $5 trillion. Research indicates that countries with robust innovative ecosystems create jobs at double the rate of those with weaker ecosystem”.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has teamed up with the United States and Global Tech Africa (GTA) to forge a strategic alliance focused on cultivating an ecosystem that will accelerate the adoption of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria and the broader African region.
GTA, an initiative spearheaded by the Future Map Foundation and executed by Ascend Studios Foundation, aligns with NITDA’s vision of unleashing untapped talents within Nigeria. The collaborative effort aims to harness the potential of digital technology and AI to drive economic growth while promoting core national values.
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Addressing attendees at the GTA Summit in Lagos, Inuwa Kachifu Abdulahi, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized Nigeria’s inherent potential to reap the benefits of digital technology and AI.
He also underlined the strategic importance of developing a National talent strategy to position Nigeria as a global talent hub, echoing President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to creating jobs in the digital economy.
Abdulahi highlighted five critical stakeholders vital to the ecosystem’s success, including higher education institutions for producing human capital, corporate organizations for nurturing and absorbing talent, entrepreneurs to drive business growth, venture capitalists to invest in innovative ideas, and the government’s role in policy-making and infrastructure development.
The innovative ecosystem holds tremendous value, estimated at over $5 trillion. Research indicates that countries with robust innovative ecosystems create jobs at double the rate of those with weaker ecosystem.
Notably, digitally transformed enterprises contributed $13.5 trillion to the global GDP in 2018, and this figure is projected to surge to $53.3 trillion by 2023, showcasing the pivotal role of innovation in wealth creation. This aligns with the vision of Global Tech Africa in fostering such innovation.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Inya Lawal, CEO of GTA, emphasized the importance of Nigeria fully capitalizing on its potential and asserting its place within the global digital landscape. She stressed the need to prepare for global investments and transition from a reliance on grants and aid to a greater emphasis on trade and partnerships.
The focus on “Trade and not Aid” signifies a shift towards seeking mutually beneficial partnerships rather than relying solely on foreign aid. Nigeria and Africa are poised to strengthen their presence in the digital ecosystem, working collaboratively across the public, private, and development sectors.
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Will Stevens, the US Consul General, praised the initiative and reaffirmed the support of the United States government in bolstering partnerships with Nigeria and other stakeholders. The Biden administration is committed to nurturing growth in the region and fostering easy access to capital and improved infrastructure for businesses.
The collaboration between NITDA, the US, and GTA holds the potential to catalyze Nigeria’s digital revolution and drive economic development, creating a thriving digital ecosystem. As this joint endeavor unfolds, all eyes will be on the progress and transformative impact it could bring to Nigeria and Africa’s burgeoning tech landscape.
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