The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, says Nigeria now leads other African nations as the destination for tech startups.
He said this on Tuesday in his opening address during the opening ceremony of the ongoing 2023 Digital Nigeria International Conference in Abuja.
According to him, of the $5 million invested in tech startups in Africa, 20 percent is domiciled in Nigeria, proof that Nigeria has now become the top destination of tech Investments in Africa.
He also said the huge investments, as well as the committed efforts of various public and private sector players to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, have succeeded in placing the country as the number one destination for technology startups on the continent.
According to Tijani, the conference was crucial to celebrate the progress that the country had made in the digital space and recognise entrepreneurs who contributed to the development of the current telecommunications infrastructure
He said: “We should also celebrate the tech entrepreneurs that took it upon themselves to ensure that the backbone that we have invested in is being converted to value for our country. From the founders of Interswitch to those who came after them, to tech entrepreneurs that are littered all around you, if you look around you would see their images. These are just a few examples.
“Today, Nigeria is the top destination for technology startup capital in Africa with about $5 million invested in tech startups in the continent last year. We took 20 percent of that total investment just to Nigeria. So we recognize the amazing work that has been done.
“I think today is also a celebration of different think tanks that have been pushing to ensure visibility in the way we approach and apply technology in Nigeria.
“It is important for us to celebrate because it is easy for us to focus on what we need to build in our country and lose sight of the gains we have actually made as a nation.”
In his remarks, Director General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, said the conference with the theme: “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Job Creation, Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainability”
attests to the current administration’s collective aspiration to position Nigeria at the forefront of digital innovation.
He added that the goal was to leverage digital technologies to promote job creation.
“Firstly we live in an exciting time of technological advancement. Secondly, at the core of the renewed hope agenda are inclusive economic growth, productivity and prosperity for all and to achieve digital transformation is the best tool for us.
“The vision is to use digital technologies to foster job creation. The conference is designed to achieve six core objectives:
“For networking, activation of conversation that can lead to innovation, policy direction, and regulation, which can provide a bedrock for us to survive as a nation and a stronger ecosystem, this will bring about global visibility,” he said.
The annual conference had a massive turnout of youths across Nigeria, Africa, and across the globe.© Vanguard.