Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria's Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment announced on Monday the launch of Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk.
This is a major step in the country’s efforts to strengthen the technology sector's economic contribution to Nigeria.
The Minister noted that the establishment of the Trade Desk gives a solid platform on which to provide customised assistance to regional tech firms, allowing them to enter and compete in markets throughout Africa and beyond.
“Trade, which is the 5th Pillar of our strategic blueprint, represents an opportunity for us to promote Nigerian technology export and the launch of the Trade Desk provides a strong foundation to offer bespoke support to local technology companies, enabling them to access and compete in markets across Africa and around the world,” he stated.
Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk goal is to raise technology sector's GDP to 21%
The initiative's ambitious goal is to raise the technology sector's share of Nigeria's GDP from the present 14–18 percent to 21 percent over the course of the following three years.
In order to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness, the Desk also intends to increase yearly investment for Nigerian companies from $1 billion to $5 billion during the same time frame.
The creation of this Trade Desk, which will offer a wide range of initiatives, collaborations, and policy-driven interventions, is also in line with Nigeria's goal of raising its standing in the Economic Complexity Index (ECI), demonstrating the nation's dedication to expanding its trade and strengthening its place in the global digital economy.
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Whitepapar: Growing the contribution of the tech ecosystem to Nigeria’s GDP
Attached to the Minister's statement is a whitepaper document which lays out the Trade Desk's entire concept and comprehensive roadmap.
He stated, “I am pleased to share the whitepaper - “Growing the Contribution of the Technology Ecosystem to Nigeria’s GDP - A Case for the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk” which outlines the full concept and detailed roadmap of the Trade Desk with you and welcome your thoughts and feedback on the document, as we operationalise it over the next few weeks.”
This endeavour is vital to the President's overall plan to build a $1 trillion Nigerian economy supported by foreign commerce, investment, and innovation.
