The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is partnering with LEAP Africa, a non-profit organization specializing in leadership development, to address the challenges faced by young Nigerians in the field of technology and entrepreneurship.
NITDA recognizes the importance of retaining local talent and providing them with opportunities to thrive within Nigeria.
NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, who made this disclosure during a visit by a team from LEAP Africa led by its Executive Director, Kehinde Ayeni, expressed concern about the significant number of Nigerian youths migrating to other countries in search of better opportunities.
He said the brain drain phenomenon has resulted in a depletion of talent resources within the nation and to combat this, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken the initiative to create enabling opportunities through the implementation of developmental guidelines, mentorship programs, establishment of social infrastructures, and funding.
He stressed that the partnership between NITDA and LEAP Africa aims to harness the potential of Nigerian youth and equip them with the necessary skills to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors. By providing mentorship, developmental programs, and support, the partnership seeks to empower young Nigerians to become leaders in the technology industry.
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NITDA’s Commitment to nurturing young talents
The NITDA boss analyzed that the large population of young people in Nigeria presents a global competitive advantage for the country, and by investing in their talents and providing them with the right resources, Nigeria can foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Hence, the collaboration between NITDA and LEAP Africa signifies a commitment to nurturing local talent and creating an environment conducive to their success.
Highlighting the significance of technology as a major driver of the global economy, with individuals playing a critical role, the Director General of NITDA emphasized the need to prioritize the requirements of innovators in order to cultivate a thriving and innovative ecosystem within the country.
Regarding potential areas of collaboration with LEAP Africa, the NITDA director mentioned the Nigeria Startup Act, which has recently been enacted and can serve as a tool for both organizations to unlock and stimulate activities within the entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.
He stated, “With the Act in place, the Council inaugurated, and the implementation framework developed, we seek partners to work together in its execution. Collaboration is crucial as success cannot be achieved in isolation. Therefore, we need to collaborate as an ecosystem to accomplish our goals.”
Providing further details on the potential of the Act, the Director General revealed that the implementation committee has been subdivided into sub-committees to identify specific thematic areas that will catalyze the process.
These thematic areas include Ecosystem Development, Capacity Building, Funding, Tax and Fiscal Incentives. He assured that the Federal Government is fully committed to providing infrastructural support to enhance the ecosystem, conducting extensive programs to build soft skills, allocating adequate funding to the ecosystem, and influencing policies that will facilitate its growth.
NITDA to develop Africa’s technology in partnership with experts
Other strategies to enhance the skills of participants
In addition to the Nigeria Startup Act, the National Outsourcing Strategy and the National Digital Talent Strategy were mentioned as initiatives developed by NITDA to enhance the skills of participants in the entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem, thereby making them competitive on a global scale.
The Director General also announced plans to establish innovation hub clusters across the country, aiming to develop the capabilities of talented Nigerian youth and increase their global marketability.
“We want focus on services which are digitally driven and provide the talent to build those services. You can live in Nigeria, then connect to the global value chain and earn better. You don’t need to travel and that’s what will help us to build the Nigeria we want”, he said.
During her remarks, Kehinde Ayeni, the Executive Director of LEAP Africa, highlighted the organization’s involvement in various projects over its 20-year existence. These projects include the Social Innovation Programme, Nigerian Youths Futures Fund, and the iLEAD programme, all aimed at building the capacities of young people and bridging the digital divide in Nigeria.
Ayeni expressed LEAP Africa’s desire to collaborate with NITDA to leverage information technology in finding solutions to the challenges faced by the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the country.
“As we reflect on our impact over the past 20 years, one area where we have identified room for improvement is the role of technology and the power of innovation in realizing the Nigeria and Africa that we aspire to,” she concluded.