Nigeria is now a top location for investments in tech startups, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani has noted.
In his remarks at the 2023 Digital Nigeria International Conference opening ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr. Tijani emphasised that Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s top location for technology startups.
He praised the unseen work done by trailblazers like NITDA, Galaxy BackBone, and other innovative organisations in the nation that have established the standard for technological advancement.
He noted that Nigeria accounts for 20 percent of the $5 million invested in tech startups in Africa.
“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 recognise the amazing work that has been done,” he said.
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.
“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.”
On his part, the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi said the conference symbolises our collective aspiration to position Nigeria at the forefront of digital innovation.
“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 is the best tool for us.
“The vision is to use digital technologies to foster job creation,” he stated.
He added that the conference will facilitate networking and activation of conversation that can lead to innovation, policy direction, regulatory framework for a more robust ecosystem, bringing about global visibility.