Stakeholders Call for Establishment of Fund to Sustain  Digital Innovation

Stakeholders have called for the establishment of  the Nigerian Innovation Fund (NIF) aimed at  sustaining  and scaling digital innovation across  the country.  The call was made at the   sixth   Policy Dialogue on Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State.  

Themed “Catalysts for Change, Building a Vibrant Digital Economy,” the event was hosted by the Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria alongside the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs.  

Industry leaders, government officials, and the private sector were among the critical stakeholders who deepened the conversation on the need to shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy through targeted policies and cooperative action. 

The event drew on insights from an extensive survey that revealed top priorities for Nigeria’s digital growth. 

The five key focus areas included digital literacy and skills development, support for the startup ecosystem, access to finance, funding for innovation and research, and strengthening digital infrastructure. 

These priorities laid the foundation for a series of group discussions aimed at creating actionable strategies to navigate current challenges.

Mr. Oladejo Olawumi from NITDA, Special Adviser to the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Danyaro Yakasai,  and Honourable Uduak-Obong Ekpo-Ufot of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly were among the influential voices contributing to the discussion. 

Their expertise and support highlighted the critical role of coordinated policy efforts in building a resilient digital future for Nigeria.

Other participants, including government, private industry, and civil society, had breakout sessions to discuss and propose practical strategies for these key areas. 

They  shared insights on structuring the fund to maximise its impact and ensure equitable support for tech initiatives nationwide.

Additionally, a comprehensive policy brief will be developed from the event’s recommendations. 

This brief aims to bridge the gap between policymakers and digital stakeholders, providing a roadmap for policies that are responsive to the evolving needs of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The Digital Transformation Center (DTC) Nigeria is co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.