As emerging technologies continue to shake economies and shape the future, major governmental bodies and stakeholders are rethinking their strategies in order not to be left behind in this new wave of global technological advancements— the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Nigeria under the leadership of Dr. Bosun Tijani is no exception.
Within the last two months till date, since August 2024 to October 2024, there has been three major shifts, designed to place the Nigeria Digital Economy on a high growth trajectory for a more empowering and sustainable present and future realities.
However, beyond paperworks and conferences, Nigerians, particularly the youths within the Digital Creative Industry are on the lookout for real-time impact, especially coming from a history of poor transparency and accountability on political policies leading to multiple failed systems, government policies and strategies.
It is therefore imperative that at the cores of these new governmental policies, a constant sensitization of the people will aid in measuring the progressive milestones of each disruptive plan and strategy for national prosperity. This will also ensure accountability, transparency and fairness in achieving a bottom-up approach to sustainable development.
As affirmed by the World Bank’s Digital Development Practice Manager, Isabel Neto:
“Through innovations and investments, the Nigerian economy can harness digital data and new technologies, generate new content, link individuals with markets and government services, and roll out new, sustainable business models.”
Below Are Highlights of The Nigerian Government’s Transformational Plan, Strategies and Support in The Last Two Consecutive Months Till Date:
AUGUST 2024: A draft on the National Artificial Intelligence (𝗔𝗜) Strategy 2024, published by the National Information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA), National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR.)
The highlight of this draft is on the National 𝗔𝗜 Vision as a catalyst for socio-economic development for 2024 to 2028– analyzing multiple principles including innovation and adaptation, ethical conduct, data ethics, shared prosperity and other multiple metrics to mitigate the risks and maximize the potentials of 𝗔𝗜 in Nigeria.
SEPTEMBER 2024: In collaboration with Google, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) launched an 𝗔𝗜 Fund Initiative of ₦100million (naira) in support of Nigerian startup companies leveraging 𝗔𝗜 to develop innovative solutions. Each selected startup will receive ₦10million (naira) in funding, including access to mentorship, tools, quality networks and Google’s resources to help them bring their innovative dreams to life.
“The AI Fund is a critical step in nurturing homegrown innovation that addresses local challenges and contributes to economic growth. By supporting our startups, we are not only investing in their success but also in the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.” – Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Nigeria.
OCTOBER 2024: The Nigerian 𝗔𝗜 Collective was launched— a community of practice, bringing together expertise from civil society, academic, tech and many other diverse sectors working in alignment to advance 𝗔𝗜 in Nigeria, ensuring a safe and ethical use of it for social good. With Luminate’s support of $1.5million, the Collective is backed my several other partners to support the nation’s effort in developing its 𝗔𝗜 ecosystem.
Below are highlights of the Collective’s 5 key objectives:
– Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
– Capacity Building
– Innovation and Research
– Policy Advocacy
– International Collaboration
While these policies, strategies and opportunities are commendable, the Nigerian economy is currently in a dilapidating state that needs practical implementations and results beyond theories. This entails the foundational metrics of better working systems and infrastructures for all these giant leaps to effectively function.
In 2019, a Diagnostic Report by the World Bank group support — Digital Economy Initiative for Africa (DE4A) highlighted 5 key elements of a Digital Economy, namely:
– Digital Infrastructure
– Digital Platforms
– Digital Financial Services
– Digital Entrepreneurship
– Digital Skills
With the full cultivation, refinement, maximization and compliance of the above blueprint to effecting a thriving Digital Economy, in addition to the current strategic policies and growth metrics of the Nigeria Ministry of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, the nation becomes best positioned for accelerated socio-economic growth and real time impact for the present and future generations.
