The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for collaborative efforts from stakeholders to foster the development of indigenous technologies, leveraging the Nigeria Startup Act 2022. Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 13 founders from the 2023 Startup Accelerator Programme, conducted in collaboration with the Founder Institute in Abuja, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of NITDA, emphasized the significance of the Startup Act in providing regulatory support, tax incentives, capacity building, and governance guidelines for the tech ecosystem.
Inuwa highlighted the potential of the Nigeria Startup Act to diversify the nation’s economy and create opportunities for indigenous tech innovation enterprises. He underscored the government’s recognition of digital innovation and entrepreneurship as vital drivers for transforming traditional economic sectors, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at diversifying the economy through industrialization, digitization, creative arts, manufacturing, and innovation.
Commending NITDA and Founder Institute for their commitment to enhancing the capacity of innovative startup companies, Inuwa urged the graduating participants to leverage the knowledge gained from the programme. He emphasized NITDA’s readiness to collaborate with local and international entities to address challenges faced by talented indigenous startups, fostering an environment conducive to innovation in the tech sector.
The Startup Accelerator Programme, which commenced in October 2023, aimed at discovering and nurturing talent in the ICT domain, focusing on emerging technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cybersecurity, and more. The programme, spanning 14 weeks, witnessed exceptional dedication and innovation from the 13 graduands, reflecting their preparedness to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and contribute to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Under a contract agreement with NITDA, the Founder Institute executed a virtual Accelerator Programme, attracting a total of 50 founders, 30 from NITDA and 20 from the Founder Institute. The programme featured knowledge acquisition sessions, mentorship, and product development phases, providing a robust platform for startups to refine their ideas and accelerate their growth trajectory.
In essence, NITDA’s advocacy for stakeholder collaboration underscores the importance of collective action in driving indigenous tech development, paving the way for Nigeria’s emergence as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the global arena.
