The United Kingdom has highlighted its government’s initiatives in Nigeria to promote technology, innovation, and economic growth.
The report released recently during a workshop for Tech Journalists in Nigeria at the British Residence in Ikoyi-Lagos covers three main programs:
- UK-Nigeria Tech Hub: Launched in 2019, this program supports the Nigerian tech ecosystem by:
- Stimulating local digital economies: Through programs like Social Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, which helps startups address local challenges.
- Building high-end digital skills: Initiatives like DevCareer equip aspiring tech professionals with software development, product management, and design skills.
- Forging partnerships: The Venture Link project connects Nigerian tech companies with potential UK investors.
- HMG Digital Strategy in Nigeria: This broader strategy aims to achieve inclusive economic growth through:
- Developing a digitally skilled workforce: By improving access to digital education and training programs.
- Creating a fit-for-purpose regulatory environment: Supporting the development of policies that encourage innovation.
- Improving digital infrastructure: Encouraging investment in broadband expansion and better connectivity.
- Promoting a resilient cyber ecosystem: Enhancing cybersecurity measures to protect businesses and individuals.
- West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH): This program strengthens research and innovation capacities in Nigeria and Ghana. It achieves this through:
- Strengthening ecosystems: WARIH supports initiatives like Place-Based Innovation, which fosters technology development in secondary cities.
- Facilitating partnerships: The Open Innovation Challenge connects companies with innovators to address specific challenges.
- Building research capacity: Programs like Innovation 2 Market help researchers commercialize their ideas.
Key Successes
- The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub has supported over 168 tech companies and startups and connected them with 55 investors.
- DevCareer has trained over 1,700 individuals in tech skills.
- WARIH facilitated the activation of an $80 million investment for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project.
- WARIH programs have trained hundreds of researchers and innovators and helped bring research outputs to market.
Future Objectives
- The UK-Nigeria Tech Hub aims to empower the ecosystem for self-regulation and policy development.
- The HMG Digital Strategy in Nigeria focuses on building a tech-skilled workforce and attracting investment in infrastructure.
- WARIH seeks to increase sustainable projects, engage more co-investors, and share learnings to strengthen innovation ecosystems across Africa.
Overall, the UK government is committed to supporting a thriving tech sector in Nigeria. These initiatives aim to create jobs, promote economic growth, and empower Nigerians to participate in the digital economy.
