The Japanese Government says it will stimulate its indigenous innovative Information Communications and Technology (ICT) companies to partner with small and medium businesses as well as innovators in Nigeria to solve socio-economic challenges in the country.
The Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi stated in an address at the opening workshop for 20 Selected ICT Companies from the North East Region of Nigeria.
The programme is tagged; North East Start-Up Training, (NEST)
NEST is a project of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) where participants undergo two weeks of free intensive training in Abuja, the nation’s capital
Mr Kazuyoshi in a virtual address said Japan, known worldwide for innovative ideas was interested in partnering with Nigeria is enhancing its potentials of being the technology and ICT hub in Africa.
“There are many companies in Japan that have excellent technology and are eager to work with you to solve social problems in the North States and throughout Nigeria.“
Ambassador Kazuyoshi said internet access in the North East was rapidly rising and the trend will extensively boost the ICT innovative sector in the region.
“With the development of 5G, which will bring high speed in an accessible and installing satellite Internet service which will bring better access to the Internet, especially in the rural area, the beginning of this operation will be a game changer to give more benefit to the community in the northeast from digital transformation”
“Therefore, I believe that the latest technology will be the key to solving challenges and win business and then your future,” Mr Kazuyoshi affirmed
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi said the workshop is meant to boost market-driven digital enterprises while making Nigeria a viable market for the global ICT sector.
Inuwa represented by the National Co-ordinator of the Office of the National Digital Information Centre (ONDI) Yakubu Musa said the government would work with all relevant stakeholders to create an enabling environment for innovations and startups to grow.
According to the NITDA Boss; “This we shall do by working with relevant stakeholders to create the enabling environment for the youths because teaching about 60% of our population to continuously innovate and achieve their dreams of turning their innovative ideas into thriving enterprises.
“Thereby creating jobs and improving the quality of lives of Nigerians, the recent enactment of the Nigerian Startup Act is a significant milestone that will strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the development and operation of startups in Nigeria, foster the development of technology-related businesses in the country and further consolidate the position of Nigerian startup ecosystem as the leading digital hub In Africa.”
Mr Inuwa stressed that the enactment of the Nigeria Start-Up Act is meant to foster digital technology in the country, “We are on a journey to shaping and winning our future. That is why we are leaving no stone unturned in providing the required support for Nigerian innovation.“
He applauded JIACA for its continued support saying that it has proved to be a dependable partner and totally aligned with our goal of consolidating Nigeria’s position as the leading entrepreneurial hub in Africa and as an emerging global digital talent hub.
One of the participants Khalid Abdullahi Yero who is the founder of Dopals Technologies from Gombe state said, he uses his platform to help the local people learn from undergraduate courses.
“The platform aims to help people learn skills from their own neighbourhood rather than conventional education does. As a student in the university; you will be able to register on the platform and publish a course. And those courses will be taught to students within your neighbourhood in whatever language that you want. We facilitate the programme and make it successful and we charge commission based on the course.
“My objective here is to network and learn from experts.” He added.
Another participant from Bauchi State and founder of Five Star ICT LTD, Muhammed Aliyu Sambo said his, is an online platform that provides solutions to farmers’ needs.
“We provide solution to farmers in terms of needed information and we also provide them with services such as drones and the platform doesn’t need internet connectivity. It’s like the USSD that works without internet.
“We provide them with information that will help them sell or export in partnership with our export partners.
“I hope to use this opportunity to network and build connections that can fast track the growth of our company we currently render services to five thousand farmers and after this training if we get things right; we are hoping to reach about 200,000 by the end of next year.”
Over 8,500 small and medium ICT companies applied for the programme with only 20 selected with a focus on States in the North-East of the country.
PIAK
