Digital transformation will boost Nigeria’s creative Industry – French Envoy
Nigeria’s creative industry will continue to grow if the nation’s match towards digital transformation is sustained.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, stated this during the launch of the $618 Million Investment in Digital & Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) program at the State House, Abuja.
The launch event brought together representatives from the Nigerian government, the private sector, as well as young entrepreneurs and innovators from the digital technology and creative industries.
Blatmann said Nigeria’s creative industry remains one of the fastest growing in the world.
“The digital technology and creative industries have enormous potential to create jobs and spur economic growth in Nigeria,” she said.
“The I-DICE program, co-financed by AFD, AfDB, IsDB & the BOI, is designed to support the young entrepreneurs and innovators who are driving these industries forward.”
The event featured presentations and networking opportunities, and highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing these industries in Nigeria.
Process
The Investment in Digital & Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) program is part of efforts to create jobs for young Nigerians and support the development of these fast-growing industries.
It is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (AFD), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) & the Bank of Industry (BOI) with respectively $170 million, €100 million (equivalent to $116 million), $70 million & $45 million in funding.
The remaining financing is expected to come from the private sector and institutional investors.
This funding will provide training, mentorship, and funding to young entrepreneurs and innovators in the digital technology and creative industries.
The Implementing Agency, the Bank of Industry, will coordinate the day-to-day activities of the project.
