The Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) applauded Nigeria’s growth in the digital economy, calling it “pulsating and encouraging in the previous three years,” even as it reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Nigerian government at all levels to help millions of Nigerians benefit from ICT.
In order to expose startups, for-profit businesses, and governmental organizations to the global innovation and tech communities at the DWTC’s annual GITEX GLOBAL event, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its parent ministry, the Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy, have already partnered with the DWTC.
“Collaboration is the soul of any innovation ecosystem. For innovators to thrive, there must be collaborations. The DWTC through the GITEX GLOBAL platform has for nearly 50 years now, fostered and encouraged collaborations for different innovation ecosystem across countries, and helped to provide intra-nation partnerships and to do deals,” said, Vice-President, Technology and Digital Cluster, DWTC, Bilal Al Rais at a panel session on ‘Driving Growth and Unlocking Innovations Through Regulations for a Sustainable Digital Economy’ at the just- ended Digital Nigeria conference and expo in Abuja organised by the NITDA.
Al Rais led senior DWTC officials to meet with the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the deputy governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and other senior functionaries in Lagos to discuss deepening partnerships. These officials included Group Director Strategy & Senior Government Advisor Radoine Nachdi and local country representatives from Pinnacle International Consulting, President & Chief Executive Officer Akande Ojo and Director of Government Engagement & Media Olusegun Oruame.
Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to developing physical infrastructure across the state and investing in the growth of digital talents. “Lagos is working to remain the hub for technology infrastructure and digital skills and welcome collaboration that will further grow this vision and deepen the value proposition of the ecosystem,” said Governor Sanwo-Olu at the interaction inside the Lagos Governor House, which also had in attendance, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Fahm; the Special Adviser on Innovation and Technology, Olatunbosun Alake; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology Engr (Mrs.) Ibilola Olufolake Kasunmu.
Earlier in Abuja, Al Rais had commended the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, for the upward growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. which he attributed to right policies and initiatives by the country’s leadership.
According to Al Rais: “In the last three years, we believe Nigeria has initiated a lot of policy and legal frameworks to encourage cross border collaborations and engender investment including the new Nigeria startup law; the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) developed to provide the roadmap for Nigeria’s digital economy aspirations;. its National Broadband Policy to build Nigeria’s e-readiness and prepare the way to expand access and bolster investment. The DWTC is here to support Nigeria’s drive for international collaborations through the NITDA and its parent ministry.”
