Pantami Calls For Global Cooperation In Digital Economy At LEAP Tech Conference
TECHDIGEST- The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, who is leading the country’s delegation to the LEAP Technology Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has urged the world’s economies, especially those in the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), to embrace collaborative efforts and initiatives in order to attain digitalization. Professor Pantami made this statement during a high-level DCO panel discussion called “Deep Dive: The Road To International Digital Economy Through Innovation-Bridging Digital Divides And Breaking Down Barriers.”
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“In my opinion, the way other countries can benefit from the progress we have made so far, is through collaborations and partnerships. There is no monopoly of wisdom and knowledge, your strength could be the weakness of your neighbour and your weakness could be the strength of your neighbour. Through partnerships and collaborations, we can complement each other. DCO has been established in order to support, collaborate and partner with each other because our strength is in our unity. When members of the DCO agree to take a certain position, there is no institution in the world that will not listen to them”. Pantami stated.
He further emphasised that “developing a digital economy is hinged on two factors; digital innovation and entrepreneurship”.
Pantami, in response to a question from the DCO Secretary General, Deema Yahya, who was moderating a session on Nigeria’s digital success story, stated that digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and supportive policies have driven the growth of the fastest-growing sector in Nigeria’s economy. The Nigerian government has implemented 21 national policies to encourage development in the sector and has established a National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. They have also made substantial investments in digital skills development, promoting a focus on skills over unproven certificates. Professor Pantami discussed the positive impact of the sector, including an increase in revenue, a consistent rise in the country’s GDP (currently at 18.44%), a drastic increase in the national database from 39 million for 13 years to 95 million in just 2 years and 3 months, the establishment of ICT intervention centers, and digital skills acquisition. A recent evaluation of the sector by KPMG and DCFO showed exceptional results.
