PwC, UNDP to Empower Tech Enterprises in Africa
TECHDIGEST – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and PwC Nigeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on strategic initiatives with focus on facilitating skills transfer, knowledge and competencies.
It is also aimed at catalysing development and policy dialogues that connect and link the private and public sectors with the start-up ecosystem.
The signing ceremony was held at PwC’s innovation centre, The Experience Centre, in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, UNDP Nigeria’s Resident Representative, Mohamed Yahaya, said the collaboration will promote usage of new technology and data to create innovative solutions to some of the complex development issues facing the continent.
“We all need digital solutions, we need technology, and we need new ways of getting data to assist in finding a way to spot entrepreneurs and young Nigerians in becoming part of the larger developmental agenda.
’’Signing this agreement today is a testament to the commitment between the two organisations,” Yahaya said.
He explained that the UNDP’s choice of PwC was informed by the track record of the company in the area of providing professional services to clients thereby translating into a partnership for sustainable development and professionalism.
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The Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNDP Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, said the initiative, which is geared towards achieving the shared objectives of both institutions, would develop the culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and employment creation.
Also speaking, the Regional and Country Senior Partner at PwC, Uyi Akpata, expressed the organisation’s excitement to collaborate with the UNDP to solve Africa’s important problems and drive the development of the continent through creative thinking and technologically-enabled approaches.
“This strategic collaboration with the UNDP is in line with our refreshed global strategy, The New Equation. We in PwC Africa have six focus areas based on this refreshed strategy. I’m excited to note these focus areas speak directly to achieving the SDGs.
’’Most importantly, one of the focus areas is partnering to achieve international development goals. The UNDP is arguably the best partner in this regard. So, signing this MoU is a giant step that adds up to The New Equation.”
Partner and Technology Leader, West market, PwC, Femi Osunubi, described the centre as “the home of disruptive innovation and emerging technologies” as it is a purpose-built space, equipped with interactive digital spaces and a demo lab.
“We are excited to be collaborating with UNDP to solve Africa’s important problems and drive the development of the continent through creative thinking and technology enabled approaches,” he said.
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