By Inyene Ibanga

TECHDIGEST – Technology and innovation are the engine room of economic progress for consumers, businesses, and the economy as a whole. This combination stimulates economic growth by allowing higher productivity which leads to increased improvement in the quality of goods and services produced.

Advances in technological innovation engender economic growth and prosperity of countries, regions, and cities. Most economies foresee a future where a significant proportion of their productivity and economic growth would be attained through the application of new digital technologies.

It is in recognition of this new pervasive reality that Nigeria took concrete steps to diversify its economy by transforming it into the digital economy which is become the new normal where creativity and innovation dominate.

The National Information Technology Development Agency was created in 2001 and established by the NITDA Act 2007 as the Information Technology (IT) regulator and policy implementation arm of the then Ministry of Communications which was renamed the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on 23rd October 2019.

NITDA’s key mandates focus on developing, regulating, and advising IT in Nigeria through regulatory standards, guidelines, and policies. It serves the IT and innovation ecosystem through effective implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) towards repositioning the Nigerian economy to exploit the many opportunities presented by digital technologies.

To expedite the delivery of its mandate, NITDA established the Office for Nigerian Content Development in ICT (ONC). The role of the ONC was to enforce compliance with the regulatory guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT and help to develop the indigenous ICT industry to create wealth in the economy.

Likewise, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship was created to interface with stakeholders, and collectively design and implement strategic interventions for the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

But to streamline its operations and boost efficiency and effectiveness, NITDA merged the two offices (ONC and OIIE) into one strong and functional subsidiary: the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) that will ensure the promotion, growth, and protection of Nigerian digital innovation ecosystem for a sustainable digital economy.

ONDI directs the activities of the two offices and promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the Nigerian digital ecosystem. It coordinates and supports activities on policy implementation, enforcement of regulatory guidelines, and interventions targeted at the growth of the technology ecosystem for a greater impact on job creation and economic progress.

Since its inception in December 2021, ONDI has embarked on a purposeful mission to implement its major focus areas – strategic human capacity; activating funding and ecosystem support; research and insights; monitoring and compliance; partnerships; and implementation of innovation policies and guidelines.

ONDI has executed high-impact programmes, like the Bridge To MassChallenge (B2MC) Nigeria and iHatch Startup Incubation Programmes, aimed at strengthening the Nigerian digital innovation ecosystem to create more Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs), as well as promoting the development of indigenous content in the Nigerian digital sector.

READ ALSO: Finally, NITDA Issues Code of Practice for Online Platforms Operating in Nigeria

With its partnership with MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, ONDI successfully organized and completed the Bridge To MassChallenge (B2MC) Nigeria 2021-2022 programme to empower and propel entrepreneurs as they work to build successful careers and businesses in various national economies.

Consequently, this NITDA subsidiary announced Negs Empire, Dozzy Agricultural Enterprise, and Maximus Recycling Solutions as the winners of the B2MC-Nigeria 2021-22 Programme. The three winners emerged from the initial 30 startups shortlisted in December 2021.

ONDI’s partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yielded the iHatch (Idea Hatch) Startup Incubation programme, which is currently ongoing at the National Center for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) Abuja, Nigeria. It is aimed at increasing the number of IDEs by the youths and also transforming Nigeria into Africa’s leading destination for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

This free intensive incubation programme will help Nigerian entrepreneurs refine their business ideas through a series of free coaching, lectures, and boot camps to generate adaptable company models in the country. The first cohort is expected to end in July 2022 and applications have opened for the second cohort.

ONDI has organized several activities in which ecosystem players, corporate organizations, and startups have been pivotal in increasing knowledge and awareness about innovative entrepreneurship. The recent engagement tour of the Lagos Tech Ecosystem by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), and NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, provided the basis upon which the federal government approved tax reliefs and other incentives for tech startups.

Without question, ONDI is well-positioned to promote indigenous digital innovation and multiply IDEs in all sectors of Nigeria’s digital economy. Hence, forging and sustaining creative platforms for increased cooperation among stakeholders in Nigeria’s tech innovation ecosystem remains its dominant priority.

Inyene Ibanga is with the Corporate & Communications Desk, Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI).

The post ONDI: Refining Local Content for Powering Nigeria’s Innovation Revolution appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the commencement of the Application Process for the Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria Programme (B2MC).

It may be recalled that early this year, NITDA signed a partnership arrangement with MassChallege, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. The partnership was aimed at stimulating economic vitality and job creation in Nigeria by catalyzing entrepreneurial activity and supporting entrepreneurs as they develop and execute on game-changing ideas, digital technologies, and discoveries.

The commencement of the application process followed a comprehensive stakeholder engagement with key players in the ecosystem. These include Government, Academia, Enterpreneurs, Angels and VCs, Corporate Organisations, Media, and Influencers.

The application is open to entrepreneurs who want to take their businesses to the next level. Early-stage and growth-stage startups from all over the country, working on innovative solutions from any industry are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants will participate in an intensive, 4-month program that encompasses both online and in-person portions where startups develop and implement bespoke project plans to further their localisation journeys.  They will also receive:

·       tailored mentoring and coaching offered by NITDA and other local mentors, local and global mentors of the MassChallenge network and the entrepreneurial ecosystem;
·       tailored curriculum based on startups’ specific needs;
·       investment opportunities by facilitating connections to investors and a private demo-day; and
·       Access to the MassChallenge global network.

Speaking at the official launch of the application process, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO, NITDA, said “a vibrant startup ecosystem is highly critical to the future of our country and it’s vital to finding solutions to our numerous challenges. Innovation is a prominent way of creating prosperity for all and lifting countries out of poverty. He further noted that “Considering this, NITDA and MassChallenge have continued to partner in this new initiative to catalyze and foster the growth and success of the country’s startup ecosystem in line with the vision of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria.”

Also speaking at the event, Siobhan Dullea, CEO of MassChallenge, said “MassChallenge is excited to be working with NITDA to help entrepreneurs in Nigeria grow locally while having access to the MassChallenge global network. We look forward to working with NITDA to continue to support and grow the Nigerian innovation ecosystem.”

Interested applicants and those wishing to learn more about the programme are encouraged to visit the B2MC Nigeria website. Note that Applications for the B2MC Nigeria programme closes on the 24th September, 2021.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a Federal Government Agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy. NITDA was established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country. Specifically, Section 6(a & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields, where the use of electronic communication may improve the exchange of data and information.

MassChallenge on the other hand is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, more than 2,300 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $5 billion in funding, generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue, and created more than 136,000 total jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at masschallenge.org

Mrs Hadiza Umar, MNIPR, M.APRA, MCIPR
Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations

The post NITDA Seeks Applications for Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria Programme appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECH DIGEST – National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) has extended invitation to top startups based in Nigeria aiming to grow their businesses to serve the Nigerian and global market to apply for ‘Bridge to MassChallenge Initiative’.

Recall that MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, recently entered into partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to catalyze and support a national startup community in Nigeria.

The two organisations have closely aligned goals to stimulate economic vitality and job creation in Nigeria by catalyzing entrepreneurial activity and supporting entrepreneurs as they develop and execute on game-changing ideas, digital technologies, and discoveries.

The Director General/CEO of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, speaking at the Media Stakeholder Engagement on the ‘Bridge to MassChallenge Initiative’, said that the initiative was designed to identify and accelerate top startups based in Nigeria and grow their businesses to serve the Nigerian and global market.

He added that the initiative forms part of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021-2024 crafted in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a digital Nigeria.

The NDEPS which was developed with the vision of transforming Nigeria into a leading digital economy, providing quality life and digital economies for all, the DG said, has been properly aligned with the SRAP seven strategic pillars.

“These pillars are developmental regulation, digital literacy and skills, digital transformation, digital innovation & entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and promotion of indigenous content.

“You may also recall that as part of NITDA’s achievements for the past 20 years, we have, through our various initiatives, touched the lives of more than 2.5 million Nigerians.

“The Agency has also contributed to Nigeria’s exit from the recent recession. Most importantly, our innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives have attracted more foreign investments into the country’s digital economy. We have also created new economic industries such as software, business process outsourcing and data protection, contributing to our national economy significantly”.

Why NITDA is part of Bridge to MassChallenge Initiative:

Speaking specifically on the Bridge to MassChallenge Initiative, Abdullahi, said that a vibrant startup ecosystem is highly critical to the future of the country and it’s vital to finding solutions to its various challenges.

In his words, “Innovation is a prominent way of creating prosperity for all and lifting countries out of poverty. Considering this, NITDA and MassChallenge have partnered to catalyse and support a national startup community in Nigeria”.

The NITDA boss described MassChallenge as a well-known global network of zero-equity startup accelerators.

He hinted that the partnership focuses on achieving three main objectives:

“Firstly, to promote Nigeria as an emerging entrepreneurial hub and leader of innovation in Africa in order to support job creation and economic development;

“Secondly, to foster the growth and success of Nigeria’s startup enterprises by connecting our entrepreneurs with markets, networks, and capital in the global innovation ecosystem;

“And lastly but not the least, to facilitate key strategies to complement growing innovation initiatives within Nigeria.

“Having these objectives, it is obvious we cannot succeed in silo. Therefore, we have identified you, the media, among six categories of stakeholders that will be fully involved in this initiative.

“Others include critical government agencies, academia, business entities, angels investors and venture capitals and entrepreneurs.

He said that the media have critical role to play in ensuring that top startups become aware of the initiative.

“Our startups are aiming the global market. Nigeria is a leader in the digital skills and startup ecosystem in Africa.

“The investments attracted by our startups confirms the position. Recently, Flutterwave announced new funding of $170m, and Stripe acquired Paystack for more than $200m.

“Other Nigerian technology companies like Interswitch have raised funding in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This shows that you are already doing your work in projecting Nigeria as a leader in Africa. I must admit that we are fortunate to have an excellent relationship with you.

Earlier in a remark, the CEO, MassChallenge, Siobhan Dullea, said that as a global network for innovators with activities in over 70 countries, MassChallenge aims to solve massive challenges.

“We connect players in innovation ecosystems to grow and transform economies.

Dullea emphasized that MassChallenge as a global non-profit organization takes no equity from startups.

“We have 9 programs in 7 locations – in Mexico; Switzerland; Israel and 4 locations in the United States. We have also worked with 18 additional countries through other Bridge to MassChallenge program like this one  to help strengthen innovation ecosystems and drive the creation of high-quality jobs by supporting entrepreneurs and connecting them to our global network.

MassChallenge track records:

>2,900 startups accelerated

6B revenue generated by startups

6B funding received by startups

186,000 jobs created globally

“MassChallenge has supported many high-quality Nigerian startups through our global programs and are excited by our work with NITDA to support even more.

“MassChallenge and NITDA will be working closely to promote Nigeria as an emerging entrepreneurial hub. Through B2MC Nigeria, MassChallenge will connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with markets, networks, and capital in the global innovation ecosystem.

“In order to create new jobs, new wealth, new technology, and regional competitiveness, all ecosystem stakeholders – government, corporates, investors, universities, industry experts, and YOU the media, need to come together to help entrepreneurs launch, grow and scale their businesses

“Another way to say this is: successful innovation ecosystems are fundamentally dependent on the interaction and shared knowledge between different stakeholders” the CEO concludes.

How to Apply:
You can start by visiting the link: http://masschallenge.org/bridge-masschallenge or send email to NITDA via: info@nitda.gov.ng.

The post Bridge To MassChallenge: NITDA Entreats Startups Aiming Global Market appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECH DIGEST – A partnership to catalyze and support a national startup community in Nigeria has been announced by MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria’s IT regulatory body.

“MassChallenge is proud to partner with NITDA to foster cross-sector innovation and cooperation across all industries in Nigeria,” said Siobhan Dullea, CEO of MassChallenge.

The partnership with NITDA, according to him will help grow the highest-impact, highest-potential startups across Nigeria, while connecting them to MassChallenge’s global network. “We have supported many high-quality Nigerian startups through our global programs and we’re extremely excited to start our work with NITDA to support even more,” Dullea added.

The essence of the partnership is to closely aligned goals to stimulate economic vitality and job creation in Nigeria by catalyzing entrepreneurial activity and supporting entrepreneurs as they develop and execute game-changing ideas, digital technologies, and discoveries.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa, has said the partnership shows NITDA’s commitment towards fostering the growth of digital innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

“The Agency is leading the drive to transform Nigeria into a digitally-driven economy by leveraging on innovation. With the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, startups have shown resilience by turning challenges into opportunities and creating new markets. The partnership with MassChallenge will further strengthen the Nigerian ecosystem by providing the needed exposure such as access to global networks, funding and knowledge sharing/transfer, thereby giving the startups equal opportunities to compete globally,” Mal. Inuwa stated.

Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria will identify and accelerate top startups that are based in Nigeria and interested in growing their business in the Nigerian market. Startups selected for the program will participate in a week-long MassChallenge-led startup bootcamp followed by a pitch competition that will determine the top Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria startups. The top startups will participate in a second week-long bootcamp where they’ll have access to the MassChallenge Boston or Israeli ecosystem.

MassChallenge and NITDA will be working closely to promote Nigeria as an emerging entrepreneurial hub and leader of innovation in Africa, in order to support job creation and economic development. With the focus of fostering the growth and success of Nigeria’s startup enterprises, MassChallenge is keen to connect Nigerian entrepreneurs with markets, networks, and capital in the global innovation ecosystem.

The post NITDA, MassChallenge To Streghten Startup Community In Nigeria appeared first on Tech Digest News.