FG Unveiles $617.7 Million i-DICE Program to Boost Digitalization
The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a bold step toward redefining the nation’s digital and creative landscape with the inauguration of a technical committee to oversee the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Program.
With a budget of $617.7 million, the program aims to drive innovation and creativity in the country, and support startups in the digital and creative industries.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who presided over the inauguration on Wednesday in Abuja, expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver on the program’s objectives.
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The I-DICE Programme is a collaborative effort between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.
According to the report, the National Economic Council (NEC) had, at its last meeting in March, endorsed the implementation of the program in the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Vice-President, described the development as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria, and also revealed that the Ministry of Finance had been mandated to ensure the expeditious disbursement of funds for the iDICE Programme. This, according to him, will pave the way for its swift implementation.
He said “We’ll embark on a journey of innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunities. A journey that holds the power to redefine the trajectory of our nation’s digital and creative landscape.”
