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Nigeria’s economy is facing multiple challenges, especially the need to grow small businesses. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2025 stresses the importance of investing in infrastructure to help businesses thrive and support economic growth.
To help tackle these issues, the Federal Government introduced the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030. This policy focuses on using digital technologies to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for Nigerians.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has also launched its Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) 2021-2025, which highlights key goals for the next five years. One of these goals is to support the development of local digital startups that can help grow the ICT sector and solve problems in the country.
In line with this vision, the NCC has invited startups, tech hubs, and investors to participate in the third edition of its ICT Innovation Competition. This year’s theme, “Utilizing Indigenous Digital Solutions to Bridge the Digital Divide,” aims to promote homegrown solutions that can address Nigeria’s digital challenges.
The competition is designed to give young Nigerians a chance to showcase their ideas and solutions for the telecoms industry. It also aims to help Nigeria compete better in the global market by promoting local solutions to the digital divide.
Who Can Participate?
Startups and tech hubs interested in entering the competition must meet the following criteria:
- The project should relate to the ICT/Telecom industry.
- Participants must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- They need to provide proof of concept, including feasibility studies and diagrams.
- The project should be unique, sustainable, and commercially viable.
- The team should be diverse and capable of developing and supporting the solution.
The competition is free to enter, and 15 startups and tech hubs will be selected to present their projects to a panel of judges at the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos. The top three teams will win cash prizes of N2 million, N1.5 million, and N1 million. Other participants will receive consolation prizes, and their accommodation will be covered for the event.
Promoting National Innovation
At the start of the 2022 ICT Innovation Competition, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umar Danbatta, represented by Engr. Ubale Maska, spoke about the importance of fostering innovation and supporting the growth of digital startups. He highlighted that the event is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their ideas and connect with others in the industry.
Prof. Danbatta emphasized that the event would not only highlight Nigeria’s talent but also inspire others to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector.
Dr. Abdullateef Bello, CEO of Datstrat Consulting Limited, presented a paper on how local digital solutions can help solve Nigeria’s major problems, such as oil theft, insecurity, illiteracy, diseases, and corruption. He discussed several ideas, including apps to track criminals, monitor disease outbreaks, and support digital learning.
Tackling Digital Challenges
Nigeria faces several challenges in the digital space, such as data breaches, loss of skilled workers to other countries, lack of funding, and a mismatch between skills and market needs. The NCC has launched several programs to encourage the development of local solutions, including a hackathon during the COVID-19 pandemic and an IoT Code Camp focused on tackling security issues like kidnapping.
Bello stressed that creating local solutions is essential for Nigeria’s growth. He explained that focusing on homegrown technology can reduce dependence on foreign solutions, create jobs, and help reverse the brain drain.
The Importance of Local Solutions
The ICT Innovation Competition is an important initiative for bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. According to Ismail Adedigba, Director of NCC’s Research and Development Department, the competition is just the first step. He urged continued investment in local digital solutions to ensure that all Nigerians have access to technology and the opportunities it brings.
This competition provides a platform for young innovators to showcase their creativity and contribute to closing Nigeria’s digital gap.
