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Digitisation Policy Drive Impacting the Country Positively – DG NITDA
Kashifu Inuwa, director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) ,has said that the digitisation policy drive of the Federal Government as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) is impacting positively in corporate governance, Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Customer (B2C), and Business-to-Government (B2G) relationships.
Inuwa stated this while delivering a good will message at the Validation Workshop for the National e-Commerce Policy and Strategy by the National Advisory Committee, on Electronic Commerce and Digital Economy (NACEDE), which took place in Abuja.
He said, Digital Economic sector, which is a super-set of e-commerce, remains key to Nigeria’s economic recovery in the post-COVID era, deploying new technological innovations, such as e-commerce platforms, including social media-enabled trading handles, and ensuring rapid uptake of e-commerce for economic growth and competitiveness.
“Nigeria is experiencing the positive impact of e-commerce activities due to the growing increase in access to the Internet and related IT tools and services.
“The contributions of the telecommunications sector to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was an average15% in July 2022 and experienced 44.5% broadband penetration with active internet subscriptions that peaked at 151 million,” Inuwa said.
The DG who was represented by Engineer Salisu Kaka, Acting Director, Digital Economy and Developement Department, further said, “we have approximately 2000 digital innovation companies with 384 products in Nigeria.
“These Startups have raised over $2 billion in venture capital funding in 2021 alone. With an estimated 89,000 developers representing 12% of the African developers’ population, Nigeria’s e-commerce market size is about $17 billion. There is annual spending of about $12 billion in 2022, and this is projected to reach $75 billion by 2025.”
“Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) appear to be the major beneficiaries of the concept of e-commerce as it enabled MSMEs to operate in the global marketplace.
“MSMEs can now participate in regional businesses and enjoys social, economic, and cultural networks seamlessly across international boundaries.
“Global corporations now operate with much consistency while MSMEs experience enhanced participation in international value chains, increased market access and reach improved internal and external market efficiency, and lower transaction costs,” he noted.
He also said that there is a need to maintain the tide and optimise the benefit of technology and e-commerce, which have necessitated Nigeria to have a robust national e-commerce policy and strategy.
“Additionally, Nigeria is a signatory to bilateral, regional, continental, and global treaties on trade and trade-related activities. Having a national policy that recognized these treaties is necessary for the mutual benefit of member nations.
“The policy will help us as a nation to make use of trade agreements that facilitate e-commerce for national benefits and avoid possible distortions that could jeopardize the optimization of the opportunities in e-commerce and hinders the growth of our businesses.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari (GCFR), through the supervision of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami is keen on ensuring developments in Nigeria’s Digital Economy sector. I believe that e-commerce policy is central to these developments”, he added.
The Chairman of NACEDE, Mr. Suleman Adebayo Audu, Director of the Commodities and Export Department, at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in his earlier remarks stated that taking advantage of the Digital Economy will boost the growth of e-Commerce across the country thereby bringing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and grow the economy.
Adebayo averred that this policy document represented the priority of the Federal Government, the workshop will provide an avenue for inclusiveness of citizens to partake in the decision-making, and contributes ideas, initiatives, and critics that will be beneficial to the policy document before the full implementation for the benefit of the country.
The policy document will be compiled as part of the scorecard of the present administration which will boost the operations of e-Commerce across the country.
The workshop organised by the Agency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), aimed at providing a platform to review, deliberate, and contribute towards the full implementation of the policy document.
NITDA in collaboration with the Trade Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), have jointly worked to produce the draft National E-Commerce Policy and Strategy document for Nigeria.
The work is part of the Nigerian Government’s efforts to meet the ECOWAS, AU, and the global requirements for trade development in general and e-commerce in particular.
EMOSIM, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has partnered with Tata Communications to power its entry into the Nigerian telecommunications market.
This collaboration will help EMOSIM launch a MVNO and Nigeria’s first travel eSIM for outbound travellers and provide seamless connectivity and telecom services across the region.
according to the companies, leveraging the industry leading MVNE platform with key features like Integrated KYC, Digital onboarding, interoperability and more by Tata Communications MOVE™, EMOSIM aims to deliver unmatched network reliability, seamless user experiences and fast-track digital adoption in Nigeria.
“Our collaboration with EMOSIM underscores a shared vision for digital inclusion and technological advancement, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to innovation in telecommunications”
In a continued effort to empower young Nigerians as active participants in the nation’s development, Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T) brought together 1,200 young Nigerians for a Civic Participation Workshop, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to take on active roles in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Founded in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for economic transformation, YP4T continues to establish itself as a mobilizing force for young professionals committed to driving national progress.
The workshop featured dynamic and interactive sessions on policy making and advocacy, digital citizenship and social media activism, leadership and public speaking, and understanding government and the constitution.
Participants had the opportunity to engage with experienced facilitators, ask critical questions about how to better integrate into political and civic spaces at both local and national levels, and receive practical guidance on how to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.
A resounding theme that emerged throughout the event was the growing number of young Nigerians approaching voting age, with speakers and facilitators emphasizing the urgent need for them to ensure they are registered to vote.
The discussions reinforced the principle that active civic engagement begins with exercising the fundamental right to vote, ensuring that young voices are represented in shaping the country’s future.
The workshop concluded with a compelling panel discussion led by YP4T Regional Director, Mr. Alex Oware, who engaged Mr. Wale Fadare, Personal Assistant to the President on General Duties, in a conversation about what true nation-building requires from young Nigerians.
Speaking on the importance of participation, Mr. Fadare stressed: “True transformation is a collective effort. Young Nigerians have the energy and vision to drive change, and it is vital that we all work together to build a stronger, more resilient nation. A crucial part of this is making sure that more young people take their civic responsibilities seriously, from understanding governance to ensuring they are registered to vote.”
The event marks a significant moment for YP4T, which recently surpassed 3,000 registered young professionals dedicated to supporting and advancing the policies of President Tinubu. This growing community reflects a shared commitment to ensuring young people are not just beneficiaries of development, but key architects of Nigeria’s progress.
Further reinforcing this commitment, YP4T announced an upcoming Educational Grant Program that will support 100 final-year secondary school students across Nigeria with funds for their final certificate examinations.
This initiative seeks to remove financial barriers for promising students, ensuring they have the opportunity to complete their education and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth.
Speaking on the significance of the program, Alex Oware, Regional Director for YP4T, stated:
“Education is the foundation upon which strong nations are built. By supporting 100 young Nigerians in their final year of secondary school, we are not only investing in their future but in the future of the country itself.
“This grant represents an opportunity for these students to complete a critical stage of their education, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s progress.
“We believe that empowering young minds today will yield leaders who drive innovation, governance, and prosperity tomorrow.”
By fostering leadership, civic responsibility, and policy engagement, YP4T is strengthening the economic, technological, and entrepreneurial landscape of Nigeria.
This workshop and the forthcoming grant program reaffirm the organization’s mission: to empower young professionals not just to envision change, but to actively shape it.
Telecom
Google Launches Hustle Academy 2025: Empowering SMBs in Africa with AI-Powered Training and Mentorship
Google on Thursday announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Hustle Academy program, designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Building on the success of previous years, the program will continue to emphasize AI-powered business training, alongside the launch of a new season of the popular “Hustle Academy Brings You” speaker series.
Despite their critical role in driving Africa’s economic growth, SMBs across the continent often face significant hurdles. Limited access to funding, inadequate business resources, and a lack of specialized skills hinder their ability to scale and thrive. Google’s Hustle Academy directly addresses these challenges by providing practical training, expert mentorship, and a robust entrepreneurial network, enabling SMBs to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Since 2022, Google’s Hustle Academy has provided critical support to over 15,000 SMBs who have completed the bootcamp. The 2025 program will further equip entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to scale their businesses in today’s digital landscape.
“We are thrilled to launch the 2025 Hustle Academy, continuing our commitment to empowering African entrepreneurs,” said Kristy Grant, Head of B2B Marketing, SSA at Google. “This year, we are reinforcing our focus on AI-powered business training, enabling SMBs to leverage cutting-edge technology for growth. We are also excited to bring back ‘Hustle Academy Brings You’, featuring inspiring stories from successful African business leaders.”
The free, virtual Hustle Academy 2025 bootcamp will provide participants with in-depth training on:
AI Integration: Learning how to incorporate AI into operations, marketing, and customer engagement.
Core Business Fundamentals: Covering business strategy, financial management, digital marketing, and leadership development.
To be eligible, SMBs must have been operating for at least one year in Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa and be seeking to expand their business. Participants will benefit from expert mentorship, practical case studies, and networking opportunities.
Complementing the bootcamp, the new season of “Hustle Academy Brings You” will feature candid conversations with prominent African entrepreneurs, including:
Adenike Ogunlesi, Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble
Brian Jura, Founder & CEO, Home 254 Apparel
Foluso Ogunwale, Founder of i-Fitness Gym and Wellness Center
Nobukhosi Mukwevho, Founder and CEO of Khosi Nkhosi Fashion House
Yolanda Odida, Founder of Pure Purple
These episodes, available on the Google Africa YouTube channel, will offer valuable insights into the challenges and successes of building businesses in Africa.
“By combining practical training with inspiring stories, we aim to provide SMBs with the tools and motivation they need to succeed,” added Grant.
Applications for Hustle Academy 2025 are now open at g.co/hustleacademy.
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