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FG Taking Significant Steps to Position Nigeria in Global Tech Race – Pantami

Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has said that in the last few years, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Econony, has been taking significant steps to position Nigeria in the global tech race.
Pantami spoke on Tuesday, in Abuja, while declaring open the 10th Edition of the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition themed: “Positioning Africa in the Global Tech Race.”
He said that the Buhari administration recognised the need for a regulatory environment that supports, rather than stifles development, and has developed a number of policies in this regard.
“Nigeria has a potential critical mass of ‘digital natives’ that can transform the country into a regional and global digital powerhouse. These creative Nigerians.
“These creative Nigerians can play a key role in the creation of digital jobs across all sectors of the country; jobs that are either based on or are dependent upon Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs),” Pantami said.
While noting that the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) emphasises the importance of the innovation and startup ecosystem to the development of an indigenous digital economy, the Minister pledged that his ministry will continue to position Nigeria to develop this ecosystem to transform the country into a sustainable and thriving digital economy.
He stated that in recognition of the role of emerging technologies and in preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Federal Government is actively building competence in these technologies and have set up a National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to serve as the digital laboratory for advancing skills development and innovation in emerging technologies in Nigeria.
“In addition, we are establishing a National ICT Park and a National Digital Innovation Centre to create an atmosphere that would usher in innovation-driven culture among the Nigerian populace,” he said.
Pantami said that for Africa to assert itself in the global tech space, there is need effective collaboration, and insisted that “we must urgently improve international
cooperation and work together towards achieving our national and regional development plans in building the Africa we want.”
While reiterating Federal Government’s commitment to providing the enabling environment required for such partnerships to thrive, he reaffirmed government’s willingness to continued partnerships and forging new ones with industry stakeholders in this regard.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of Digital Africa Limited, organisers of the tech show, Dr. Evans Woherem noted that for a decade, Digital Africa has been an advocate and breeding place of informed debate and independent analysis, on issues to do with tech and Africa, leading to the generation of new, incisive policy proposals.
He said the theme of this year’s conference couldn’t have been more timely and relevant than now, technology is fast evolving at an exponential speed, and is today disrupting almost every industry in all countries of the world.
“Looking carefully at our development myopia and non-progress compared to what is happening in other continents, we can conclude that Africa is currently living in a Matrix Simulation. In other words, we are passing through an Alternate Reality within our Multiverse.
“There are billions of possible realities at any one point in time that applies to an individual, to a society, to a country and even to the whole world. I believe that it is an alternate reality that we are experiencing here in Africa. This is not the reality we started out with.
“I believe somewhere along the line of our evolutionary trajectory and paradigm, something flipped, leading to an inflexion point that took us to an alternate reality. even when some other parts of the world continued with their original reality,” he said
Woherem expressed confidence that even in this present reality, Africa should muster enough will power to begin to do the right things, so that it can go back to its mis-aligned reality.
“We have to see it as a challenge to get Africa back to its historical standing, embrace the right mentality to move Africa forward, and shun any negativity that have hampered Africa’s growth. We can reposition Africa!”
The opening ceremony was also used to honour some corporate organisations that have over the years supported the Digital Africa Conference & Exhibition.
The companies include VDT Communications, Chams Access, Africa Data Centre, and Zoracom.
News
UK Minister for Africa Visits Nigeria to Deepen Strategic Partnership

The United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, has concluded a three-day visit to Nigeria, aimed at reinforcing the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.
He reaffirmed the UK Government’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
During his visit, Lord Collins met with senior Nigerian government officials, business leaders, civil society representatives and United Nations agencies.
These engagements underlined the UK’s long-term drive to support Nigeria’s prosperity and stability while deepening bilateral cooperation for transformative growth across our shared priorities.
A key highlight of the visit was Lord Collin’s bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in which both parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties and promoting regional security. The Minister was joined by the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Florence Eshalomi MP.
Lord Collins also met with Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen engagement between UK’s parliament and Nigeria’s National Assembly and the importance of furthering women’s participation in politics.
Speaking on his visit, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins said: “Nigeria and the UK share a rich, ambitious relationship: one that is deeply rooted in respect.
“Our Strategic Partnership is at the forefront of this, and my visit has focused on how our countries can continue deepening our cooperation on key issues such as trade and investment to drive economic growth and deliver prosperity for us all.”
The Minister held discussions with United Nations representatives on the ongoing reform of the UN system, its implications for Nigeria and how the reform can effectively support those most in need, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, whilst also contributing to global humanitarian efforts.
Lord Collins also met with civil society leaders to discuss electoral integrity and governance reforms, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to democratic values and community empowerment.
He later visited Nigeria’s Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell: a key security initiative supported by UK expertise through the National Crime Agency and the Integrated Security Fund, which plays a vital role in enhancing local safety and combating serious crime.
Also commenting on the visit, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, said: “Driving growth is central to the UK’s foreign and development policy. Lord Collins’ visit to Nigeria underscores the UK’s unwavering commitment to deepening our shared prosperity through expanded trade and investment. We are proud to stand alongside Nigeria as it forges a resilient and dynamic economy.”
This visit underscores the UK’s enduring partnership with Nigeria – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for a prosperous future for both nations.
News
PalmPay Launches CSR Initiatives to Empower Women, Foster Financial Literacy in Northern Nigeria

In a strategic move to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria, leading mobile banking platform, PalmPay has launched a series of CSR programs across Kano and Kaduna. The CSR initiative named “Passing the Baton” represents the brand’s commitment to passing on knowledge and providing the resources individuals and businesses need to achieve financial independence and drive economic empowerment.
This initiative is a bold move by PalmPay to bridge the opportunity gap in the North by providing financial literacy training and micro-business branding support to 5,000 women-owned businesses in Kano and Kaduna. This strategic initiative reaffirms PalmPay’s commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment, particularly in underserved regions.
“At PalmPay, we believe that real financial inclusion must be far reaching and cover the grassroots,” said Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Our new CSR program is focused on supporting gender equity by equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and visibility they need to thrive as entrepreneurs in their communities.”
Through this initiative, beneficiaries will receive free health insurance, hands-on training workshops, enhanced store branding to boost visibility, and branded merchandise to strengthen their business presence.
The initiative is part of PalmPay’s broader strategy to extend its innovative solutions, expand its footprint in Northern Nigeria, while building sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders for long-term impact.
In a show of support, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Dr. Muhammadu Sanusi II, has endorsed the initiative, calling on other stakeholders to join forces with PalmPay in ensuring the North benefits fully from the growing digital economy. PalmPay has received commendation from community stakeholders, as the initiative aims to serve as a model for similar projects across other northern states.
As PalmPay continues to scale across Nigeria, the company remains committed to bridging the financial inclusion gap and empowering underserved groups, particularly women and youth, through its innovative solutions and impact initiatives.
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