The Delta-2 Project is a bilateral collaboration by the Federal Government of Nigeria through NASENI-PICTT and the Czech Republic through the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) targeting submissions from innovators, technology entrepreneurs and researchers in Nigeria across mining, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, science and engineering, etc.

The 1st Call for Proposals under the Delta-2 programme was launched in the year 2022, following which grants were disbursed by NASENI to winners of the approved projects to scale up their enterprises.

Dr. Dahiru Mohammed, chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), described Delta-2 Project as a major driver of innovation, economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria, saying it is aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s technological growth through international collaboration.

 “The DELTA-2 Programme is a catalyst for job creation, enhanced productivity and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It will help reduce dependence on imports while boosting Nigeria’s global competitiveness,” he stated.

He highlighted the achievements of the previous call for proposals launched in May 2022, which attracted 285 submissions from Nigerian researchers and companies, out of which 25 projects were funded in 2023, which has resulted in innovative products and services across agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and other strategic sectors which have already created jobs, built capacity and advanced technology transfer.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, noted that DELTA-2 had the potential to be a catalyst for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem adding that the decision is already yielding results.

“Today, we can point to the stories of 12 beneficiaries from the First Call, Nigerians who are working on diverse projects across our country.

“From renewable energy solutions to advanced materials, from agricultural technologies to manufacturing innovations, these projects testify to the power of applied research to solve real problems, create jobs, and deliver products and services that meet the needs of our people”, he remarked.

Halilu noted that what makes DELTA 2 unique is its focus on outcomes. “It is not research for the sake of research, it is research with purpose and market in mind. It is research that leads to new knowledge, new skills and new products.

It is research that bridges the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace, between ideas and impact.

“It is also a bridge between nations, between Czech enterprises and Nigerian innovators, between European expertise and African creativity. Together, we are building partnerships that accelerate progress, foster mutual respect and infinite possibilities for both our countries”, he emphasized.

The NASENI boss further  stated that DELTA-2 projects being supported by NASENI will respond not only to the current needs of the society, but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow, from climate change to digital transformation.

Therefore, he called on researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs in Nigeria to make use of the opportunity once again.

In his remarks, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, said:

“The theme is clear, it is to generate research outcomes that will lead to new products, new processes, apply results that directly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness, create jobs and open new markets at home and abroad”.

He noted that the Delta-2 Projects priority areas range from agriculture and food technology, renewable energy, mining and industrial development, health and health technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital mobility, climate technology and defence innovations which aligns strongly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Let me emphasize, this is not research for shelves. This is research for impact. Every funded project must deliver tangible, scalable and commercially viable outcomes that respond to Nigeria’s real challenges and opportunities”. He called on Nigerian researchers, companies and innovators to seize this opportunity to build a greater Nigeria through innovation and technology transfer.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), said the initiative reflects the visionary leadership of President Tinubu’s administration in encouraging fresh ideas and innovations that can move the country forward.

“This is another day of success and progress for Nigeria. It shows how much we have achieved in technology and innovation as a nation,” she remarked.

She praised NASENI’s leadership under Halilu for advancing Nigeria’s science, innovation, and technology agenda, while appealing for a similar project to be extended to Nigerians in the diaspora.

Also speaking, Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu, special assistant to the President on Trade, Investment and Industry, commended NASENI and PICTT for aligning their efforts with President Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy agenda, emphasizing that technology transfer is central to achieving industrialization.

“We must strengthen our industrial capacity to attract both global and domestic investments and to compete strongly on the global stage,” he added.

The 3-day event brought together esteemed leaders and entrepreneurs, to forge strategic collaborations for growth. Honourable (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO NiDCOM, hosted the event, highlighting the pivotal role of the diaspora in Nigeria’s national development.

Distinguished guests in attendance included the Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, and the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, also attended the summit, further enriching the discourse with their perspectives on the intersection of diaspora investment and various sectors crucial to national development.

Coronation Group Limited, Africa’s investment management powerhouse, proudly sponsored the event, as part of a broader collaboration to democratise access to financial solutions for Nigerians living in the diaspora. The Coronation Group unveiled a portal on the NiDCOM website, designed to provide a safe and convenient avenue for diaspora members to access financial solutions.

Funke Feyisitan-Ladimeji, representing Coronation Group Limited said: “The Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit underscores the significant role the diaspora community plays in shaping our nation’s economic landscape. At Coronation Group, our participation reflects our shared goal of financial independence and wealth creation for Nigerians everywhere. Through our partnership with NiDCOM, we will provide Nigerians in diaspora with technology-enabled platforms to enable seamless and secure access to superior financial services. We will also provide free access to a robust financial literacy and education program, to ensure the community is empowered to make savvy investment decisions. Overall, we aim to create an environment where financial security and prosperity are not just aspirations, but attainable realities for every member of the Nigerian diaspora community.”

A key feature of the summit was the pitch session, where over 20 passionate owners of start-ups presented their innovative business ideas to potential investors. The businesses span diverse sectors such as manufacturing, finance, fintech, education, and professional services. This platform provided a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to present their ventures to a discerning audience, fostering collaboration and investment.

The 6th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit promises to be a pivotal moment in harnessing the expertise and resources of the diaspora community for the benefit of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. As the summit progresses, attendees can expect engaging discussions, strategic partnerships, and the exploration of opportunities that align with the summit’s theme.