Speaking at the South-South Regional ICT Stakeholders Forum, Inuwa emphasized that while Nigeria has made significant strides at the federal level, the real measure of success lies in how states domesticate frameworks like the Nigeria Startup Act and the National Digital Literacy Framework.

The Governance Gap: Beyond Creating ICT Ministries

Inuwa observed that while many states have established ICT-focused ministries, several still lack the comprehensive enabling laws and structured governance mechanisms required to attract investment and scale innovation.

NITDA has offered technical guidance to South-South states to help them transition from mere administrative presence to regulatory readiness.

The Road to 95% Digital Literacy by 2030

A cornerstone of NITDA’s strategy is the National Digital Literacy Framework, which aims to achieve 95% digital literacy across Nigeria by 2030.

Key South-South Implementation Pillars:

• Curriculum Integration: Digital skills are being embedded in school curricula through a partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education.
• Teacher Capacity Building: Educators in both public and private schools are undergoing training to drive technology-led learning.
• Civil Service Upskilling: Building on the success of training 54,000 federal civil servants, NITDA is planning a rollout of digital capacity programs for state-level public servants to enhance governance efficiency.

Grassroots Innovation and Strategic Partnerships

The DG highlighted a community-first approach to digital inclusion, utilizing unusual but effective channels:

Cisco Collaboration: Providing self-paced digital courses to youth.

NYSC Digital Champions: Deploying corps members to markets, worship centers, and motor parks to conduct community-based sensitization.

Cross River as a Hub:

Dr. Justin Atiang Beshel, the Cross River State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, reaffirmed the state’s priority on broadband expansion and e-government services to position the state as a regional digital hub.

The digital economy is not a “Lagos-Abuja” project; it is a 36-state imperative. The call by NITDA for states to strengthen coordination is a push to move Nigeria away from a fragmented digital landscape toward a unified market.

For investors, the domestication of the Nigeria Startup Act at the state level is the biggest incentive, it provides the legal certainty needed to fund tech hubs in cities like Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Uyo.

If the South-South can successfully bridge its rural connectivity gap, it stands to become the country’s most viable alternative tech ecosystem to Lagos.

The newly elected representatives, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (South West), Charles Uchenna Emembolu (South East), Abba Ibrahim Gamawa (North East), and Victoria Ojoagefu Manya (North Central), will bring the perspectives of founders, innovators, and digital entrepreneurs directly into policy discussions that shape the country’s startup sector.

The election, coordinated by the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI) under the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), followed a transparent nomination and voting process involving members of the Startup Consultative Forum from all six geopolitical zones. 

The Forum was inaugurated earlier in 2025 to ensure that the startup ecosystem had a voice in government-led innovation policymaking.

The NCDIE, created under the Nigeria Startup Act, serves as the main governance body responsible for driving the country’s innovation and entrepreneurship agenda. It brings together representatives from the private sector, government, academia, and investors to oversee and coordinate the Act’s implementation. 

For the first time, elected startup founders are joining the NCDIE Council, revealing a goal to boost inclusive governance and stronger collaboration between policymakers and the innovation community.

This development is seen as an important milestone in bridging the gap between Nigeria’s startup sector and government institutions. With direct representation, founders can now contribute meaningfully to conversations around policy design, funding structures, and innovation support frameworks. 

It also reflects the government’s commitment to engage the private sector in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

According to NITDA, the inclusion of startup representatives “underscores the commitment of ONDI and NITDA to strengthening collaboration among government, innovators, and industry stakeholders.” The agency reaffirmed its resolve to “build a thriving digital economy, nurture startups, and foster the type of collaboration that ensures innovation becomes a cornerstone of national development.”

The new Council is expected to effectively integrate startup perspectives into national strategies and ensure the collaboration influences long-term growth in the tech sector. 

The election has already been commended by experts as a positive indication that Nigeria’s innovation policy is beginning to reflect the voices of those driving real change from the ground up.

His death yesterday brings an end to an era that impacted Nigeria’s digital and tech space in ways many could not have imagined when he took office in 2015. 

For all the controversies that coloured his time in power, Buhari’s drive for a tech-driven economy cannot be ignored. His legacy is one of ambitious policies, infrastructural growth, but also of censorship and policy contradictions.

Buhari inherited a country where broadband penetration sat at a meagre 6%, and the tech sector contributed just 8.5% to national GDP. 

By the time he left office in 2023, broadband penetration had surged to 46%, and the ICT sector accounted for 19.54% of GDP. 

The story of how Nigeria’s digital economy grew under Muhammadu Buhari is a story of deliberate policy, hard infrastructure, and undeniable paradox.

Infrastructure: Laying the Digital Rails

At the heart of Buhari’s digital legacy is infrastructure. Undersea cables were expanded, with two new lines boosting bandwidth capacity and reducing internet costs nationwide. 

Key upgrades to systems like WACS and MainOne helped coastal regions experience faster connectivity. On land, fibre rollout advanced, though not without challenges. 

The National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) aimed for 70% coverage, yet while progress was made, state-level right-of-way charges and power grid constraints slowed nationwide deployment.

Importantly, Nigeria became Africa’s first country with a multi-operator 5G rollout, spreading to six cities. 4G coverage was expanded nationwide. 

Over 150 million mobile lines were linked to Nigeria’s national ID database, enabling digital Know-Your-Customer (KYC) processes for banks and fintech startups. This foundational connectivity built the infrastructure backbone for Nigeria’s modern digital economy.

Policy Changes: Turning Nigeria’s Tech Vision into Law

In 2019, Buahri launched the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020-2030), a comprehensive blueprint for repositioning Nigeria’s economy through digital transformation. NDEPS focused on eight pillars, ranging from digital literacy to infrastructure expansion and indigenous content development.

By 2022, Muhammadu Buhari co-signed the Nigeria Startup Act, a landmark legislation co-created with the tech community. The Act offered tax incentives, clearer regulations, and improved funding access for startups, a huge contrast to the previously uncertain regulatory environment.

Executive Order No. 5 (2018) mandated government agencies to prioritise Nigerian tech firms in procurement, pushing local content in security, infrastructure, and digital services. 

His 2022 Fiscal Policy Measures also introduced duty reductions for local manufacturers and excise taxes on non-essential imports, encouraging local production and discouraging over-reliance on foreign goods.

In 2023, the Finance Act introduced new taxes targeting carbonated drinks, telecom services, and high-value share disposals, aimed at boosting non-oil revenues, although the industry was disturbed over increased costs of operations.

Local Manufacturing: From Vision to Reality

Local tech production, long a dream, gained new momentum during Buhari’s time. Zinox Technologies, Nigeria’s flagship OEM, supplied over 100,000 smart devices for the 2023 national census, fulfilling Buhari’s executive order on local procurement. 

Meanwhile, AfriOne became the country’s first smartphone assembly brand, rolling out POS terminals, tablets, and home appliances from its Lagos facility.

Digital Finance and Inclusion: A Mixed Record

Buhari’s administration pushed the limitations of digital finance with initiatives like eNaira, Africa’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Launched in 2021, it aimed to drive financial inclusion, though uptake was underwhelming. Still, its introduction positioned Nigeria at the forefront of CBDC adoption on the continent.

Venture capital inflows ballooned from $70 million in 2015 to over $1 billion by 2022, birthing startups that grew into unicorns, Flutterwave, OPay, Interswitch, and Andela. Buhari’s administration also claimed to have saved ₦45.7 billion through IT project clearances and digitisation across ministries.

Talent Development vs. Talent Drain

Recognising the need for skilled digital workers, Buhari’s government introduced Digital Nigeria, a free training platform in partnership with IBM, providing courses in AI, blockchain, and cloud computing. Programmes like the Digital Job Creation for Youths (DJCY) trained over 2,000 young Nigerians. 

However, these couldn’t fully prevent the Japa wave, Nigeria’s talent drain driven by limited local opportunities and global demand for tech skills.

Censorship and Controls: The Paradox of Digital Growth

Buhari’s digital legacy, however, was not without issues. In 2021, his government banned Twitter for seven months after the platform deleted one of his tweets. This move cost Nigerian businesses millions and signalled growing state control over digital spaces.

That same year, the Central Bank banned crypto transactions, pointing to financial stability crises. Startups struggled to pivot, while millions of Nigerians were forced to rely on riskier peer-to-peer channels. 

Earlier, during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, digital tools became a lifeline for protesters, until the government responded by freezing fintech accounts and cracking down on online dissent.

Forex restrictions added another aspect of difficulty for startups, as monthly naira card limits for overseas payments were slashed from $12,500 to just $100, choking access to foreign SaaS tools critical for scaling businesses.

Institutional Reforms: Changing the Bureaucracy

Muhammadu Buhari wasn’t content with building infrastructure alone. He rebranded the Ministry of Communications to include Digital Economy in 2019, formally recognising the sector’s strategic importance. Through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), over 180 reforms were introduced to ease business operations in Nigeria.

His administration established the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (2022), later elevated to a full Data Protection Commission under President Tinubu, and formalised Nigeria’s National Blockchain Policy (2023) to position the country within the $1.76 trillion global blockchain economy projected by 2030.

The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics was also launched under Buhari, a forward-looking move to prepare Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Buhari’s Digital Legacy: Progress and Pushback

President Buhari leaves behind a digital economy transformed but turbulent. His policies drove connectivity, startup creation, digital finance, and local tech manufacturing. Yet, his administration also clashed with the very freedoms that underpin digital innovation.

His tenure was a paradox with strides and restrictions; of opening doors while building walls. Today, Nigeria reflects on Buhari’s life and his digital legacy stands as both a win for what was achieved and a caution of the complexities of governing a digital nation.

While addressing the forum, Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general, who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Edet, the acting director, Regulation and Compliance described the platform as more than just a stakeholder meeting.

“It is a commitment to building a stronger tech ecosystem through collaboration, inclusion, and data-driven governance, marking a new phase in the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act,” he said.

He noted that the Nigeria Startup Act is more than legislation—it is a framework for national development. “Startups are not fringe players. They are central to Nigeria’s economic future,” he asserted.

Inuwa further mentioned that over the past eight months, NITDA has driven key activities under the Act.

These include stakeholder workshops across 10 states, roadshows at tech events like Lagos Tech Week, the Omniverse Summit, Moonlight Conference and the Akwa Ibom Tech Week, and awareness campaigns through digital and direct engagement.

The forum, according to Inuwa, will serve as a feedback engine, spotlighting regulatory gaps, guiding policy improvements, and shaping a startup-friendly environment.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA continues to support startups through initiatives like the Startup Portal, tech infrastructure deployment, and digital skill training across the country.

The DG emphasised that for startups to thrive, policies must be inclusive and responsive. “Inclusion is not charity. It is a strategy,” he said, calling for equal representation across gender, region, and sector.

While inaugurating the members if the Conservative Forum on behalf of the director-general, Oladejo Olawunmi, the director of IT Infrastructure Solutions, ignited the forum with a call to action, envisioning it as a vital nexus for collaborative breakthroughs. He inspired the members, saying, “We remain deeply committed to nurturing a space where innovation can flourish, and I call upon each of us to embrace the task ahead by shaping ideas into concrete policy and outcomes that leave a lasting impact.”

Earlier, Victoria Fabunmi, national coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), in her opening address called the Forum, a “structured dialogue between those building the future and those enabling it.” She outlined five key pillars for success: access to funding, capacity building, supportive policy, inclusive innovation, and global competitiveness.

She urged startups to speak boldly, private sector players to offer more than capital, development partners to scale what works, and government to harmonize efforts. “This Forum must be a problem-solving platform, not another talk shop,” she concluded.

With the Startup Consultative Forum now launched, NITDA aims to turn policy into action, ensuring startups are no longer on the sidelines, but at the center of Nigeria’s innovation journey.

The virtual event was attended by private sector players, development agencies, verified Ecosystem Support Organisations (ESOs), angel investors, venture capital firms, and labelled startups from across the country.

Represented by Director of Stakeholder Management and Partnerships, Dr Aristotle Onumo at The Omniverse Summit 2025 which took place in Lagos, Inuwa said Nigeria has the potential to become a global digital powerhouse through coordinated efforts among stakeholders.

With an internet penetration rate exceeding 55% and the digital economy projected to contribute over 20% to GDP by 2030, according to Inuwa, Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, pointing homegrown fintech giants like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Moniepoint as examples of how innovation is attracting billions in investment and revolutionising financial services.

Inuwa added that beyond fintech, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are shaping critical sectors like governance, agriculture, healthcare, and education.

To sustain this momentum, he said NITDA is committed to fostering innovation through investments in research and development, talent cultivation, and startup support systems to bridge the digital divide and enhance digital literacy.

Acknowledging that no digital economy can thrive without adaptive policies, the DG emphasised the importance of regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Startup Act, which provides a structured approach to nurturing innovation.

He highlighted NITDA’s Regulatory Intelligence Framework, which anchors its policies on dynamism, intelligence, and awareness, ensuring a regulatory environment that protects consumers while enabling businesses to scale.

The DG also stressed the need for stronger data protection laws, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and AI governance strategies that promote responsible technology deployment.

Collaboration, he stated, is the glue that binds innovation and policy into tangible progress. Public-private partnerships have already played a vital role in Nigeria’s digital transformation, with recent collaborations between the Federal Government and global tech giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Meta underscoring the importance of synergy.

He stated that the recent agreement between the federal government and Google, is set to transform Nigeria into a global tech hub, noting that the partnership focuses on infrastructure development, citizen upskilling, AI innovation, cloud adoption, and investment framework enhancement.

This collaborative approach ensures that digital policies and initiatives align with global best practices while addressing local needs.

Inuwa also mentioned NITDA’s ongoing initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme in partnership with the NYSC, which aims to achieve 70% digital literacy by 2027.

According to him, strengthening industry-academic linkages will further bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical applications, ensuring a digitally skilled workforce.

He added that, Nigeria’s active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents significant opportunities to position the country as a regional hub for digital trade and services – through harmonising digital trade policies and leveraging strategic partnerships, Nigeria can unlock new markets and attract more foreign investments.

The DG reiterated that Nigeria’s digital transformation requires bold decisions, innovative thinking, and strategic alliances, urging all stakeholders to work together to ensure that digital transformation is not just a vision but a reality driving sustainable economic development.

“As the theme of this summit states, we are truly ‘Unified by Vision and Empowered by Collaboration’. Let us seize this moment to build a Nigeria where technology serves as an equaliser, empowering every citizen, every business, and every sector,” he stated.

Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s director general, who was represented by Mr Oladejo Olawumi, the director of Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions Department, highlighted the importance of data sovereignty in ensuring Nigeria’s digital future.

By prioritising data security and privacy, the agency aims to foster a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits both individuals and businesses.

The Digital Nigeria Innovation Challenge, organised by NITDA’s Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), showcased the talent and innovation of Nigerian tech entrepreneurs.

The event further reinforced the agency’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant digital community and empowering the next generation of tech leaders.

While stating that the event aligns with the agency’s pillars of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, Inuwa mentioned that the event underscores NITDA’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in the global digital economy, creating opportunities for innovators to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.

“The issue of having something home-grown is very important because when it comes to data, you would realize that Data is the currency of the digital economy. It is what is driving us now and everything is all about data,” he added.

Speaking of the relevance of the event which speaks to pillars; Robust Technological Research Ecosystem, Foster Digital Literacy and Cultivate Talents, Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, and Promote Inclusive Access to Digital Infrastructure and Services of the SRAP document, he urged the participants to take advantage of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) in promoting their solutions.

“The Nigeria Startup Act enables you to get proper funding to develop what you want to do, and it allows you to meet with angel investors to see how you can be encouraged and bring what you are ideating to the limelight,” he noted.

While stating the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous digital innovation thrives, Inuwa disclosed that “Innovation Nests” will be created by the agency in 3 states with plans to expand to 6 more by the end of year and stated that the nests are designed to inspire creativity, featuring facilities for work, leisure, and networking with investors.

“These centres will be world-class, offering spaces to relax, collaborate, and attract global investment,” Inuwa explained.

“Whether you win today or not, this platform is a step towards achieving your dreams. Nigeria has the talent, and NITDA is here to ensure that talent is nurtured and celebrated,” he concluded.

Earlier in her opening remark, Ms Victoria Fabunmi, the national coordinator of the ONDI, stated that the event was designed to spotlight groundbreaking ideas and foster collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

While emphasising the agency’s commitment to advancing digital innovations through strategic initiatives, she averred that the innovation challenge aligns with the agency’s SRAP and fulfilling the Ministry’s blueprint pillars of Knowledge, Innovation, and Policy.

“Participants have an opportunity to showcase their ingenious ideas, as they have spent months looking through infrastructure across the country and helping us to identify areas for opportunity as well as areas for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,” she stated.

The committee, inaugurated by Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of NITDA, comprises representatives from both the public and private sectors.

The NSA, enacted on October 19th, 2022, established a legal and institutional framework to foster the development and growth of Nigerian startups.

A critical provision within the Act is the Startup Label. This label recognises eligible startups, granting them access to the various benefits outlined in the Nigeria Startup Act.

The issuance of the Startup Label hinges on a thorough assessment and validation process to ensure a startup meets the eligibility criteria as defined by the Act.

The newly formed committee will play a pivotal role in overseeing this process.

In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Inuwa emphasised on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s unwavering dedication to fostering an environment conducive to the growth and success of young Nigerian innovators.

He acknowledged the pivotal role startups will play in propelling the nation’s economic development, and the significance of the committee’s work in nurturing and supporting these enterprises.

He elaborated on the various initiatives and support mechanisms the government plans to implement, aimed at reducing hurdles and providing financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to young entrepreneurs.

Inuwa expressed optimism about the future, asserting that with the right support, these budding innovators could transform their ideas into thriving enterprises, thus contributing significantly to job creation and the overall economic prosperity of Nigeria in line with President Tinubu’s priority area to “reform the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.”

He urged stakeholders to join hands in creating a robust ecosystem that would empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to flourish and contribute to the country’s progress.

Inuwa added that the committee will be instrumental in establishing a robust legal and institutional framework for the successful implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act. Their collaborative efforts will ensure a participatory approach that benefits all stakeholders within the Nigerian startup ecosystem.

“The composition of the committee reflects the emphasis on collaboration. Representatives from government agencies, industry experts, investors, and startup founders will bring their diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. This collaborative approach is expected to lead to a more efficient and effective labelling process, ultimately benefiting the growth of Nigerian startups,” he stated.

Speaking on the roles and responsibilities of Committee, the National Coordinator, Office for Nigeria Digital Innovation, Victoria Fabunmi, listed the terms of reference for the advisory committee which include the following:

Review and evaluate start-ups’ applications for label based on criteria defined in the Act and any additional criteria that may ensure quality for the label; Periodically review and update additional labelling criteria to ensure alignment with industry trends; Conduct an impartial evaluation of submitted applications for Startup Label.

Furthermore, the Committee will Recommend on issuance or otherwise of Startup Label based on defined criteria; Provide feedback/comments/recommendations on areas of improvement where a start-up’s application is rejected; Where necessary, dedicate time to further engage startups for more clarity/details on information provided.

It will also periodically review its previous activities and data on labelling, to identify/recommend opportunities and gaps (e.g. DEI, sectors, capacity etc.) that policymakers may need to place added emphasis on; Periodically review workload capacity and recommend a fair ceiling for the number of applications to be considered per period.

This is in consideration of the fact that the Committee is not a full-time position; and Members shall be subject to a Code of Conduct and must duly sign this prior to commencement of duties.

She also stated that the Labelling Committee comprises Nine (9) members from the following: Four (4) Representatives of Incubators (ISN Rep, North and South); Two (2) Representatives of the Public Sector (NITDA, NSIA); Two (2) Representative of the Civil Society’ and Portal Coordinator – to serve as Secretary.

The inauguration of the Startup Labelling Committee marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act.

With a multi-stakeholder committee guiding the process, the Act has the potential to unlock the immense potential of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic development.

The 2-day Ecosystem Stakeholders Engagement and Validation Session, held at the Solution Innovation District Center in Awka in December brought together key stakeholders, government officials, and industry players to discuss the adoption of this ground-breaking legislation and validate pertinent issues that should be considered.

The event, hosted by Ms Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu; Commissioner of Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake; MD of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA); MD of ANSIPPA, Mr Mark Okoye; State adoption lead of the NSA, Mrs Tracy Okoro, and various stakeholders including the academia, hub founders, startups, tech community, NASME,  partners, tech enthusiasts and relevant stakeholders in the State.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reiterated the importance of embracing technology, stating that Mr Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR is a tech-driven leader. He emphasized the urgency for the State to embrace technology and become champions of positive disruption and leaders of the global technology revolution.

Dr Ibezim highlighted the human capital development agenda of Mr Governor, which is to leapfrog our students and youths to become Africa’s digital tribe that offers solutions to problems through technology.

He encouraged the youths to think big and unlock their great ideas, calling them the ‘gold of the state’.

The Deputy Governor appreciated Ms. Chinwe Okoli for her passion and integrity in driving the innovation ecosystem in the state.

Earlier, Ms Chinwe Okoli, in her opening address, expressed joy at the enthusiasm of Ndi Anambra towards technological advancement.

She stated:

“Mr Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is committed to championing the ‘everything technology and technology everywhere’ agenda towards transforming Anambra to become the Silicon Valley of Africa. So the administration is intentional about building the technological capacity of Ndi Anambra through various programs of the Solution Innovation District – Code Anambra, LevelUp Anambra, business incubation, business clinic for SMEs etc-.

Ms Okoli emphasized that “adopting the Nigeria Startup Act in the state would create the required enabling environment for startups to thrive in the State”. The new act in Anambra will be expected to offer tax incentives, reduce regulatory burdens, and provide funding opportunities.

She called for collaborations between academia, government, private sectors, angel investors, venture capitalists, hub founders, startups, and other stakeholders to propel the state to the forefront of the global innovation ecosystem.

On her part, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized that the adoption of the NSA in the state would protect investors and investments while ensuring the sustainability of businesses over time.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the managing director of the Anambra State ICT Agency concurred that NSA adoption in the state needs to reflect the reality and comparative advantage of the state.

Noting that the state is known for commerce and embracing e-commerce is essential.

He called on the ecosystem to take collective action, stressing that innovation requires collaboration between the private sector and the government.

The State adoption lead of the NSA, Mrs Tracy Okoro, explained that the act was built on four pillars: funding, human development/capacity building, infrastructure (internet connectivity), and  regulations.

She underscored the NSA as the co-creation of displacement and disruption enacted to establish the need for innovators and government to collaborate in creating a conducive environment for technology-enabled businesses to thrive. She emphasizes that what will become the ACT in Anambra State will reflect its peculiarities.

Members of the Anambra State innovation ecosystem, SMEs and Startups in the state are  hereby encouraged to familiarize themselves with the content of the Nigerian Startup Act document, which can be downloaded via the link here.

As agreed during the engagement session, we have provided a survey form for all stakeholders to share their thoughts on what should be considered in creating the Anambra Startup Act.

Click on this link to make your input in creating the Act.

The Ecosystem Stakeholders Engagement and Validation Session were concluded on a high note, with questions, concerns, and suggestions from participants, all contributing to shaping the Anambra Startup Act. The success of the engagement signals a new era in Anambra State, positioning her as a hub for innovation and technology.

The State Deputy Governor, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Ibezim made the disclosure during a forum to kick off a two-day stakeholders’ engagement on the domestication of the Nigerian Start-Up Act in Anambra State, held in Awka.

Dr Ibezim re-echoed the dedication of the Chukwuma Soludo-led administration, to making Anambra a technological hub, adding that with the disruptive changes the governor is introducing to the state governance, anyone who fails to keep pace, will be left behind.

He praised the collaboration between the government and partners supporting startups, emphasizing the importance of a tech-driven administration, a promise kept by Governor Soludo’s administration.

He said; “You all seated in this room are the gold we have; we are not looking elsewhere. The journey has just begun and I encourage you to deliberate and chart the course forward for a better Anambra.”

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the MD/CEO of Anambra State ICT Agency, in his goodwill message, posited that the stakeholders’ engagement was imperative to ensure that the Act meets the peculiarities of the state and does not just stand as an imposition of a national law.

CFA de-emphasized the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach to the Nigeria Startup Act, highlighting Anambra’s unique strengths in commerce and trade.

Citing instances with successful ecosystems worldwide and in Lagos on a national level, he attested to Governor Soludo’s commitment to laying the groundwork for innovation through the installation of high-speed broadband internet and the ongoing deployment of fibre cables across the state.

“Innovation lies in the private sector while the government will come up with policies,” he said, urging the ecosystem stakeholders to take charge.

He emphasized that, similar to global trends with OpenAI 4.0 and Google’s Gemini, the private sector should not to wait for government intervention but should proactively drive the agenda for a thriving tech ecosystem, with the government playing catch-up.

Describing the Nigeria Startup Act as a co-created legislation emerging from the intersection of displacement and disruption, Mrs. Tracy Okoro Isaac, the State Adoption Lead for the Nigeria Startup Act, reminded the stakeholders that the engagement was history in the making.

She quipped; “In 10 years, you will fondly recall being part of the group that collaborated to establish an ecosystem capable of nurturing Anambra’s unicorns”

Mrs. Okoro-Isaac disclosed that the Act is hinged on four pillars- funding, human development /capacity building, and infrastructure (both software and hardware, internet connection), adding that the Act aims to ensure accessibility and prevent unnecessary migration by fostering innovation, underscoring the Act’s importance for establishing accountability and responsibility, providing concise regulations with clearly defined roles.

She highlighted the success stories of local entrepreneurs, such as those behind Flutterwave and Paystack, who built their startups independent of significant government support, urging attendees to envision the possibilities of creating a united ecosystem that supports startups collectively.

Expressing satisfaction with Governor Soludo’s commitment to innovation, Mrs. Isaac stated that participants were there to contribute to creating a modular startup law, that would shape Anambra’s future.

Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the convener of the session and Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, described the session as more than a legal formality, asserting that it is a profound statement of intent to propel Anambra into a hub of innovation.

“We are fortunate to have a governor who comprehends the transformative influence of technology, setting the groundwork for a state driven by innovation. Our purpose here, therefore, is to participate in this game-changing initiative which is a catalyst for growth and a blueprint shaping the future of our dear state”, she added.

On her part, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning underscored the importance of sustainability, urging stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the startup ecosystem.

Emphasizing the need to protect both investors and investments, her remarks set the tone for a session that sought not only to embrace change but to ensure its lasting impact.

for Mr. Mark Okoye, the MD of ANSIPPA, stakeholders must commit to actualizing the potentials of the numerous state government’s infrastructure efforts.

The State Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, NASME, Chinemerem Oguegbe, lamented the current lack of structure and synergy in the ecosystem as it were while advocating for a more organized approach to attract opportunities.

“The ecosystem in Anambra state is quite different but we are not organized as entrepreneurs nor structured to attract opportunities.

“Let us look for ways to import IT and tech into our businesses,” he urged.

The Dean, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. K.K.Nwozor, while transitioning to the crux of the matter, acknowledged the need for mentorship beyond youth-focused initiatives and highlighted the untapped potential within Anambra’s universities.

He however applauded Mr. Governor’s appointment of Prof. Kate Omenugha as the Acting Vice-chancellor of the university, describing it as one that will further support the technology drive in the state.

Mr. Dilibe Chinweze, representing hub owners, echoed the call for synergy, emphasizing the importance of investing locally.

As the event concluded, the overarching message was clear – Anambra State is on the brink of a technological revolution and the ICT Agency MD’s impassioned call to stakeholders, amongst other voices, echo as a rallying cry for the private sector to seize the opportunity, taking the lead in shaping a future where Anambra’s innovation ecosystem thrives on its own terms.

The event also featured a presentation on understanding and leveraging the opportunities of the Nigeria Startup Act by Mrs. Okoro Tracy, along with a Startup Pitch Competition with prizes presented by ANSIPPA, SID, and partner, VFD group.

In the first phase of the engagement, the Secretariat will organise ecosystem events in six states – Kwara, Ondo, Osun, Kano, Jos and Oyo – to consult with critical startup stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, on the strategies to domesticate and adopt the Act.

The Nigeria Startup Act is a national policy framework that seeks to create an enabling environment for technology-enabled startups and entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The Act provides for establishing innovation hubs, startup fund, technology parks, and other support structures that will help startups thrive in the Nigerian economy.

In his goodwill remarks, Mr. Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, the Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat Lead, stated that the state adoption program will not only build an innovation and technology ecosystem in all underserved areas in Nigeria, but will also turn Nigeria into a country that produces technology solutions.

Commenting on the need for states to adopt the Act and use it to catalyze digital economic growth, Stanley Achonu, Nigeria Country Director at ONE Campaign, said: “The Startup Act has the potential to stimulate the digital economy, promote economic growth, and reduce unemployment by creating new jobs. While the Federal Government has taken a step in the right direction by enacting the legislation, its ultimate success hinges on its implementation at the state level. Therefore, it is crucial for state governments to not only adopt the Act but also tailor it to their specific needs and take active steps to implement it effectively.”

Also speaking, Mrs. Tracy Isaac, the State Adoption Lead at the Nigeria Startup Act Secretariat, noted that the Act is a game-changer for startups in Nigeria and will help to unlock the full potential of the Nigerian economy.

She reiterated that for Nigeria to be a digital economy giant, young people in states must be fully empowered to become technology solution entrepreneurs and producers.

The Nigeria Startup Secretariat and the ONE Campaign call on all stakeholders at the subnational level to continue to work together to create an enabling environment for startups to thrive through the speedy adoption of the Startup Act.