NITDA launches technology, innovation entrepreneurship support scheme

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has introduced Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (TIES), to create job and entrepreneurship opportunities for hub managers and startups.

The Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, said this on Thursday, during a Webinar with stakeholders and members of the TIES Scheme.

Inuwa said the scheme would ensure the consolidation of Nigeria's transformation into a knowledge-based and IT-driven economy, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

The D-G explained that the idea was muted following the COVID-19 pandemic, to assist industry partners who had established IT hubs, to upskill their hubs and boost their businesses.

"Many economies are struggling to survive because of the pandemic, thereby making it apparent that embracing the new normal of encouraging the development of emerging technologies to strengthen the economy is the way forward.

"The initiative will be used as a platform to invest in creative people who can create jobs for themselves, as well as those who would enable partners to turn their ideas into reality in form of products and services.

"NITDA, as a Federal Government agency, was established to, among others, develop and regulate IT in Nigeria; and so it is assiduously working to develop the innovation process through creating enabling platforms and opportunities.

"The platforms will propel creative ideas from inception to actualisation, that will in turn impact the society,'' Inuwa said.

He, however, expressed disappointment at the lack of mentorship for young talents, adding that innovative solutions were needed to tackle the problems.

According to him, NITDA is creating the avenue that will provide a balance between the innovators and the market.

Inuwa further said that in ensuring the country prospered, the agency was working on achieving its target of 95 per cent digital literacy by the year 2030 through collaborations.

"The target can be achieved by getting people to understand, use technology and digital services, as well as build capacity in other to establish digital services locally.

"There is a target to train one million ware developers in the next 18 months, and we will be looking forward to getting better ideas from you on how to deliver this initiative,'' he said.

He emphasised that the only way to achieve success was to work in collaboration for stronger partners.