The establishment of research centres for emerging technologiesholds significant implications for African development. By focusing on AI, IoT, blockchain, and other cutting-edge technologies, these centres can propel Africa towards technological advancement, fostering innovation and competitiveness on the global stage.

Nigeria's National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) announced plans to establish research centres for emerging technologies across the country's six geopolitical zones. These centres will focus on AI, IoT, and blockchain. The initiative was outlined during the ongoing (July 2-4) IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos.

NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa outlined the initiative, underscoring the agency's commitment to fostering a robust technology research ecosystem. Represented by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Aristole Onumo, Inuwa highlighted the creation of a special-purpose vehicle to oversee these research areas. "We aim to encourage development and support entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to market," Onumo emphasized.

In addition to funding research, NITDA will support Nigerian startups developing products in these emerging technologies. According to the 2023 report ‘Growing the Nigerian Technology Ecosystem through the Capital Market’ by Multinational professional services network of firms PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), from 2015 to 2022, tech startups securing funding surged by 1087%, from 55 to 653, with annual equity funding increasing by 1673%, from US$277 million to US$4.9 billion, citing Partech. The "big four" markets, Nigeria inclusive received 73% of Africa's tech financing, with Nigerian startups receiving half of this funding, the report adds.

To accelerate the growth of the tech ecosystem, it is worth noting that the Nigerian government has created initiatives such as the Finance Act 2020 that reduces taxes for start-ups and the Nigerian Startup Act 2022 providing a framework for the development of the Nigerian technology and innovation ecosystem.

The IoT West Africa conference underscores Nigeria’s rapid technological development and the telecoms industry's pivotal role in driving economic growth and digital transformation across West Africa.

Hikmatu Bilali