Investing in digital infrastructure positions Africa for significant economic advancement by opening up opportunities for e-commerce, tech startups, and improved public services. Governments can leverage this trend to create jobs for its population

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EVNT Technologies, a leading Saudi Arabian IT firm, aimed at transforming the state's digital landscape. The signing took place during the 2024 GITEX Global Summit in Dubai which ended on October 18.

The governor highlighted that this initiative “is a critical step towards realizing our vision of a truly digital Benue. It is about creating opportunities, empowering our people, and laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth."

Through the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), the partnership will focus on expanding digital infrastructure, skills training, and digital policy development.

Hamad Al Saleh, founder of EVNT Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for making Benue a model for digital transformation in Nigeria. The implementation is expected to begin within 90 days, focusing on infrastructure development, capacity building, and digital innovation.

This move aligns with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030 (NDEPS), which aims to “transform the country into a leading digital economy providing quality life and digital economies for all.” Benue, by becoming a model for digital transformation, can leverage this trend to create jobs for its population.

Hikmatu Bilali