Local device production can enable African countries to lower costs, making technology more affordable and accessible to a broader population. This shift helps bridge the digital divide and empowers African nations to claim a stronger stake in the booming global digital economy.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has partnered with Imose Technologies Ltd. to unveil a new line of laptops and tablets manufactured in Nigeria.    The announcement made by NASENI on Monday, October 28 marks a significant milestone in the nation’s drive towards technological self-reliance. It emphasizes improved access to affordable and locally produced technology, particularly benefiting students and professionals.

NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, highlighted the agency’s ambition to become a prominent player in Nigeria’s tech industry. “At NASENI, we are building a national brand. Going forward, every household in Nigeria will have one NASENI product or the other,” he stated.

The laptops and tablets embody NASENI's guiding principles of Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialisation (3Cs). Partnering with Imose Technologies furthers NASENI’s mission to reduce Nigeria’s import dependency by fostering in-country technology solutions. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes local content development to reduce Nigeria's dependency on imported devices.

Osayi Izedonmwen, Chairman of Imose Technologies, voiced pride in this partnership, spotlighting Imose’s ten-year commitment to addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges through local device manufacturing. He emphasized that this collaboration is crucial for bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and expanding technology access for both educational and professional use.

According to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, Nigeria’s imports of electrical and electronic equipment totaled $3.11 billion in 2023. By manufacturing these devices locally, NASENI and Imose could significantly reduce this expenditure, allowing Nigeria to reinvest savings back into the local economy.

The initiative is expected to contribute to job creation and stimulate economic growth. It will help meet Nigeria's demand for accessible and reliable technology, essential for boosting digital inclusion and driving the nation’s digital economy forward.

Hikmatu Bilali