The federal government of Nigeria has officially inaugurated the startup act implementation committee to support the development of the nation’s innovative ecosystem.
The 27-man committee was inaugurated by Nigeria’s minister of communication and Digital economy Prof. Isa Pantami in Abuja, which comprises members from relevant government agencies, academia, and private industry players, amongst others.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prof. Pantami stated that the committee will ensure to work effectively towards ensuring the improvement of the ICT sector in the country.
In his words,
“Today, there is a focus on a knowledge-based economy rather than a resource-based economy. The gross domestic product of countries like the UK, the US, China, and India is rising because they invested in their startups.
“Today, digital entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and knowledge are building the global economy and we need to invest in our youths that have innovative ideas. The implementation of the act is an attempt to turn things and make us a producer, and exporter of ICT products rather than an importer.
“The members have the responsibility of mentoring our younger ones in areas where necessary, identifying their challenges like financially and reviewing their critical requests”.
Pantami further added that the federal government had agreed to expend N10 billion annually to support the act, which can either be given to the startups as seed funds, grants, or loans.
The Nigeria startup act is a joint initiative by Nigeria’s tech startup ecosystem and the presidency to harness the potential of the country’s digital economy through co-regulated regulations.
It would be recalled that the startup act was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 19th of October, 2022, with over 30 leaders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem contributing to its setup.
Investors King understands that the act is aimed at ensuring that Nigeria’s laws and regulations are clear, planned, and work for the tech ecosystem. This, the commitee hope will contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for startup growth as well as the attraction and protection of investment in tech startups.
Few analysts have disclosed that the Nigeria startup act will no doubt cement Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading digital economy, as it will guard against different growth challenges faced by startups.