Tech4Dev and Policy Innovation Center Collaborate to Drive Inclusive Digital Transformation in Edo State

Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) and the Policy Innovation Center (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) recently joined forces to conduct a groundbreaking workshop in Edo State, focusing on fostering inclusive digital transformation within the region.

Held between June 21st-22nd and July 4th-5th, 2023, the workshop aimed to unlock the potential of digital technologies in driving economic growth and ensuring accessibility for all citizens.

Supported by the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), the Nigerian government has been actively working towards utilizing digital technologies to facilitate inclusive digital access and fuel economic growth.

In line with this, Tech4Dev, in collaboration with NESG/PIC and the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), facilitated a consultative working group to develop an inclusive digital economy plan and strategy for Edo State, integrating key elements of the NDEPS.

A major highlight of the workshop was the technical session dedicated to the formulation of an e-government implementation action plan. This plan seeks to expedite the implementation and adoption of e-government initiatives, further streamlining governmental processes and services.

Immanuel Umukoro, senior research and policy manager at Tech4Dev, announced that Edo State would receive technical support to create an action plan for the adoption of a digital jobs playbook, aimed at boosting digital job opportunities within the region. Additionally, an action plan will be developed to facilitate the internalization of the ‘Right of Way’ reforms.

The stakeholder workshop witnessed the participation of representatives from the public sector, private sector, and civil society organizations, all working collaboratively to co-create a robust digital economy implementation action plan.

Abieyuwa Igbinomwanhia-Naps, the permanent secretary of the Edo State Ministry of digital economy, science, and technology, highlighted the importance of these co-creation sessions in ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the development of strategic documents. She emphasized that these efforts will foster ownership and create an enabling environment for innovation in Edo State.

Osasuyi Dirisu, director of the Policy Innovation Center at NESG, stressed the significance of public awareness and advocacy in driving the adoption of digital economy initiatives and programs.

He pledged to effectively disseminate the strategic documents and action plans to ensure their successful implementation and attainment of the digital access program’s objectives.