Global South View: US Politicians Aren’t Saviors of Crypto; Innovation
Nigeria’s Plans for Blockchain and Tech Research Centers
(Originally posted on : Crypto News – iGaming.org )
A bold proposal was announced by NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuw, at the IoT West Africa Conference in Lagos. The goal of the plan is to set up research facilities in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The Internet of Things (IoT), robots, blockchain, additive manufacturing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and artificial intelligence (AI) will all be advanced by these facilities.
Inuw emphasized how the government is determined to help Nigerian entrepreneurs use these technologies to expand their efforts on product creation. As these new technologies are developed and refined, innovation sandboxes will be essential in helping to prepare the market for their release.
Empowering Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
Aligned with this initiative is NITDA’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program, aimed at equipping three million Nigerians with critical technical skills by 2027. This initiative aims not only to bolster domestic technological capabilities but also to enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Inuw also anticipates that these efforts will lead to an increase in foreign exchange remittances as skilled individuals trained under these programs seek opportunities abroad.
Shitij Taneja, managing director of Vertex Next, which organized the IoT West Africa conference, referred to Nigeria as “Africa’s next Silicon Valley.” He underscored Nigeria’s youthful demographic dividend and vibrant startup ecosystem as catalysts for its emergence as a technological powerhouse.
New players only. Exclusive 111% Welcome Bonus + 111 Free Spins
Taneja emphasized the conference’s role in showcasing Nigeria’s technological potential and attracting international investors keen on tapping into the burgeoning market.
Despite recent legal challenges involving a detained executive from a prominent crypto exchange, Nigeria remains committed to forging international collaborations, particularly in AI and blockchain technologies. The nation’s proactive approach, including the restructuring of the National Blockchain Policy Steering Committee (NBPSC), underscores its strategic focus on harnessing emerging technologies for economic growth.