Nigerian media, especially the Information and
Communications Technology (ICT) media subsector has been described as critical
stakeholders towards bridging MassChallenge in the country, reports ITREALMS.
“It’s truly a pleasure and privilege to have you because you
are a critical stakeholder in this Bridge to MassChallenge Nigeria Initiative,”
he said.
At NITDA, he said, they see COVID-19 as an opportunity to do
the big things never thought possible.
Stressing that they conceptualised this initiative to help
the Nigerian startups have a breakthrough, not a breakdown, during and after
the COVID-19 crisis, which is designed to identify and accelerate top startups
based in Nigeria and grow their businesses to serve the Nigerian and global
market.
“You may recall that as part of our 20th anniversary celebration,
we presented NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2021-2024 to you.
The plan was crafted in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and
Strategy (NDEPS) for a digital Nigeria. The NDEPS which was developed with the
vision of transforming Nigeria into a leading digital economy, providing
quality life and digital economies for all has been properly aligned with the
SRAP seven strategic pillars. These pillars are developmental regulation,
digital literacy and skills, digital transformation, digital innovation &
entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and promotion of
indigenous content.
“You may also recall that as part of NITDA’s achievements
for the past 20 years, we have, through our various initiatives, touched the lives
of more than 2.5 million Nigerians. The Agency has also contributed to
Nigeria’s exit from the recent recession. Most importantly, our innovation and
entrepreneurship initiatives have attracted more foreign investments into the
country’s digital economy. We have also created new economic industries such as
software, business process outsourcing and data protection, contributing to our
national economy significantly.
“A vibrant startup ecosystem is highly critical to the future of our country and it’s vital to finding solutions to our various challenges. Innovation is a prominent way of creating prosperity for all and lifting countries out of poverty. Considering this, NITDA and MassChallenge have partnered to catalyse and support a national startup community in Nigeria. MassChallenge is well known as a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators,” he said.
ITREALMS reports that earlier, the chief executive of MassChallenge, Ms Siobhan Dullea, also gave a welcome remarks, while Senior Manager, Global Partnerships, MassChallenge, Sunanda Narayan, who gave an overview of B2MC in Nigeria.Remmy Nweke/DoP
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