GITEX 2014 –NITDA leading Nigeria’s digital revolution

The Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2014 held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 12-16 has indeed come and gone, but the memories and opportunities created will linger.

Since GITEX launch in 1981 and its continued reputation as the biggest technology show in the Middle-east, Africa and South Asia, Nigeria for the first time played a very active and leading role.

Nigeria in GITEX 2014 was the Official Country Partner, and Nigeria’s exhibitors came under one exhibition pavilion, technology startups had the immeasurable opportunity to showcase their innovation to the world, and most remarkably Nigeria was positioned as a viable outpost for technology related investments.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the government agency set up by an act of parliament NITDA Act 2007, led by its vivacious and visionary director-general, Peter Jack made all these indelible achievements to happen. For an agency of government that is barely 7 years and a director general that is just less than one year in office, it must be noted that the records are legendary and a model of the place of strong institutions and visionary leadership in country governance.

Professor Barineme Fakae, vice-chancellor, Rivers State University of Science and Technology responding to questions from the media at GITEX 2014 Nigeria exhibition pavilion in Dubai World Trade Centre

In a region where Nigerians traverse mainly for trade purposes, it is inspiring that the Nigeria proved that beyond seeking for products emanating from other countries, it had its own products and innovation to offer the world.

With a huge population of about 170 million Nigerians, with up to 120 million having access to mobile phones and an internet using population getting close to 50 million Nigeria should be exciting technology investors. This message was clearly stated at the Nigerian Investment forum held in Dubai during the GITEX WEEK.

Interacting with a cross-section of Nigerian exhibitors, BD Start-Up Digest team deciphered that the education sector provides engaging attraction to technology start-ups and investments. While this is encouraging considering the need to improve learning processes in a country that still struggles to maintain quality delivery of learning across all education levels, other sectors should not be neglected by innovators.

Ambassador Mike Omotosho (with stretched hand) speaking while receiving a donation of Nigerian made computers, laptops and pads from NITDA delegation at the Nigerian Consulate House in Dubai,during GITEX 2014

Nigerian exhibitors generally expressed their satisfaction with the role NITDA played in bringing together exhibitors from the country under a single pavilion thus positioning the country better unlike the past participations that had Nigerian exhibitors stand on their own. However, they recognise that fixing Nigeria’s power issues will go a long way in boosting local and foreign technology investment.

IKENNA OBI