Sub-Saharan Africa is said to face critical
challenges for digital development, including underdeveloped digital infrastructure,
lack of assessable and affordable connectivity, a stubborn digital gender gap,
limited skills for digitally enabled industries and adequate regulatory and
policy environment.
Above were the words of Bayero Agabi, the Chief
Host and Convener of DigiVation Future Summit, Africa’s Premier gathering of
futurists which took place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja on the 22th of August,
2024.
According to Bayero Agabi, part of the
reason for the gathering was to find solutions to the myriad of challenges
bedeviling the digital development in Sub Sahara Africa.
He disclosed
that DigiVation Future Summit is a multi-sectorial event bringing together people
from diverse backgrounds to discuss issues reshaping today and future
economies. Speakers were drawn from political, governance, business and
technology space. DFS according to him, is West Africa’s most influential
business, governance and technology event where new road maps are discussed,
pathways chatted. “DigiVation Future Summit (DFS) provides a ground for
breakthrough technologies and ideas where enterprise and solution based
innovations are unveiled. It’s a platform for Africa’s biggest brands to do
business and meet new partners, sharpen innovation skills and knowledge. It is
a gathering of ideas, leaders and innovators for a better and greater
future. In summary it’s a platform to examine our tomorrow and ways of
making it better for all today.
“It’s a
platform that brings together Africa thought-leaders in academia, technology,
media content creators ICT, MDAs, policy makers, and the political class,
to discuss how the Niger delta region can benefit and engage the
unfolding future. The summit is a high-level event bringing top leaders
with forward thinking high level impact developmental mind together to forge a
new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard
the future,” he stated.
In his
contribution, Bayero Agabi, while calling on the discussants to deliberate
elaborately on issue of social media, urged the nation’s regulatory authorities
to monitor and regulate social media usage in the country. “I like to draw
attention to what I called social media influence on Africa and whether it
should be moderated or regulated. So far we have all seen the impact and
effects of social media becoming a platform for Africa to demystify its dark continent
narrative, empowering thousands through its economics, creating jobs for many
and opening many to the world.
“On the
negative side, social media has proven to be the best time-wasting platform
creating anti-social generation and negatively influencing African culture.
Check on your social media space today you will find nudity as culture than education
and skills development. On this I will state that it’s time for Nigeria to
moderate her social media space. If this is not done give it a short time the
social media space will regulate our lives.”
Mr Tim Akano, MD/CEO, New Horison, in his contribution, spoke on Leveraging
Policy and Governance to Accelerate Innovation for a Sustainable Future. He
called for provision of internet in
schools, saying that Access to free internet in schools is vital for
building digital literacy which is a cornerstone of innovation. “By providing
students with early exposure to digital tools and resources, we equip them with
the skills needed to thrive in a tech-driven economy. Drawing from the
Singaporean model, Nigeria can create an environment where students are
empowered to explore, create, and innovate from a young age, helping to bridge
the digital divide and prepare the next generation of innovators.
On Curriculum Reform he stated that the current
educational curriculum in Nigeria is heavily theory-based, often disconnected
from real-world applications. “Reforming the curriculum to emphasize practical,
problem-solving skills is essential. Education should focus on equipping
students with the tools to address Nigeria's immediate challenges, whether in
agriculture, health, or technology. This includes integrating subjects like
coding, entrepreneurship, and design thinking, making education more relevant
and directly applicable to the country’s development needs.
Akano disclosed that nurturing a thriving innovation
ecosystem is crucial. “It’s crucial to have a dedicated department focused on
promoting and marketing innovative ideas. This department would act as a bridge
between innovators and potential investors, helping to bring ideas to market.
It could also provide guidance on intellectual property rights and connect
innovators with global markets, ensuring that Nigerian innovations can compete
on the world stage. E.g. Israel has a department that market products globally.”
He said that Startups are the lifeblood of
innovation, but added that they often struggle due to lack of support. He
stated that Policies should be introduced to provide startups with access to
funding, mentorship, and resources. This could include government-backed
venture funds, tax incentives for investors, and incubator programs that offer
startups the necessary infrastructure and networking opportunities to scale
their businesses.
On Job Security and Economic Models (Dubai Model),
he said, “The Dubai model, known for its focus on job security and economic
diversification, can offer valuable lessons for Nigeria. By adopting similar
policies, Nigeria can create a more stable economic environment that encourages
innovation. This includes implementing labor laws that protect workers while
also promoting entrepreneurship, thereby attracting both local and foreign
investments.”
Akano disclosed that to stimulate innovation, Nigeria
should consider offering tax incentives or grants to businesses that invest in
research and development or create innovative products and services. These
incentives would not only encourage existing businesses to innovate but also
attract new ventures that contribute to the country’s economic growth.
He said that while internet access is essential, it’s
important to manage its use among minors to ensure it contributes positively to
their development. Regulated access, such as limiting usage to three hours a
day for those under 18 can help balance the benefits of digital learning with
the need to protect children from potential online risks. This approach
promotes responsible digital citizenship from a young age, encouraging
productive and
He also spoke on Cross-Sector Collaboration; Regulatory Frameworks,
wherein he said that the pace of technological change
requires adaptable regulatory frameworks that can keep up with new innovations
without stifling them. Nigeria, he said, needs to develop regulations that are
flexible, allowing for the rapid adoption of new technologies while
safeguarding public interest. This includes creating a regulatory environment
that supports emerging sectors like fintech, agritech, and renewable energy.
On Tech Hubs and Innovation Centers, he said “To foster
innovation, it’s important to develop tech hubs and innovation centers where
entrepreneurs, researchers, and students can collaborate and experiment. These
hubs would serve as incubators for new ideas, providing the infrastructure and
resources necessary for innovation to thrive. They would also facilitate
partnerships between academia, industry, and government, creating a vibrant
ecosystem of innovation.”
Akano added that robust
digital infrastructure is the backbone of a modern economy. Nigeria must invest
in building and expanding digital infrastructure such as high-speed internet,
data centers, and mobile networks to support the growth of tech-driven innovations.
This infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity but also enable new
business models and services that can drive economic growth.
The paper, ‘Preserving Cultural Identity in the
Digital Age: Navigating Globalization and Technology in Nigeria’ was delivered by
Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO, National Institute for Cultural
Orientation (NICO). He said that in an era where digital technology and
globalization are reshaping societies around the globe, Nigeria finds itself at
a critical crossroads. According to him, the question that looms large is
whether globalization, driven by digital technology, is undermining the nation’s
cultural heritage by encouraging the adoption of foreign cultures that may not
align with its values.
He
said “The transformation of our value systems and languages in Nigeria has been
significantly influenced by globalization, a process that began with British
colonialism. Unlike countries such as India, which resisted the imposition of
foreign cultures and celebrated their own, many Nigerian societies under
British rule gradually erased their cultural identities, embracing foreign ones
that are difficult to reconcile with our authentic cultural heritage.
“Our
legal system, for instance, is a reflection of this colonial legacy. The laws
we abide by are rooted in British norms, not reflective of our indigenous
cultures. This has resulted in a diminished focus on our cultural heritage, as
we are guided by foreign laws that impact our cultural and socio-economic
evolution.”
Otunba Biodun Ajiboye stated that this complex history
has also shaped the nation’s entry into the digital age. Without a clear
template to leverage digital technology for development, the nation faces the
challenge of creating local content that serves diverse population of over 220
million people, rich in culture and languages.
“We
must ask ourselves: How did countries like China and India and even Japan, who
were also colonized or conquered, manage to lead the technological revolution
without losing their cultural identities? The answer lies in their ability to
resist cultural imperialism and integrate technology with their cultural
values.
“In
Nigeria, we are at the mercy of globalization's forces, but we must recognize
that culture is dynamic. While globalization will continue to influence our
cultural structures, we must resist the temptation to discard our cultural
values. We need to engage with globalization and the digital economy as
opportunities to reprioritize and revitalize our cultural heritage.
“At
NICO, our mission includes exploring the connections between culture and
technology. We are committed to developing technological content within the
context of our diverse cultures, paving the way for socio-economic growth
across sectors.”
He
added that embracing globalization and digital technology does not mean
abandoning the cultural values. On the contrary, it means reworking the nation’s
engagement with globalization and using technology to advance the cultural
heritage.”
In
conclusion he said, “The relevance of digital technology in promoting our
cultures and building legacy institutions for future generations cannot be
overstated. By finding the nexus between digital innovation and our rich
cultural heritage, we can accelerate our collective prosperity and contribute
to the global cultural and digital landscape.”