The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Uniccon Group of Companies have signed a partnership to develop and enhance the growth of local content in Nigeria’s technology space.
The partnership, part of the Federal Government’s effort in promoting local content, will see NITDA and UNICCON – the company that recently unveiled Africa’s first humanoid robot, ‘Omeife’ – collaborate to promote local content in Nigeria. The partnership will focus on capacity building, skills development and the creation of an enabling environment for local content producers and developers.
Also, the collaboration will provide support to local startups and SMEs in the technology industry by offering funding, mentorship and other forms of assistance to help them compete globally. During the signing ceremony, the director-general of NITDA, represented by the head of its legal unit, Barr. Emmanuel Edet, recalled that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami’s had called on the agency to work with Uniccon Group to commercialise ‘Omeife’ after its unveiling by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in December 2022.
NITDA’s director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, stated that leveraging Omeife would enhance digital literacy penetration in the country, provide a platform for shared knowledge in Pidgin, Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba and expand Nigeria’s indigenous content exposure internationally. He further emphasised the need to support local startups and companies to compete globally, which would enhance Nigeria’s digital economy.
The chairman, Uniccon Group, Mr. Chuks Ekweme, commended the Nigerian government’s policies and initiatives towards digital transformation. Ekweme assured the government of the company’s support in implementing the policies and initiatives that will contribute to the growth of the country. He also emphasised the significance of AI in Africa and the need for Nigeria to take a leading position in AI development by 2030.
The signing of the MoU is a crucial step towards promoting and enhancing local content in Nigeria and positioning the country as a leader in AI development.
