In a bid to unlock growth opportunities and build the tech ecosystem in Africa, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos has launched the Global Tech Africa (GTA).
The GTA, an initiative of the Future Map Foundation, aims to bring together African and international stakeholders in the tech industry. Among other partners are Business Sweden, Venture Garden Group, RivExcel Health and other tech giants from around the world.
Africa is increasingly playing a critical role in the global tech ecosystem, offering innovation, talent and new market opportunities in areas such as mobile technology, e-commerce, fintech, ag-tech, and the digital economy. The director-general of NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi emphasised the potential that GTA can bring to Africa, with Nigeria playing a significant role in driving the growth of the continent’s tech ecosystem. “Nigeria’s tech prowess ignites a flame of innovation that illuminates Africa’s path towards a prosperous digital future, fostering job creation and driving economic growth across the continent. Leveraging Nigeria’s youthful and tech-savvy population, favourable legislations and policies, the country is well positioned to become Africa’s leading digital technology hub,” he said.
The U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens, highlighted the United States’ role in providing an enabling environment for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, stating, “The U.S. Mission Nigeria will continue to promote partnerships that advance the development of Nigeria’s tech and startup ecosystem to catalyse technological progress and promote a more robust U.S.-Nigeria trade and investment relationship. Nigeria is rapidly being recognised by global tech companies as a centre for tech talent and innovation, and the U.S. Mission is committed to working with U.S. and Nigerian tech companies to harness this great potential”.
The GTA Summit is set to take place in Lagos on July 25, 2023, with 300 tech stakeholders from the private, public and development sectors attending. Following the summit, the GTA Conference will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, between November 17 and 20, 2023.
The president of Ascend Studios Foundation, Dr. Inya Lawal and the COO of Future Map, Abdulsalam Umar both spoke about the opportunities GTA will provide to participants and attendees, expressing that GTA will attract support from various sectors to explore opportunities for tech infrastructure and investment, start-up support, grants/seed investment and increased participation and growth of women and girls in the tech ecosystem.
The head of corporate affairs and external relations at NITDA, Mrs. Hadiza Umar stated that the GTA conference would provide a platform for stakeholders, including investors, regulators, consumers, academia and the general public, to engage in discussions and explore opportunities for collaboration to shape the future of Africa’s tech landscape. The conference will include plenary sessions, breakout sessions, pitch competitions, exhibitions, sideline networking and cocktail sessions.
With a focus on the Nigerian Start-Up ACT and its offerings, the GTA summit and conference will provide a platform for investors, regulators and entrepreneurs to explore investment and global partnership opportunities.
GTA aims to provide a platform for consumers, enthusiasts, and the general public to engage with and learn from technology experts and practitioners, showcasing the latest technology trends in Africa and providing insights into future trends and innovations. The conference holds promise for driving Africa’s tech growth and positioning the continent as a major player in the global tech industry.
