The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched its Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship Scheme. The initiative which was disclosed in a statement by the agency is specially designed for Tech startups and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The Head, Corporate Affairs, and External Relations, NITDA, Hadiza Umar, explained in a statement that the scheme is targeted towards young skilled Nigerians. It will, however, enable the digital economy needed for the growth of the nation’s economy.
Furthermore, Mrs. Hadiza Umar went ahead and said, “It is part of Nigeria’s plan to create 100 million jobs in 10 years, and the program would be beneficial for ICT and tech startups in the nation. There is a need to build support systems that would help in reducing the barriers of entry for startups while increasing the capacity of hubs and startups to create new bankable products and services.
“NITDA initiated a scheme to provide opportunities for building the capacity of both hub owners and start-ups to ensure massive creation of technology entrepreneurs and jobs within the industry.”
The Objective Of The Scheme
The objective of the NITDA scheme is in sync with the Digital Economic Policy. It, however, ensures that skilled hub managers are given the necessary support and backup for tech startups, as well as build innovation ecosystems in their various industries.
According to the Head, Corporate Affairs, and External Relations, NITDA, “It will also build the capacity of hubs to support startups and build local innovation ecosystems, encourage innovation, increase technology and entrepreneurship skills among aspiring and existing entrepreneurs”.
It will please you to know that the local content will be created in Nigeria’s ICT space, which will be facilitated by the scheme. It will also help in rendering services, and jobs in the innovation and tech sector. However, in a bid to enable hub managers to train prospective managers for other regions, they’ll be required to sign agreements with NITDA, to cover infrastructure needs like the internet and power supply.
More so, participants will be matched with mentors and guided by coaches as they build out their products and services. At the end of the scheme, participants will be given the right of will to choose if they would like to get a job or begin a startup.
Meanwhile, those who sign up for the scheme will be placed in a six-month incubator programme. This will allow them to gain skills and work experiences needed to build a digital economy.
Deadline For Registration
The portal closes on the 24th of July. Hence, esteemed readers of entrepreneurs.ng who are Interested in participating are advised to apply before then.
Let’s create visibility for your brand today and put your business on the world map. Contact us today to make your brand the preferred choice among our audience of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
