Nigeria's Tech Startup Ecosystem Gains Voice in Government with New Appointments
Nigeria has taken a significant step towards fostering its tech-enabled startup ecosystem. The Nigeria Startup Act, signed into law last October, has led to the formal appointment of four startup ecosystem representatives to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE).
The four representatives, elected through the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) for two-year terms, are Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Victoria Manya, Charles Uchenna Emembolu, and Abba Ibrahim Gamawa. They will join the Council, chaired by the President, alongside the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and representatives from relevant professional bodies.
Their role involves contributing to achieving the Nigeria Startup Act's objectives. This includes formulating policy guidelines and monitoring their implementation, promoting inclusivity, and driving tangible economic and social impacts. The appointments signal Nigeria's commitment to giving the startup ecosystem a voice in policymaking and operationalising the Startup Act's key promises.
The formal appointment of these representatives is a crucial step, but the real test lies in translating that into meaningful influence and actual impact on the startup ecosystem. The startup ecosystem eagerly awaits the outcomes of this collaboration between the government and the private sector.
