‘There are more opportunities to transform Nigerian industries’

Technology giant, Microsoft has disclosed that Nigeria has more opportunities to transform her industries digitally, which, it believes would impact positively on the African continent.

Besides, the company also revealed that Nigeria remains an important innovation hub influencing the digital transformation of the entire sub-region.

These were the submissions of the Regional Director, Microsoft 4Afrika, Amrote Abdella, at media roundtable to mark the fifth year of its 4Afrika Initiative in Lagos.

Abdella said: “In the context of Africa and industries, Today you talk a lot about digital transformation and the growth recovery plan that Nigeria has, look at Kenya, it’s 2030 vision and other plans, all of it in terms of economic growth and development is embedded on the economy transforming which is creating more opportunities in terms of becoming competitive.

“We are working on optimising the skillset that Africa has today so that we are future proof ready for the transformation that will happen across industries with the technological advances that are happening, ” she said.

According to her, Nigeria is an important innovation hub; one which is largely influencing the digital transformation of West Africa.

“As technology becomes a larger part of our lives, businesses and industries, it’s essential to ensure meaningful and inclusive adoption.

This can only be achieved by ensuring that youth, entrepreneurs and governments have affordable access to the Internet, relevant digital skills and opportunities for innovation.

Our three-pronged approach is empowering every person and organisation to take advantage of the technological age.”

However, in partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), 4Afrika is supporting entrepreneurs in the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in Nigeria and across the continent.

This support includes providing access to cloud-based software, new markets, technical and business training, and 1:1 mentorship. Start-ups in the programme can also apply to receive certified interns, who spend up to six months assisting with day-to-day operations.

The Initiative has also partnered with local innovation hubs, accelerators and SME enablers to include AfriLabs, DEMO Africa and Seedstars offering support and training, and identify high potential start-ups for investment.

Some of the Nigerian start-ups 4Afrika has invested in include Gamsole, MyMusic and SpacePointe.

The 4Afrika Open4Business programme recently launched in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (MITI).

MITI is working with Microsoft to digitally transform the delivery of services to Nigeria’s investor community.

MITI are vested in reducing the complexity, time and cost of complying with business governance and regulations, creating a more agile and investment-friendly environment and accelerating the pace of job creation.