India: Why We’re Partnering Nigeria on ICT Devt

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Indian High Commission in Nigeria has cited Nigeria’s huge potentials as well as her position as a gateway to other African countries as some of the reasons for partnering Nigeria in the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

India’s High Commissioner, Nagabushana Reddy, who stated this in Abuja during a media parley on the 4th edition of India-Africa ICT Expo 2018, commended Nigeria for given ICT top priority in her developmental pursuit.

“The holding of the 4th Edition of the Indian-Africa ICT Expo is reflective of commitment of India to engage with African countries to promote use of ICTs in national economic development. The choice of Lagos for this event for a second time is a recognition of the vast potential that exist in Nigeria, and also of its importance as a gateway to the West Africa and other parts of Africa”, he said.

He described Africa as one of the fastest growing markets worldwide and stressed that India and Africa are set to forge closer cooperation in a determined effort to accelerate growth in ICT, “with a view to boost economies through greater penetration and use of advanced technologies and services.”

According to the envoy, ICTs would offer huge business opportunities for local entrepreneurs and start-ups to pitch their solutions and products to over 50 Indian companies who would be participating in the expo.

He stated that the event would be a platform for the building of synergy among India and African countries to showcase innovative and diversified products and services, adding that it will also bring together thought leaders across the entire ICT value chain to discuss solutions, regulatory issues as well as business.

“The event should bring together over 300 companies/delegates from India and Africa for the conference and attract over 3,000 visitors for the exhibition”, he said.

Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, who commended India for supporting the development of ICT in Nigeria, said the event was important to Nigeria as it was aimed at replicating India’s successes in the ICT in Nigeria.

“Nigeria being the fastest growing ICT market and with a young population that have capacity and innovative mind, we stand to partner and learn from India”, he said.

The minister added that the event would enable Nigeria’s start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses to form partnerships with their foreign counterparts as well as pitch their innovative creations for public/commercial acceptance.