The article discusses the manifesto of Nigeria's President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and its implications for the country's tech ecosystem. While Tinubu's plans for the tech industry, such as job creation, talent outsourcing, e-commerce development, tech manufacturing, and blockchain adoption, are promising, stakeholders believe more needs to be done, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and enabling policies.

Infrastructure is highlighted as a crucial aspect that the Tinubu administration must address. The high cost of internet access in Nigeria is a major concern, with the country reported to have the least affordable internet in the world. Lowering the cost of data and addressing the electricity crisis are seen as essential steps to support the growth of the tech sector.

Stakeholders also emphasize the importance of getting policies right. While the Nigeria Startup Act, enacted under the previous administration, offers benefits such as tax breaks and funding opportunities, it has yet to be fully implemented across the states. Suggestions include granting tax holidays to startups and incentivizing startup hiring to encourage investment and growth. Some propose the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Startups to provide targeted support and resources to the sector.

Addressing the talent gap is another critical area of focus. Nigeria faces a shortage of tech talent, exacerbated by the emigration of skilled individuals. Investing in education, training programs, and research and development (R&D) hubs is crucial for developing the next generation of tech talent and sparking innovation. Strategic investments and financial aid to students learning in-demand skills can help boost the supply of tech talent.

In conclusion, while Tinubu's manifesto offers promising plans for Nigeria's tech ecosystem, stakeholders emphasize the need for the government to go beyond initial proposals and take bold and transformative actions to address infrastructure challenges, implement favorable policies, and foster talent development.

Read the article on TechCabal