The Convener of Startup Abuja, a leading organisation promoting new enterprises and the tech ecosystem in Nigeria, Mr Chigozie Ezugwu, has said the digital economy’s growth is projected to reach $300 billion by 2025 in Africa, and Nigeria’s startup capitalization valued at nearly $1.3 billion as of 2023.
Ezugwu, who stated this at the just concluded conference in Abuja with the theme: “Learn, Build, Collaborate: The Influence of Startups and Digital Skills on Nigeria’s Economy” in Abuja, called for sustained policy to create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
According to Ezugwu, the conference aimed at championing innovation and digital skills to propel Nigeria’s economy.
“There is need for sustained policy that will create the enabling environment for small businesses to thrive.
“That is why one of the key objectives of the conference is to explore catalysts for accelerating startup growth and examine the transformative influence of startups and digital skills on Nigeria’s economic development.
“We convened influential startups, non-profit leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states to facilitate a multi-stakeholder dialogue on emerging issues, challenges, and strategies for nurturing successful startups nationwide.
“The event sought to accentuate the federal government’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for small businesses and startups through initiatives such as the Young Initiative Builders, Agri-Tech Initiatives, and 3 Million Technical Talent Program (3MTT). “
Ezugwu said the conference reinforced the need for effective policy and startup incubation to harness these opportunities.
He said the conference brought together tech founders, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from across Nigeria to share ideas and experiences with Small and Medium Scale entrepreneurs and tech founders.
He expressed his commitment to positioning Startup Abuja as a premier platform dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the Nigerian startup sphere of influence.
The Director of Product Management at Google USA, Ms Erin Nardo who delivered an engaging virtual session on “Beyond National Borders: The Challenges and Triumphs of Taking Your Product Globally.” Talked about the complexities of scaling products internationally.
Erin harped on the importance of understanding diverse markets, and the strategies for overcoming cultural and regulatory challenges.
She said, “To succeed globally, startups must embrace cultural differences, adapt to local markets, and stay agile in the face of ever-changing global dynamics.”
The Head of Value Chain and Strategy at The Alternative Bank,Mr Peter Jigba delved into “Financing the Future: How Startups Can Build Effective Relationships with Banks” emphasized the importance of research, preparation, transparency, and communication.
Jigba urged startups to do their research, look for banks with a history of working with startups in their industry and leverage on them.
Blueprint Newspapers on WhatsAp-Join now!