In a significant move aimed at propelling Africa’s tech industry onto the global stage, Global Tech Africa (GTA), an initiative of the Future Map Foundation, has officially launched in Nigeria. The momentous launch took place in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.
GTA’s primary objective is to bring together African and international stakeholders in the tech industry, fostering collaboration, and unlocking growth opportunities to bolster Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem. The initiative has garnered support from various partners, including Business Sweden, Venture Garden Group, RivExcel Health, and several global tech giants, all eager to support the growth of Africa’s tech landscape.
Africa has rapidly emerged as a critical player in the global tech arena, boasting substantial innovation, talent, and new market opportunities in areas such as mobile technology, e-commerce, fintech, ag-tech, and the digital economy. The Director-General of NITDA, Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, highlighted the potential impact of GTA as a catalyst for Africa’s tech advancement, with Nigeria leading the way in driving the continent’s tech growth. Nigeria’s abundance of tech talent, favorable legislations, and policies position it as a strong contender to become Africa’s leading digital technology hub
The U.S. Consulate General in Lagos has been actively supporting Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, aiming to promote partnerships that advance technological progress and foster a robust U.S.-Nigeria trade and investment relationship. Recognizing Nigeria as a burgeoning center for tech talent and innovation, the U.S. Mission Nigeria is committed to collaborating with both U.S. and Nigerian tech companies to harness the vast potential in this field.
To kickstart GTA’s initiatives, a Summit is scheduled to take place in Lagos on July 25th, 2023, bringing together 300 tech stakeholders from the private, public, and development sectors. This Summit will pave the way for the GTA Conference, to be held in Lagos from November 17th to 20th, 2023.
Dr. Inya Lawal, President of Ascend Studios Foundation, and Abdulsalam Umar, COO of Future Map, the implementation partner for GTA, expressed their optimism regarding the initiative’s ability to attract support from various sectors. GTA aims to explore opportunities for tech infrastructure and investment, provide support for start-ups, and foster increased participation and growth of women and girls in the tech ecosystem.
The GTA Conference will provide a platform for stakeholders, including investors, regulators, consumers, academia, and the general public, to engage in discussions and explore opportunities for collaboration that will shape the future of Africa’s tech landscape. The conference will feature plenary sessions, breakout sessions, pitch competitions, exhibitions, sideline networking, and cocktail sessions.
Moreover, the event will shed light on the Nigerian Start-Up ACT and its offerings, fostering dialogue among investors, regulators, and entrepreneurs to explore investment and global partnership opportunities.
GTA’s launch in Nigeria is expected to offer a unique opportunity for consumers, enthusiasts, and the general public to interact with technology experts and practitioners. It will showcase the latest tech trends in Africa while providing insights into future innovations.
Mrs. Hadiza Umar fnipr, Head of Corporate Affairs and External Relations at NITDA, expressed excitement about the prospects of GTA and its potential to further strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and contribute to Africa’s technological growth. The collaboration between GTA, NITDA, and the U.S. Consulate General marks a significant milestone in propelling Africa’s tech industry to new heights on the global stage.
