SRAP 2.0: Renewing Nigeria’s Hope By Digital Prosperity and International Competitiveness, by Mubarak Umar

SRAP 2.0: Renewing Nigeria’s Hope By Digital Prosperity and International Competitiveness, by Mubarak Umar

In a world characterised by fast technological evolution and ever-increasing international interconnectedness, initiatives that leverage innovation to drive financial development and societal progress are extra important than ever. Throughout continents, governments, non-public organisations and people have embraced digital applied sciences to attach, collaborate, and innovate like by no means earlier than.

International locations all over the world have recognised the transformative potential of digital innovation and have launched into formidable initiatives to harness its energy for driving financial development and societal transformation.
Superior economies akin to america, Japan, and people in Western Europe view digitalisation as synonymous with financial competitiveness and innovation management. These nations boast of vibrant ecosystems of tech startups, world-class analysis establishments, and supportive regulatory frameworks that foster entrepreneurship and technological progress.
In Nigeria, one such initiative is the Nationwide Data Expertise Growth Company (NITDA’s) Strategic Roadmap and Motion Plan (SRAP 2.0), designed to spearhead Nigeria’s digital journey within the subsequent 4 years (2024-2027)
SRAP 2.0 emerged as a ‘Renewed Hope’ for Nigerians, promising to remodel economies by technological innovation whereas aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s redefined priorities, certainly one of which is ‘Speed up diversification by industrialisation, digitisation, inventive arts, manufacturing & innovation.’
By President Tinubu’s Eight Precedence Areas, Nigeria can see a imaginative and prescient for the longer term, one anchored within the rules of inclusive development and sustainable improvement. The Renewed Hope Agenda represents a complete roadmap for realising this imaginative and prescient, outlining strategic priorities and coverage measures aimed toward unleashing the total potential of the nation’s financial system and its folks.

Central to President Tinubu’s agenda is the popularity of know-how as a catalyst for financial transformation and social progress. On this context, SRAP 2.0 emerged as a pure ally, embodying a dedication to harnessing the ability of innovation to handle urgent societal challenges and unlock new alternatives for development and prosperity.
SRAP 2.0 additionally aligned with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Financial system’s strategic targets, to make sure that all its initiatives considerably contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital financial system technique. This alignment exhibits how SRAP 2.0 doc is seamlessly built-in with the Ministry’s strategic pillars: Information, Coverage, Infrastructure, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Capital, and Commerce.

The doc not solely embodies NITDA’s strategic objectives but in addition refl¬ects a synchronised effort with the Ministry’s imaginative and prescient, driving in the direction of a resilient, inclusive, and affluent digital Nigeria.
At its core, SRAP 2.0 represents a collaborative endeavour involving governments, companies, and educational establishments, united by a shared dedication to driving innovation-led financial improvement.
NITDA acknowledges the profound influence of the fast international digital transformation on economies and societies worldwide. In an period outlined by unprecedented technological developments, rising applied sciences akin to Synthetic Intelligence (AI), Large Information, and the Web of Issues (IoT) are reshaping the financial and social life at an unprecedented tempo.
The Company recognises the significance for Nigeria to not solely adapt to those modifications however to proactively place itself as a frontrunner in digital literacy and tech expertise improvement, guaranteeing that Nigerians are well-equipped to thrive within the digital period.
Furthermore, SRAP 2.0 locations a powerful emphasis on inclusivity and equitable entry to the advantages of technological progress. Initiatives to advertise range in STEM fields, help small and medium-sized enterprises, and bridge the digital divide are integral elements of the doc, guaranteeing that every one segments of society can take part in and profit from the innovation-driven financial system of the longer term.

SRAP 2.0 pillars particularly: Foster Digital Literacy and Domesticate Skills; Construct a Sturdy Expertise Analysis Ecosystem; Strengthen Coverage Implementation and Authorized Framework; Promote Inclusive Entry to Digital Infrastructure and Companies; Strengthen Cybersecurity and Improve Digital Belief; Nurture an Modern and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem; Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration; and Domesticate a Vibrant Organisational Tradition and an Agile Workforce in NITDA are crafted to construct a extra resilient, inclusive, and affluent financial system for generations to return.
Firstly, Foster Digital Literacy and Domesticate Skills will undoubtedly empower Nigerians with the data and abilities wanted in the direction of attaining a 70% digital literacy degree by 2027 by the implementation of the Nationwide Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF), and enhancing broad entry to digital schooling. It would additionally help the implementation of the three Million Tech Skills (3MTT) coaching initiative to organize Nigerian youth for international digital alternatives, aimed toward bridging the worldwide know-how expertise hole.

Secondly, a Sturdy Expertise Analysis Ecosystem offers a fertile floor for innovation to flourish. By supporting analysis establishments, universities, and know-how hubs, the nation can have an surroundings conducive to breakthrough discoveries and technological developments. This could result in the event of recent merchandise, providers, and options that handle urgent challenges and open up new alternatives for financial development and competitiveness.
Thirdly, Strengthen Coverage Implementation and Authorized Framework offers readability and certainty for companies, traders, and innovators working within the know-how sector. Clear and constant laws assist foster belief and confidence out there, encouraging funding and innovation. By collaborative coverage implementation, Nigeria is ready to create a regulatory surroundings that promotes innovation whereas safeguarding towards potential dangers and abuses.
Fourthly, Nigeria, like many different nations, faces a major digital divide, with disparities in entry to digital infrastructure and providers between city and rural areas, in addition to amongst completely different socio-economic teams. Selling Inclusive Entry to Digital Infrastructure and Companies will bridge this hole, and be certain that all residents have equitable entry to important digital assets and alternatives.

It units to deploy of blockchain options in MDAs to foster transparency and effectivity in governance, obtain 40% ladies digital inclusion, institution of digital studying centres and innovation hubs nationwide, promote 4th Industrial Revolution know-how options and skills into agriculture to spice up meals safety, enhance agriculture’s contribution to GDP, and drive financial diversification, and creation of know-how improvement zones by 2027.
Fifthly, Strengthening Cybersecurity and Enhancing Digital Belief will assist safeguard Nigeria’s important infrastructure. Enhanced cybersecurity capabilities will assist the nation fight cybercrime successfully, together with on-line fraud, identification theft, phishing scams, and cyberattacks focusing on people, companies, and authorities establishments.
The sixth pillar, Nurture an Modern and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem encourages creativity and problem-solving. It would nurture a tradition of innovation by supportive insurance policies, funding alternatives, and collaboration areas. It would encourage entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors to develop novel options to complicated challenges in numerous sectors, and entice funding to diversify the financial system.
It’s pivotal for advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic improvement and international competitiveness. Innovation and entrepreneurship are the engines of development, driving competitiveness and financial diversification. This strategic pillar goals to remodel Nigeria right into a hub for IT services and products, enhancing ICT’s contribution to the GDP and fostering a dynamic ecosystem that propels financial development.

The Seventh pillar, Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration is instrumental in advancing Nigeria’s digital financial system by leveraging the strengths and experience of various stakeholders. Strategic partnerships will assist the nation to faucet into the assets of worldwide organisations, multinational companies, and analysis establishments.
The Company intends to actively take part in six international platforms for coverage discussions and expertise publicity, showcasing Nigeria’s tech developments and coverage frameworks by 2027. It goals to boost partnerships and neighborhood engagement by 150% by 2027, fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation and inclusive improvement
Lastly, Cultivating a Vibrant Organisational Tradition and Nurturing an Agile Workforce are paramount to NITDA’s pursuit of organisational excellence. This pillar underscores the significance of fostering an surroundings that encourages studying, psychological security, and adaptableness, guaranteeing that the workforce is ready to satisfy the dynamic challenges of the digital age.

NITDA’s dedication to a studying and psychologically secure surroundings units it aside, enabling it to draw and retain high expertise whereas fostering a tradition of innovation and experimentation. This method not solely enhances worker engagement and productiveness but in addition positions NITDA as a frontrunner in organisational tradition throughout the public sector.
Nonetheless, the success of NITDA’s strategic roadmap will rely on efficient implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained political will as demonstrated by President Tinubu. As Nigeria embarks on this formidable journey in the direction of financial diversification, it can be crucial that every one stakeholders stay dedicated to realising the imaginative and prescient of a contemporary, resilient, and innovation-driven financial system.

Mubarak Umar writes from Abuja