GIZ Digital Transformation Center Nigeria (GIZ) and Innovation Support Networks (ISN Hubs) recently announced a call for proposals to support the establishment of Digital Innovation Hubs in Nigeria on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in Lagos.
The event saw a gathering of potential applicants from academia, business networks and industry associations, as well as startups and innovation hubs providing services to MSMEs in Nigeria.
Dr. Thuweba Diwani, Project Director at GIZ DigitalSolutions for Sustainable Development, presented the opening remarks which was followed by a keynote address by Barr Chioma Okee-Aguguo, representing the DG of NITDA.
Speakers at the event, which included dignitaries from many walks of life and government officials, included Dr. Chinyere Almona, DG, LCCI, who talked about supporting MSMEs in their economic contribution to Nigeria.
Mr. Bunmi Kole-Dawodu, the coordinator for SMEDAN in Lagos State, and Dr. Iyabo Philips, the permanent secretary of LASRIC, both spoke on the aforementioned subject.
The event featured a panel discussion about Digital Transformation for MSMEs with Teju Abisoye from LSETF, Bankole Oloruntoba from NCIC, Seyi Ogidiolu from GIZ, Dr. Wole Odetayo from Wennovation Hub, and Charles Emembolu from ISN Hub. Emmanuel Oladele, Technical Advisor of GIZ DTC, gave the DIH presentation and launched the website.
A collaboration of at least two organizations, such as universities, R&D organizations, innovation hubs, and industry groups, would make up each DIH business chamber, regional development organizations, and institutions of higher learning.
To engage stakeholders in the Nigerian innovation ecosystem in understanding the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) concept and spurring interest from potential DIH consortia to apply.
DTC Nigeria is collaborating with Innovation Support Networks (ISN Hubs), Nigeria’s national network of over 120 entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation hubs.
According to a study conducted in 2022 by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN in cooperation with the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, SMEDAN acting Director General, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, or MSMEs, contributed 43.31 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, or GDP.
Additionally, MSMEs provide 90% of the labor in Nigeria, thus it is necessary to incorporate digital transformation to support the industry.
Digital Innovation Hubs are a coordinated network of organizations with complementary skills and a public-benefit goal that provides businesses with a range of services and initiatives through a one-stop shop to help their digital transformation and innovation.
Each DIH would comprise a consortium of at least two organizations such as universities, R & D organizations, innovation hubs, and industry associations. chambers of commerce, regional development agencies and/or vocational training institutes.
Digital Innovation Hubs are a multi-partner consortium that offers structured access to digital and support services to MSMEs. Through experimentation and the use of digital technology, MSMEs can create more efficient business/production processes, goods, or services.
Interested individuals and organizations can apply here.
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