Nigeria has established a Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk to enhance the nation’s technology exports and bolster the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), who announced during an inaugural trade mission to the United States, says the initiative was launched by his Ministry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment (FMITI).
This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment (FMITI), aims to enhance Nigeria’s technology export capabilities and bolster the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
“Trade, which is the 5th pillar of our strategic blueprint, represents an opportunity for us to promote Nigerian technology export,” Dr. Tijani says. “The launch of the Trade Desk provides a strong foundation to offer bespoke support to local technology companies, enabling them to access and compete in markets across Africa and around the world.”
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy
Minister: Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk will support local technology firms
The Minister emphasises the significance of the establishment of the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk as part of a broader strategy to promote Nigerian technology on the global stage.
“Trade, which is the 5th pillar of our strategic blueprint, represents an opportunity for us to promote Nigerian technology export,” Dr. Tijani says. “The launch of the Trade Desk provides a strong foundation to offer bespoke support to local technology companies, enabling them to access and compete in markets across Africa and around the world.”
Nigeria’s technology sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, contributing between 14% and 18% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, there remains significant potential for expansion.
The new Trade Desk is expected to increase this contribution to 21% within three years while also amplifying annual funding for Nigerian startups from $1 billion to $5 billion during the same period, according to the Minister, who notes that the initiative seeks not only to foster innovation and entrepreneurship but also to enhance global competitiveness.
This, Dr. Tijani says, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s overarching goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy underpinned by innovation, investment, and international trade.
Under the plan, the Minister says that the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk will provide a comprehensive suite of programmes aimed at supporting local tech firms. This includes partnerships with industry stakeholders, policy-driven interventions, and tailored support services designed to facilitate easier access to international markets.
“The establishment of this desk is critical for improving Nigeria’s position in the Economic Complexity Index (ECI), showcasing our commitment to diversifying trade and advancing our standing in the global digital economy,” Dr. Tijani explains. “We are dedicated to creating an environment where innovation can thrive.”
The Desk is expected to become operational over the coming weeks, with Tijani inviting feedback on a whitepaper titled “Growing the Contribution of the Technology Ecosystem to Nigeria’s GDP – A Case for the Technology Export and Digital Trade Desk.”
According to the Minister, “we welcome your thoughts and feedback on this document as we work towards realizing our vision for a more robust technology sector.”
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