TECHNOLOGY- Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday launched a $600 million programme for young Nigerians in the technology and creative sectors.
He also called on African governments and the private sector to do more to support the growth of innovation in the continent.
The Vice President spoke at the presidential launch of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
In his address at the event, the Vice President said the initiative is targeted at young Nigerians between the ages of 15 and 35 starting up innovative, creative, and technologically enabled businesses.
He added that with 180 businesses, Nigeria’s technology ecosystem accounts for over 30 percent of funded ventures in Africa.
Osinbajo challenged governments in Africa and the organized private sector to support the expansion of innovation on the continent.
He said: “It is now imperative to commence a coordinated approach towards innovation on the continent, bringing together all stakeholders to coordinate efforts at scaling up investments and building programmes that provide the right enabling environment and produce talent pipelines that support the growth of innovation on the continent.”
