The Federal Government believes that the tech startup ecosystem in Nigeria is too fragmented, one of the situations which contributes to their plight.
With many tech startups springing up, developing solutions to solve problems, there is still inadequate support from the Federal Government despite its readiness to support the ecosystem.
“My advice for the startups is for them to be more united, stronger and consolidated,” says Ife Adebayo, Special Assistant on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Vice President’s Office.
Ife who spoke at the Facebook launch of NG-Lab in Lagos, expressed confidence that the Federal Government has money in its coffers to help the tech startups grow, but they must be united.
He said the Federal Government may not doll-out cash to support a single startup. “They have to be united before they can hugely tap the opportunities available.”
The startup ecosystem in Nigeria does not need cash alone to scale. Having the right policies and initiatives are paramount factors which must be considered.
“Being united will also influence the Government to develop and fine-tune policies that wil support the startup ecosystem. The coming together of the tech startups cannot be overemphasized. They just need to do that if they must attract the attention of the government.”
Earlier, Ife disclosed that the Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osibanjo is committed towards the development of technology in Nigeria having recently visited some of the hubs in Nigeria.
“We have developed quite a number of initiatives towards advancing technology in Nigeria. And we are committed to doing more for the country,” he said.
In partnership with CcHub, Facebook launched NG_Hub in Lagos today – its first hub space in Africa
As part of its commitment and ongoing investment in Africa, Facebook today unveiled NG_Hub in Lagos, Nigeria – its first flagship community hub space in Africa, in partnership with CcHub. In a week-long celebration which will bring together developers, start-ups, and the wider tech community across Lagos and Nigeria, the launch will showcase the new multi-faceted space which aims to bring together communities to collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas.
With creativity and excellence existing across all of Nigeria, Facebook also announced partnerships with seven other hubs across the country including in Abuja (Ventures Platform), Jos (nHub), Kaduna (Colab Hub), Kano (DI Hub), Uyo (Start Innovation Hub), Enugu (Roar Hub) and Port Harcourt (Ken Saro Wiwa Hub).
These will serve as centres of excellence and will feature dedicated Facebook spaces, where many of Facebook’s training sessions will take place, and a space where creatives and developers can book to help them advance their skills.
