Over the years, one thing that the tech ecosystem in Nigeria has succeeded in doing is to copy and replicate ICT solutions, the same way the advanced nations have adopted them.
This has been the primary reason why innovative tools, are only being found in the hands of the minority. The public see no need why they should utilize technology, because the services it provides does not serve their prior needs.
The Nigerian society is one where, poverty is still a major challenge, unemployment, traffic congestion, high rate of diseases, polluted environment, poor health condition, and much more. These are the kind of fate and issues that wake our people each dawn and keeps them awake late in the night.
However, technology which is noted as an enabler, a tool for change, must be channeled towards solving these needs. There is a need for our content creators, programmers, designers and the tech community as a whole, to start thinking local; building to meet the necessity of our people.
The tech sector is struggling today because it primary users is still teens, youths and tech enthusiast, of which the old controls a larger part of our nation’s wealth.
To cite a few of the things we need to do, we have to get:
- The farmers online; and use our services to boost food production.
- The native Doctors and Physicians online, to make health services accessible to access and affordable for all.
- Integrate our native languages into ICT and our services.
- The people in the City (urban) connected to those in remote (rural) areas, for secure communication and collaboration.
Only then will we have:
- My grandmother online, using our services to contact her doctor
- The Local trader, using digital marketing platforms to increase sales.
The good thing about this desired future is that there will be a great pull of wealth in the Tech ecosystem.
Let’s be indigenous, think local tech solution.
