Nigeria pushes homegrown tech to boost digital independence

Nigeria is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on foreign software by fostering the development of homegrown technologies. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is spearheading this initiative, urging increased investment in local innovations.

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Through this hackathon, we are transforming Nigeria from a passive importer of foreign software into a creator of locally engineered assistive technology that serves the ability of all its citizens.

At the recent NCC Hackathon Live Show in Abuja, innovators presented a range of technology solutions designed to assist persons with disabilities and other digitally excluded Nigerians. These solutions, including AI-powered speech-to-text, voice-enabled public platforms, and accessible USSD solutions, are seen as crucial building blocks for achieving technological self-reliance.

Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized the need to transform Nigeria from a passive importer of foreign software into a creator of locally engineered assistive technology. He stressed that investing in a homegrown, universally accessible codebase would ensure Nigeria's digital economy remains operational, secure, affordable, and responsive to local realities, making it less vulnerable to external shocks.

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By investing in a homegrown, universally accessible codebase, we guarantee Nigeria’s digital economy remains operational, secure, affordable, and responsive to Nigeria’s realities, immune to external shocks.

The NCC is calling on venture capitalists, telecommunications operators, and state governments to provide the necessary investment and partnerships to bring these innovations to fruition. Maida urged stakeholders to view the innovators not just as contestants but as potential founders, partners, and vendors, encouraging them to invest in accessible prototypes to combat digital exclusion.

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We ask you not to view these innovators as contestants, but as future founders, future partners, and future vendors.

The urgency for locally relevant technologies is underscored by the millions of Nigerians at risk of exclusion as economic and social activities increasingly move online. The NCC highlighted that approximately 25 million Nigerians experience some form of disability, and if digital products are not designed with accessibility in mind, they could be excluded from essential services like education, employment, financial services, and healthcare.

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We encourage you to step forward, invest in these accessible prototypes, and help us remove digital exclusion.