By Joy Osaji
Key stakeholders in the country’s digital economy sector are set to converge at the forthcoming Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo) to dissect and stimulate effective implementation of Nigeria’s renewed agenda for digital economy.
PIAFo, now in its sixth edition, is slated for Wednesday, July 10 at Radisson Blu Hotels, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, with a thematic focus of: “Accelerating Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency”.
According to the organisers, the strategic plan of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation Digital Economy (FMCIDE) released recently by the federal government is the anchor policy for the forum as the strategic plan embodies Nigeria’s digital aspirations.
They noted that the current digital economy footprint puts Nigeria on track to attain many targets in years to come; adding that since PIAFo is an initiative designed to drive policies to fruition, the forthcoming conference underscores the need to leverage effective dialogue among relevant stakeholders to achieve the targets.
As such, the Honourable Minister of FMCIDE, Dr. Bosun Tijani is billed to deliver the keynote address while the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida and the Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju would make paper presentations.
Various other captains of industry are also prepared to champion dialogue at the forum by speaking to different topics and participating in panel sessions, according to the organisers.
Speaking on the forthcoming event, the Lead Executive at PIAFo, Mr. Omobayo Azeez, emphasised the need to ensure that the targets spelt out in the various digital economy policy documents do just remain on the pages of the papers.
According to him: “There are many targets before us and achieving them within the stipulated timelines is central to the aspiration of Nigeria to unleash a digital ecosystem essential for efficient modern economies, enhanced business operations, smart public services, and job creation.
“This is why we are devoting this year’s edition of PIAFo to this course to create a midpoint dialogue platform for digital economic policymakers, private sector players and relevant local and international bodies to cultivate coordinated efforts towards achieving the targets.”
Currently, Nigeria has standing targets of 70% broadband penetration rate by 2025; 80% population coverage by 2027; up to 500% increase in broadband investment by 2027; 22% increase in net GDP contribution; 100% surge in telecoms revenue to the coffers of the federal government by 2027; 50% improvement on Quality of Service by 2024 ending; and reduction in unserved population in rural areas to 20% by 2027.
Other targets include 100% increase in the number of startups that have access to incentives in Nigeria; 100% increase in the number of tech-enabled startups with access to procurement opportunities in Nigeria; ranking among top 50 countries in AI and creating over 50,000 jobs in Nigeria’s AI industry by 2030; attaining 70% digital literacy for youths and adults by 2027 and up to 40% women participation across all training initiatives; among others.
Powered by Business Metrics Limited, PIAFo has remained a platform that receives massive participation from players within the public and private sectors, international community, interest groups and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at every edition dedicated to creating conducive policy environment in Nigeria.
