Industry experts across Nigeria, on Wednesday, emphasized the crucial role digital entrepreneurship plays in driving the country’s economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
The experts who spoke at the Abuja Digital Entrepreneurship Drive (ADED) Launch of the Africa Business Hub, also highlighted the vast potential of digital entrepreneurship to transform the nation’s economy and position it for global competitiveness.
At the event in Abuja, Amb. Ego Phillips, Founder of i-Dreams World, explained that the Africa Business Hub as a digital platform is designed to connect buyers and sellers across Nigeria and Africa.
She noted that 600 participants have successfully completed a hybrid training program focused on digital entrepreneurship skills.
Phillips said: “We emphasized the power of digital platforms in driving youths entrepreneurship and showcasing Nigeria as a futuristic nation.
“Our focus is on empowering individuals to start small businesses from the comfort of their homes and scale them globally using digital tools.
“We urge entrepreneurs to leverage digital platforms to improve their businesses and increase earnings. The goal of entrepreneurship is to make money and sustain growth.”
In his address, the Mandate Secretary for Education of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Danlami Hayyo, said that the program
aims to foster innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.
Hayyo, who was represented by the Director of FCT Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Olobashola Kolawole, said: “Entrepreneurship is a process of designing, launching and running a new business seeking to address a specific market need, it also plays a vital role in driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to economic growth.
“However, it should be noted that it requires specific skills to create the desired innovative solutions, products and services. The world is now being driven by technological advancements and for any nation to thrive, her ideologies must key into this fast move to ensure global competitiveness.”
However, the Director of FCT Department of Mass Education, Hajia, Hajara Alayanda, emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s economy lies in digital entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Secretary General, National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Lateef Olagunju, reminded participants that addressing economic disparities and poverty requires embracing digital entrepreneurship
Olagunju said: “Dear participants, in order to close the wide gap of economic disadvantage and poverty in our present age, digital entrepreneurship, which is the practice of using digital technologies, platforms, and business models to create and manage entrepreneurial ventures, remains very relevant.
“The shift towards digital entrepreneurship has sparked a wave of creativity and ingenuity, reshaping the way businesses operate and opening doors to unprecedented possibilities.”