Nigeria Appoints Tech Leaders to National Digital Innovation Council in Landmark Startup Act Implementation
In a significant move to bridge the gap between government policy and Nigeria’s burgeoning tech sector, four prominent startup ecosystem leaders have been appointed to the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NCDIE). The appointments, announced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), mark a crucial step in implementing the 2022 Nigeria Startup Act.
Through its Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), NITDA revealed that Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Victoria Manya, Charles Uchenna Emembolu, and Abba Ibrahim Gamawa will serve two-year terms as ecosystem representatives. These individuals were selected through the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF) to advocate for the startup community’s interests and contribute to the Act’s policy development and implementation.
The appointed representatives bring diverse expertise to the Council. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji leads Future Africa, a prominent Lagos-based early-stage venture capital firm. Victoria Manya co-founded the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), while Charles Uchenna Emembolu founded TechQuest STEM Academy and Roar Nigeria Hub, additionally chairing the Innovation Support Network. Abba Ibrahim Gamawa contributes his entrepreneurial experience as the founder of Go Agent Limited, a company connecting various stakeholders in the import-export sector.
The NCDIE operates under the direct leadership of Nigeria’s President as Chairman, with the Vice President serving as Vice Chairman. Other key members include the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the Central Bank Governor, NITDA’s Director-General, and representatives from professional bodies.
The Nigeria Startup Act, enacted in October 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, aims to create a comprehensive framework for tech startup growth. The legislation addresses critical areas including funding access, regulatory environment, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation, with the ultimate goal of establishing Nigeria as Africa’s premier digital innovation hub.
While this appointment represents progress, implementation challenges remain. The Act’s various provisions, including startup labeling, tax incentives, and funding mechanisms, are still in development. Industry observers note that successful execution will require addressing issues such as inter-agency coordination, resource allocation, and implementation capacity.
These appointments demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to including industry voices in tech policy development, though the effectiveness of this representation in driving meaningful change remains to be seen.
