The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a landmark partnership with Itana, the country’s first licensed digital economic zone operator, in a move aimed at boosting digital trade and attracting global tech companies to operate virtually in Nigeria.
Advertisement
According to a report by Saturday PUNCH, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, through the National Talent Export Programme (NATEP), entered the agreement as part of ongoing digital transformation and reform strategies under President Bola Tinubu's administration.
The initiative is centered around Itana’s $100 million digital zone project, backed by the Africa Finance Corporation. The project enables international companies to register and run virtual operations in Nigeria without the costs of physical office setups. It offers tech firms immediate access to local markets and talent pools.
Latest News
During a visit to Itana’s base in Lagos, Minister Jumoke Oduwole reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s digital growth. “Two years into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria is boldly charting a reform-driven path to inclusive growth,” she stated.
Oduwole added that Nigeria is strategically positioned to lead Africa’s charge in the global digital economy, noting the country's youthful, tech-savvy, and English-speaking population. The government hopes this model will generate over 100,000 high-value tech jobs in five years.
Advertisement
The CEO of Itana, Luqman Edu, said the partnership would help position Nigeria as the leading gateway for international tech expansion into Africa. “Africa has immense opportunities with digitally skilled young people. This agreement is key to unlocking those opportunities,” Edu said.
With this partnership, Nigeria aims to become the top jurisdiction for global digital service firms, reinforcing its role in Africa’s fast-growing digital landscape.
#NigeriaTech #Itana #DigitalTrade #TechInvestment #100KJobs #NATEP #FGPartnership #DigitalEconomy
Tags:
African Innovation
business
Digital Trade
Government Policy
Nigerian economy
Startups
Tech
Technology