Stakeholders seek policy alignment to drive Nigeria’s digital growth

Stakeholders have called for stronger policy alignment and increased investment to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation and unlock opportunities within the technology ecosystem.

They made the call on Tuesday at a press conference in Lagos ahead of the Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the summit will hold from June 2 to June 5 at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

Ms Inga Stefanovic, Head of Section, Green and Digital Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria, said coherent policies and coordinated investments were essential to driving sustainable growth in the digital economy.

She said the summit would provide a platform for high-level discussions on regulatory frameworks, innovation and digital infrastructure.

“Aligning policies with industry needs will unlock investment flows and support business growth within the sector,” she said.

Stefanovic noted that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and digital platforms required deliberate policy support to maximise economic impact.

She added the summit would promote collaboration among public institutions, private sector players and development partners.

“Beyond discussions, the platform will facilitate business engagements and partnerships that translate into concrete outcomes,” she said.

She said the European Union would continue supporting Nigeria’s digital transition through funding, technical assistance and enterprise-focused partnerships.

According to her, previous editions recorded job placements and business linkages, underscoring the need to sustain such initiatives.

Co-Convener of the Summit, Mr Charles Emembolu, said the event would address gaps across policy, investment and innovation within digital and creative industries.

He said the summit would bring together stakeholders to explore opportunities and develop practical solutions to ecosystem challenges.

“The summit will feature plenary sessions, exhibitions, networking engagements and specialised discussion rooms to deepen interaction,” he said.

According to him, marketplaces and connection hubs would enable startups, investors and businesses to engage and close deals.

Emembolu said no fewer than 20,000 participants were expected, including representatives from government, private sector, development organisations and the creative industry.

He added that pre-event engagements and policy roundtables would help shape discussions and outcomes at the main summit.

According to him, the National Theatre venue reflects the scale and ambition of the summit, with capacity for large, simultaneous activities.

The summit provides a platform for engagement among development partners, government institutions, regulators, academia, startups and industry players.

It aims to strengthen policy dialogue, encourage investment and promote innovation while addressing infrastructure, governance and economic transformation challenges.