OVERVIEW
The Digital Transformation Center Nigeria (DTC Nigeria) supports Nigeria’s digital transformation by strengthening the country’s capacity to use digital innovation for inclusive economic growth. Co-funded by the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ, the project focuses on digitalisation, innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
DTC Nigeria works with public institutions, innovation ecosystem actors, MSMEs, start-ups, women and young people to improve access to digital solutions, strengthen the digital innovation ecosystem, and equip individuals and businesses with the skills needed to participate in the digital economy.
The project is implemented across Nigeria, with focus locations including Abia, Edo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Rivers and the FCT. Its priority sectors include green economy, trade, light manufacturing and the creative economy
Implementing Agency:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Implementation Period:
August 2021 – January 2028
Total Budget:
25.8 million EUR (BMZ, Denmark & EU Co-Fi)
Geographical Region:
Abia, Edo, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Rivers, and FCT
Key activities:
- Strengthening digital policy implementation through participatory policy processes, policy dialogues, design sprints and digital platforms such as the NITDA Rule Making Portal and the Digital Transformation Dashboard.
- Supporting MSME digital transformation by establishing Digitalisation Service Points with SMEDAN, strengthening digitalisation service providers and developing tools that help businesses assess and improve their digital maturity.
- Building the capacity of innovation support organisations, Digital Innovation Hubs, consultants and service providers to offer quality digital transformation support to MSMEs and start-ups.
- Promoting the development and deployment of B2B digital solutions by supporting start-ups, digital innovators and ecosystem partnerships.
- Equipping young people, women and entrepreneurs with digital, entrepreneurial and labour-market-relevant ICT skills to improve employability, business growth and participation in the digital economy.
- Supporting women-led businesses through mentoring, coaching and targeted capacity development initiatives.
Results
DTC Nigeria has contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem through the following results:
- 2 digital platforms developed to improve participation in policy processes: the NITDA Rule-Making Portal and the Digital Transformation Dashboard.
- 23 participatory formats conducted for policy implementation, including policy dialogues and design sprints.
- Participatory Policy Implementation Framework piloted in 5 states.
- 872 policy actors trained in innovative and administrative topics, with women representing 84% of participants.
- 5 Digitalisation Service Points established with SMEDAN.
- 85 digitalisation service providers strengthened, supporting over 1,200 MSMEs.
- 5 Digital Innovation Hubs established, 10 innovation support organisations upskilled, 50 digitalisation consultants trained and 10 Digitalisation Service Point officers strengthened.
- 29 B2B digital solutions further developed and 52 start-ups supported.
- 1,456 entrepreneurs trained in digital business processes and tools, with 84% female participation.
- 47% of trained entrepreneurs reported increased business revenue.
- 273 jobs created through supported entrepreneurship and digital business interventions.
- Over 6,000 young people trained in digital skills.
- 51 female mentors trained to support 57 women-led businesses.
