NIDO Africa chair urges FG to support start-ups to drive digital economy growth

By Anan Geolengs

The Continental Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Africa, NIDO Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive steps to support startups to drive innovation and economic development.

Osakwe made the call on Friday in Abuja at the launch of i-SABI, an all-in-one digital lifestyle and commerce platform.

He said young innovators need guidance, funding and policy support to scale, and called on relevant government institutions to create access channels.

“When it comes to young innovators, I think the government has the capacity to support them. When this kind of startup comes out, they need guidance, they need support from the government and there are so many avenues through which the government can support,” he said.

“The Ministry of Trade and Investment, Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Bank of Industry should have ways of supporting startups like this. I think we are going to tap into it,” he added.

Osakwe, who chaired the event, said he identified with the project because it has the potential to change how Nigerians do business online.

“I can see a team of young dedicated Nigerians who have come together to change the way things are being done in terms of technology and that is one of the things that motivated me to want to work with them,” he said.

“I see young people who want to show the world, not just Nigeria, that technology can change things. i-SABI has come to stay and is seeking investors. We are not just waiting for the government; we are also looking for people that will invest in this innovative idea,” he added.

The developer of the application and CEO of Ayaweisoft Limited, Promise Ayawei, described i-SABI as a “super application” that combines fintech, social networking, e-commerce and entertainment on one platform.

“At i-SABI you can send money to family and friends, pay bills, buy airtime, order for rides and do so many things without logging out. This is what makes us stand out,” he said.

Ayawei said the app targets young people and students, noting that the adoption of technology among youths is increasing.

“You cannot capture the entire market, you have to create a niche. Right now our focus is on young people and students,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Community, Southern African Development Community Union, Kenneth Ihemekwele, commended the innovation and urged government to support local tech firms to enable them compete globally.

“It is not going to be easy for him, he is going to face many challenges but I am confident he is going to scale through. I encourage the government to support so that he can go far and compete with international tech companies,” he said.

Ihemekwele also urged young Nigerians with tech ideas not to give up on their dreams.