Technology and innovation experts and enthusiasts have again reiterated that the promotion of indigenous software will redeem the country as it struggles to turn its economic fortune around.
Speaking during the recent Digital Agenda Forum 2023 in Lagos, thought leaders in Nigeria’s innovation and technology space made this case in different ways.
Bimbo Abioye, President of ISPON, and Group Managing Director of FinTrak Software in his compelling address titled ‘Understanding The Strategic Role of Software in Emerging Technologies and National Development,’ highlighted the crucial significance of embracing indigenous software for fostering national growth and economic stability.
Addressing a diverse audience of distinguished guests, Abioye emphasised the pressing need for Nigeria to pivot towards patronising indigenous goods and services.
He pointed out the detrimental impact of the country’s reliance on foreign products, underscoring the resultant increase in unemployment rates and the stifling of domestic economic growth.
“The ‘Japa’ syndrome continues to exacerbate the issue,” remarked Abioye, urging a shift towards supporting locally developed software as a means to generate employment for the country’s youth.
Citing the potential of the software industry to employ millions, he highlighted the disparity between Nigeria and countries like India, where technology firms have propelled significant employment opportunities.
Drawing parallels to India’s success in leveraging software for national growth, Abioye stressed the transformative potential of indigenous software across sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance.
He underscored the need for collaborative efforts among government, industries, and academia to create an environment conducive to the growth of the local software industry.
Joining the discussion, Amos Emmanuel, founder of Innovationbed, spoke on the urgent need for inclusive governance and the bridging of developmental gaps.
He highlighted Innovationbed’s role in establishing a tech-driven innovation ecosystem focused on addressing socioeconomic disparities and fostering home-grown innovation in Nigeria.
Innovationbed.Africa emerges as a key initiative driving innovation capacity development among the youth, governments, and institutions, aiming to construct a fairer, sustainable, and inclusive digital society crucial for the development of developing countries.
The programme underscores the urgent need for collective action and innovation across eight core economic sectors and emphasises the involvement of every individual and innovator to fuel Nigeria’s national development.
In the wake of these discussions, Don Pedro Aganbi, Managing Consultant, TechTV, convener of the Digital Agenda Forum, noted the imperative to embrace indigenous software as a driver of national development becomes increasingly evident.
He argued that the call to action resonates strongly – to support, promote, and invest in home-grown software solutions, heralding a technologically empowered future for Nigeria.
