The Federal Government has announced a ₦12 billion investment in digital economy research to strengthen innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth for Nigerian businesses and MSMEs.
Unveiled by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, the initiative aims to position Nigeria as a leading digital innovation hub by funding research across three clusters — Artificial Intelligence, Connectivity and Infrastructure, and Digital Skills and Literacy.
The programme, anchored by six universities per cluster, will drive collaboration between academia, startups, and MSMEs to develop homegrown solutions that improve efficiency, expand broadband access, and boost digital literacy among young entrepreneurs.
Dr Tijani noted that empowering local researchers and innovators will accelerate technology adoption within the MSME sector, reduce reliance on imports, and open new markets.
By aligning education, research, and enterprise development, the ₦12 billion digital research fund reinforces the Tinubu administration's commitment to building a knowledge-based economy where innovation drives small business competitiveness and inclusive growth.
