GITEX 2020: NITDA to Open Portal for Start- Ups Application Submission

…Inaugurates Local Organising Committee

In preparation for the 40th Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, GITEX 2020 taking place in Dubai, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has revealed that its portal for submission of application by start-ups will soon open, as it encourages the participation of Nigerian youths with innovative ideas.

NITDA noted that the start-ups are expected to come up with innovations in areas of 5G, Artificial Intelligence, Transportation, Digital Economy, Cybersecurity, and Block-Chain Technology.

GITEX which is an annual Information Technology event is the largest physical event in this era, with up to 140 countries in participation. Start-ups from 90 countries, exhibitors from 80 countries, and 26 sectors are to be represented.

The agency also inaugurated the Local Organising Committee for Nigeria’s participation at GITEX 2020, taking place in Dubai.

The Director General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, represented by Director Human Resources and Administrations, Dr Idris Yelwa, said at the meeting that Nigeria is set to leave its mark at GITEX 2020; as it is ready to take the global start-up and innovation ecosystem by storm.

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He stated that the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) being organised by Nigeria, one of the conferences to take place during the event is aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and exposing Nigerian start-ups to the global market.

The Director Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr Agu Collins Agu, represented by Dr Mohammed Agbali, said the essence of constituting the committee is to deliberate on what Nigeria’s participation will bring back to the country in terms of revamping the economy.

He added that as a country, it is important for Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the exhibition.

The committee comprises of representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments Agencies especially in telecommunication and technology sector.