Driving Nigeria’s Economic Growth through Global Partnerships in Innovation & Technology – My
Agenda at UNGA 2023 | Bosun Tijani , Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) serves as an annual convergence point for global leaders to deliberate on the myriad of challenges we collectively face and, more importantly, to co-create a future bolstered by unity and a shared vision. As Nigeria positions itself at the nexus of technological innovation and sustainable development, my attendance at several events on the sidelines of the 78th session of UNGA 2023 takes on profound significance.

For our great nation, this year’s UNGA presents an opportune moment to align our strategies, initiatives and aspirations with the global community. Ahead of the start of what will be a busy week with global leaders and partners, I would like to elucidate on the top priorities that anchor my participation:

1. Expanding the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF): Connectivity is a catalyst for progress. As we work towards bridging the digital divide, we seek partnerships that can boost the USPF. Our goal is to connect a vast number of unserved and underserved communities in Nigeria, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that every Nigerian benefits from the digital revolution.
2. Positioning Nigeria as a Hub for AI Training: Nigeria brims with a vibrant pool of talent, potential and innovation. We aspire to put Nigeria on the global map as a premier destination for AI model training. Not only does this promise significant job creation, but it also emphasises our commitment to enhancing the inclusivity and robustness of AI datasets. We envision capturing the nuances of dark data from the global south, ensuring that AI solutions resonate with a diverse spectrum of lived experiences.
3. Accelerating Economic Diversification through Technology: The agenda set forth by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, champions economic diversification powered by technological applications. Our mission at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is clear – catalyse the productivity of critical sectors using technology. To this end, we are in pursuit of partnerships that can increase capital inflow to Nigerian startups via Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), bolstering our entrepreneurial ecosystem and setting the stage for sustainable growth.

By collaborating with global leaders and stakeholders, we aim to bring forth a brighter, digital and inclusive future for Nigeria. It is an opportunity to reinforce our global ties, understand emerging trends and co-design pathways that can elevate the prosperity of our nation.

To a future built on partnerships, unity and innovation!