The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the Bank of Industry, has launched an initiative called the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE).
The program is designed to strengthen the country’s technology and creative sectors, with a specific focus on empowering Nigerian youth and fostering innovation.
Co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence française de développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), among others, iDICE aims to address critical challenges facing the tech and creative industries, such as limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and skills gaps.
The five-year program targets Nigerian youth aged 15-35, with plans to train and certify 175,000 individuals in various ICT skills, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Additionally, iDICE will enhance the capacity of 75 Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) and provide mentorship to small businesses, aiming to create over 800,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.
A key component of iDICE is its commitment to bridging the gender gap in STEM education, entrepreneurship, and venture capital access. By the end of the program, iDICE expects to have invested in the skills development, mentorship, and startup funding of over 80,000 women.
The initiative also plans to upscale national data centers, develop sandbox infrastructure, and establish an enabling regulatory framework to support the growth of early-stage technology-enabled businesses and creative ventures.
With a focus on sustainable job creation and youth empowerment, iDICE represents a significant step toward positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s digital and creative economy.
Interested Applicant can apply via:https://boi.ng/idice/
