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PIAFo Rallies Stakeholders to Dissect Pending NITDA Bill on April 13
Organisers of the fast-growing consultative event brand, Policy Implementation Assisted Forum (PIAFo), have dedicated the event’s next edition to robust engagement on the pending amendment bill of the National Information Technology Development Agency Act, NITDA Bill 2021.
The event, now in its fifth edition, is slated for Thursday April 13, 2023 at The Colossus Lagos, 4 Sheraton Link Rd, Maryland, Lagos, with the theme: “NITDA BILL: Towards the Sustainability of Nigeria’s Digital Economy Drive”.
The National Information Technology Development Agency was established in 2007 by the NITDA Act while the NITDA Bill 2021, now pending at the National Assembly, seeks to repeal and re-enact the NITDA Act of 2007.
NITDA is a key agency of the federal government under the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, developing and promoting ICT adoption in the country.
While Nigeria’s digital economy is estimated to have attracted over $4.4 billion investment in the last four years, organisers of PIAFo said the event has been designed to boost investments in the space and increase digital deliverables for Nigerians through productive stakeholder consultations to engender an environment for the sustainability of the digital economy drive.
PIAFo, an initiative of Business Metrics Nigeria, has been at the forefront of policy advocacy, policy implementation and policy assessment, especially in the ICT and telecoms sector, as it puts premiums on dialogue for socio-economic prosperity.
Speaking on the event, PIAFo Lead Executive, Omobayo Azeez, said “Nigeria’s digital economy has become a collective project for players across sectors in the public and private spheres. The ICT sector is a lifeline for the economy and this has been proven time and again through its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), among other ways.
“In the last quarter of 2022, the sector contributed 16.22% to the GDP, rising from 15.35% in the third quarter of the year. In fact, in the preceding Q2 of 2022, total ICT contribution to GDP was higher at 18.94%.”
Azeez, who doubles as Editor of Business Metrics Nigeria, further said that as the NITDA Bill 2021 proposes certain changes in a view to align with the ever-changing ICT sector, the need for robust consultative engagements with relevant stakeholders is imperative to ensure its seamless implementation and ensure efforts from all ends are integrated for the sustainability of the country’s digital economy drive.
“So, we have designed this forum as an avenue for constructive dialogue for concerned government agencies, players in the ICT and telecoms sector, legal experts and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country.
“The event is planned to be a full-day engaging discussion after which a detailed report shall be issued to reflect aggregate views expressed by discussants with their recommendations in the interest of growing our digital economy,” he added.
Organisations today face a data paradox: they need to make fast, intelligent decisions but are overwhelmed by large volumes of often unreliable information. With over 75% of business leaders under pressure to prove data’s value, the demand for trusted, actionable insights has never been greater.
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“Tableau Next helps businesses achieve faster, more impactful results with their data,” said Ryan Aytay, CEO of Tableau. “We’re shifting from basic reports to a world where AI is a collaborative decision-making partner. By combining AI agents with trusted data and easy-to-use tools, we’re making data accessible to everyone and transforming the data-to-action process into an automated, proactive, and insight-driven cycle. This empowers users to improve decision-making, boost efficiency, and manage risk more effectively.”
Chinese-founded e-commerce platforms Temu and Shein have announced upcoming price increases for U.S. customers, citing higher operating expenses due to tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration.
These tariffs include a 145% import tax on most goods made in China and the elimination of the “de minimis provision,” which previously allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.
The changes, effective May 2, have disrupted the business models of both companies, known for their ultra-low prices and extensive digital marketing campaigns.
Temu and Shein, which specialize in affordable products ranging from clothing to electronics, have urged customers to shop before the price adjustments take effect.
The companies aim to minimize the impact on consumers while adapting to the new trade rules.
These developments come amid concerns from U.S. lawmakers and business groups about the competitive advantage of inexpensive Chinese goods and the potential entry of counterfeit products through the now-canceled exemption.
Google has opened applications for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, a three-month initiative designed to support early-stage startups using artificial intelligence to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Across the continent, startups are demonstrating how local innovation can solve deeply rooted problems. In West Africa, Crop2Cash – an agritech platform and alumni of the program – is using AI to digitally onboard smallholder farmers, build their financial identities, and provide them with access to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools.
Through these efforts, Crop2Cash is improving agricultural outcomes and unlocking economic opportunity for farmers who have long been excluded from formal systems—illustrating the kind of impact that’s possible when African startups receive the support they need to scale.
The Accelerator is open to Seed to Series A startups based in Africa that are building AI-first solutions. Startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation. Selected participants will receive:
Dedicated technical mentorship from Google and industry experts
Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
Access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators
Workshops focused on technology, product strategy, people leadership, and AI implementation
AI’s potential to accelerate Africa’s development is real, and Google is investing in ensuring that African startups lead that charge. According to McKinsey, AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, but only if bold innovation is supported at the grassroots.
“Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google.
“This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.”
Since 2018, the program has supported 140 startups from 17 African countries. These alumni have raised more than $300 million in funding and created over 3,000 jobs. Many are now regional and global leaders in their categories.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Startups interested in participating can apply at: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa
For further information and updates, visit the Google Africa Blog or follow @GoogleAfrica on social media.
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