Building Digital Bridges: Nigeria's iDICE Initiative for Creative Hubs
May 15, 2025, 5:06 am
Location: France, Ile-de-France, Paris
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1941
African Development Bank Group
Location: Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1964
In the heart of Nigeria, a digital revolution is brewing. The Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme is set to reshape the landscape of entrepreneurship and innovation. This initiative, backed by the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank, aims to ignite the creative spirit within Nigerian universities and polytechnics. The goal? To foster a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures young talent and propels economic transformation.
The iDICE Programme is a beacon of hope. It seeks to promote entrepreneurship, boost innovation, and create jobs. By harnessing the power of technology and creativity, it aims to enhance social development and drive economic growth. This initiative is not just about funding; it’s about building a sustainable future for Nigeria’s youth.
At the core of this initiative lies the need for Aggregators for Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs). These aggregators will play a pivotal role in administering digital and creative hubs across the South South and North East regions of Nigeria. They will serve as the linchpin, connecting universities and polytechnics with the resources and expertise needed to thrive in the digital age.
The first component of the iDICE Programme focuses on Skills and Enterprise Development. This is where the magic happens. Young people aged 15 to 35 will gain access to learning and upskilling opportunities. They will be equipped with the tools to launch their startups and turn their ideas into reality. The aim is to create “Centers of Excellence” that will serve as incubators for innovation.
Imagine a Virtual Reality Learning Centre designed for senior secondary school students. This hub will accelerate learning outcomes, making education more engaging and interactive. Picture a Gaming Hub, established in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, where creativity meets technology. These spaces will not only foster skills but also inspire a new generation of creators and innovators.
The aggregators will be tasked with developing criteria for selecting ESOs. They will coordinate the application process, ensuring that only the most qualified organizations are chosen to partner with universities. This meticulous selection process is crucial. It ensures that the right expertise is matched with the right institutions, creating a synergy that will drive success.
Monitoring and evaluation will be key components of this initiative. The aggregators will oversee the performance of ESOs, ensuring that they deliver on their promises. Regular reports will be generated, providing insights into the effectiveness of the programme. This data-driven approach will allow for continuous improvement and adaptation.
The qualifications for potential aggregators are stringent. They must have at least five years of experience in administering innovation hubs and enterprise support projects. A deep understanding of the Nigerian technology and creative ecosystem is essential. The ideal candidates will have established networks with local and international industry players, ensuring that they can leverage resources effectively.
The call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) is now open. Consultants and firms are invited to submit their proposals, showcasing their strengths and relevant experience. This is a chance for organizations to step into the spotlight and contribute to Nigeria’s digital future. The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2025, and interested parties must act swiftly.
This initiative is not just about technology; it’s about people. It’s about empowering the youth of Nigeria to dream big and achieve their goals. The iDICE Programme is a catalyst for change, transforming the way young people engage with technology and creativity. It’s a chance to build a brighter future, one hub at a time.
As Nigeria embarks on this journey, the world watches with anticipation. The potential for growth and innovation is immense. With the right support and resources, the digital and creative sectors can flourish. This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria, a chance to harness the power of its youth and drive economic transformation.
In conclusion, the iDICE Programme represents a significant step forward for Nigeria. It’s a bold initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between education and entrepreneurship. By fostering a culture of innovation, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in the digital economy. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. The journey has just begun, and the world is ready to witness the transformation.
The iDICE Programme is a beacon of hope. It seeks to promote entrepreneurship, boost innovation, and create jobs. By harnessing the power of technology and creativity, it aims to enhance social development and drive economic growth. This initiative is not just about funding; it’s about building a sustainable future for Nigeria’s youth.
At the core of this initiative lies the need for Aggregators for Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs). These aggregators will play a pivotal role in administering digital and creative hubs across the South South and North East regions of Nigeria. They will serve as the linchpin, connecting universities and polytechnics with the resources and expertise needed to thrive in the digital age.
The first component of the iDICE Programme focuses on Skills and Enterprise Development. This is where the magic happens. Young people aged 15 to 35 will gain access to learning and upskilling opportunities. They will be equipped with the tools to launch their startups and turn their ideas into reality. The aim is to create “Centers of Excellence” that will serve as incubators for innovation.
Imagine a Virtual Reality Learning Centre designed for senior secondary school students. This hub will accelerate learning outcomes, making education more engaging and interactive. Picture a Gaming Hub, established in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, where creativity meets technology. These spaces will not only foster skills but also inspire a new generation of creators and innovators.
The aggregators will be tasked with developing criteria for selecting ESOs. They will coordinate the application process, ensuring that only the most qualified organizations are chosen to partner with universities. This meticulous selection process is crucial. It ensures that the right expertise is matched with the right institutions, creating a synergy that will drive success.
Monitoring and evaluation will be key components of this initiative. The aggregators will oversee the performance of ESOs, ensuring that they deliver on their promises. Regular reports will be generated, providing insights into the effectiveness of the programme. This data-driven approach will allow for continuous improvement and adaptation.
The qualifications for potential aggregators are stringent. They must have at least five years of experience in administering innovation hubs and enterprise support projects. A deep understanding of the Nigerian technology and creative ecosystem is essential. The ideal candidates will have established networks with local and international industry players, ensuring that they can leverage resources effectively.
The call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) is now open. Consultants and firms are invited to submit their proposals, showcasing their strengths and relevant experience. This is a chance for organizations to step into the spotlight and contribute to Nigeria’s digital future. The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2025, and interested parties must act swiftly.
This initiative is not just about technology; it’s about people. It’s about empowering the youth of Nigeria to dream big and achieve their goals. The iDICE Programme is a catalyst for change, transforming the way young people engage with technology and creativity. It’s a chance to build a brighter future, one hub at a time.
As Nigeria embarks on this journey, the world watches with anticipation. The potential for growth and innovation is immense. With the right support and resources, the digital and creative sectors can flourish. This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria, a chance to harness the power of its youth and drive economic transformation.
In conclusion, the iDICE Programme represents a significant step forward for Nigeria. It’s a bold initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between education and entrepreneurship. By fostering a culture of innovation, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in the digital economy. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless. The journey has just begun, and the world is ready to witness the transformation.