The United Arab Emirates has expressed interest in working with Nigeria to support the growth of its tech startup community. The Chief Executive of the Dubai Future Foundation, Khalfan Belhoul, made this known at the GITEX Global event in Dubai, emphasizing the importance of innovation and partnerships in advancing the digital economy.
Belhoul acknowledged Nigeria’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and highlighted the potential for collaboration in technology development. He noted the increasing presence of Nigerian companies in the UAE region and commended the country’s progress in the startup scene.
Nigeria has been making strides in digital transformation, particularly in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, healthtech, agritech, and edtech. Lagos has emerged as a significant startup hub, hosting over 400 startups. Nigerian startups have attracted substantial investments, with a notable share of funding in the African tech sector.
Belhoul emphasized the importance of investing in research and talent development for the sustainability and competitiveness of startups. The UAE’s willingness to partner with Nigeria aligns with its goal of becoming a global innovation hub, leveraging its infrastructure and business-friendly environment to attract entrepreneurs and investors.
GITEX Global, a premier tech and startup event, is ongoing in Dubai, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the industry.