The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) have partnered to enhance the country’s digital space. The agreement signed by both agencies involves transformation programs, including Nigeria’s Got Talent, BuyNigeria, cultural and creative programs, and others.
According to a joint statement signed by both organizations, the BuyNigeria.ng platform will facilitate the online development of Nigerian markets. The statement added that the foundational phase will focus on selected markets and NCAC sectoral goals.
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said they have signed an agreement to pilot BuyNigeria.ng, an e-commerce platform designed to bring Nigerian markets online.
“The initial phase will focus on markets in Kano, Lagos, Aba, and Abuja, fostering greater visibility and accessibility for traders and artisans while aligning with NCAC’s vision of enhancing productivity in the cultural and creative sectors,” part of the statement reads.
As part of the collaborative framework, Nigeria’s Got Talent will receive a new partnership via NITDA. The talent show, launched in 2014, will hold its next Season around Q1 2025. With the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy’s partnership with Pure Imagination and Filmworks – the official holder of the program, the addition of NITDA is set to create a more digital promotion.
“NCAC’s Nigeria’s Got Talent platform will integrate NITDA’s digital literacy programs and gamified learning systems, creating opportunities for creatives to thrive in a digitally empowered environment,” the statement reads.
Other key areas involve the expansion of NCAC’s flagship program, ICE (Innovate, Create, Empower) designed to upskill participants in the cultural and creative industries. According to the press release, NITDA will support the program to expand to 1,000 locations nationwide while targeting the training of 2 million Nigerians by 2027. It added that NITDA would provide training facilities and digital labs to enhance the program’s impact.
Also, NCAC, in collaboration with private sector partners will create digital platforms for cultural inventory, fan engagement, influencer marketing, subscription vide-on-demand (SVOD), e-commerce, and capacity building. NITDA will then make provision for support through local distribution networks and cloud services to strengthen these platforms.
The partnership between both agencies is set to mark “a significant step toward integrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage with cutting-edge digital innovation”. It will unlock the limitless potential for the nation’s creative and digital economies.
Nigeria’s Got Talent – New gains via NITDA’s partnership
Nigeria’s Got Talent is a reality talent show that is part of the Got Talent franchise. It was launched in 2012 on television stations like AIT and NTA and sponsored by Airtel.
It has previously held two seasons where the audition for the first season was held in cities like Abuja, Calabar, Benin, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Enugu, and Lagos where the grand finale was held. The second season of the show was aired in November 2023 with its conclusion staged on 8 February 2014 where Robots for Christ won the show.
For season 3 which is set to be held in 2025, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy announced a partnership with Pure Imagination Production & Filmworks Limited, the official franchise holder of the Got Talent reality show in Nigeria and Ghana in September.
This edition will feature auditions in 15 cities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, offering a platform for participants nationwide to shine. Beyond showcasing individual talents, the new season will celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, with each audition city featuring exhibitions, performances, and collaborations with local creative artists as well as capacity-building workshops and talent management sessions led by NCAC.
Reacting to the partnership, Director-General of NACA, Obi Asika stressed the significance of the show in celebrating cultural and national identity.
“We believe Nigeria’s Got Talent is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of our national identity. By showcasing our natural talent, cultural heritage, and destinations on this global platform, we are projecting the culture while introducing it to new generations and international audiences,” she said.
She also pointed out that the show will tap into various aspects of Nigeria’s diverse talents. “With the global distribution power of Fremantle, including partnerships with YouTube and TikTok, Season 3 promises to be the most exciting and culturally rich edition yet. We’re weaving the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s diverse cultures into the very fabric of this competition,” she added. The Show will also air on Netflix, NTA, Ait, Africa Magic as well as YouTube and TikTok.
NITDA’s new partnership with the show promises to boost the digital literacy space and increase opportunities.
BuyNigeria.ng and its potential to the Nigeria’s e-commerce sector
The Nigeria E-commerce Market size is estimated at USD 8.53 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 14.92 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.82% during the 2024-2029 projected period.
The partnership project between NITDA and NCAC in piloting the BuyNigeria.ng for e-commerce will see the Nigerian market grow digitally. The Nigerian e-commerce market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing internet penetration, growing smartphone usage, and a rising middle class with disposable income.
Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa, and its e-commerce market has immense potential. According to the CIA, Nigeria’s population grew by about 6.39% compared to the previous year, providing a substantial consumer base for e-commerce businesses to target.
If the project materializes, e-commerce will allow businesses to reach a larger customer base beyond physical store locations. Producers can also market their products or services nationwide and globally with the Internet. In addition, this will provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) opportunities to expand their reach and compete in the digital marketplace.
Also Read: NITDA says Microsoft, Google, Tiktok paid N2.55 trillion tax in H1 2024, deleted 65 million contents.
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