OEMs foresee new wave of technologies in Nigeria
FG sees the strategic importance of Tech Experience Centre to the digital economy
The Federal Government is optimistic that the newly-unveiled Tech Experience Centre in Lagos will give the maximum boost to Nigeria’s digital agenda.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, who stated this at the unveiling of the Centre, said more such infrastructure is needed in the country.
“I am delighted to be here today to witness the commissioning of this landmark project. I am here to convey the regards of President Muhammadu Buhari, who has been instrumental to the current drive of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy for the ICT sector to achieve a Digital Nigeria.
“We are happy to see this huge technology initiative become a reality as it shows the private sector has bought into our visions for Nigeria. Achieving a Digital Nigeria is not the responsibility of government alone. The role of government is to come up with the right policies and create an enabling environment while the private sector also supports the efforts of the government.
“This Tech Experience Centre is very strategic to the seven pillars of our digital economy strategy which include: Digital Literacy and Skills Development; Service Infrastructure; Solid Infrastructure; Digital Services Promotion and Development; Soft Infrastructure; Digital Societies and Emerging Technologies and lastly Indigenous Content Development.
“I wish to commend TD Africa and the Zinox Chairman, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, for their efforts in birthing this Tech Experience Centre which we are certain will create a huge opportunity for our youths and many other Nigerians,” he disclosed.
In a related development, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), which will be housed at the Tech Centre, have expressed optimism that the new edifice will increase adoption of innovations in Nigeria.
The Managing Director, Schneider Electric (Anglophone West Africa), Christophe Begat, described it as a development that will firmly establish Nigeria as a major player in the global technology race.
Begat said the Tech Experience Centre, birthed by Technology Distributions (TD), an arm of the Zinox Group, is highly strategic to establish Nigeria as a relevant player in the global technology industry.
According to him, there is undoubtedly a market for advanced technology solutions in Nigeria that is currently underserved, “this is why Schneider Electric, as a global technology provider, was keen on partnering with TD on this project to showcase the potential of technology available right here in Nigeria.”
Further, he referenced the capital flight that would be saved, while also talking up the multiplier effects the Tech Experience Centre would have in encouraging local participation and boosting the Nigerian economy.
“As of date, many Nigerians are left wanting when it comes to access to the latest technologies and find themselves having to travel abroad in order to find their desired products. This platform would not only encourage Nigerians to look further inwards into the offers available locally and contribute to growing the Nigerian economy but also encourage other technology providers to up their game in the kind of offers they make available in Nigeria to cater for this market,” he added.
General Manager, West Africa, Cisco, Olakunle Oloruntimehin, expressed delight with the concept behind the Tech Experience Centre, adding that it would be a great opportunity to offer the latest technologies to consumers under the same roof with other tech giants.
“It is a good opportunity to collaborate with TD Africa and other OEMs under one roof. Technology is being democratised and it is important that people come together to take this outcome forward. Cisco is excited not only to partner with TD Africa but also to work with other OEMs under one space to make this work,” Oloruntimehin said.
Country Manager (Nigeria), Philips, Chioma Iwuchukwu-Nweke, also expressed excitement with the expected launch of the project. She revealed that Philips would delight tech customers at the Centre with the latest health-driven home appliances.
In addition, Microsoft Senior Partner, Specialist-Modern Work, Josh Adekeye, appreciated TD Africa, noting that the Centre will promote customer immersive experience. He promised that Microsoft would always support the Centre, which will reduce the burden for Microsoft to fly its customers to other countries to see its latest technological rollouts.
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