Sidmach Technologies sees indigenous firms drive ICT growth, economy

AN indigenous technology firm has canvassed strong support and opportunities for local Information and Communications Technology (ICT) firm, stressing that the growth of the economy lies with them.

Chairman and Co-founder of Sidmach Technologies Nigeria Limited, Chijioke Eke, who stated this in Lagos, predicted that the future of ICT in the country lies squarely on indigenous companies.

Eke made the remark at his conferment with the professional fellowship of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) at the 2015 National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA).

According to him, gone are the days international IT firms dictated the pace of ICT growth in the country, adding that Nigeria is positioned to lead the African market moving forward.

Eke noted that the future of the Nigerian ICT industry revolves around “Nigeria-centric” and local content driven companies and individuals who are ready to put their intellectual property prowess to work.

“Looking at the industry, in the next few years something is going to clearly emerge. What is it? Those that are proactive, citizens-centric and deliver superior values are those that will survive and favourably in the Nigerian IT market.

“Those companies that preferred to import IT/ICT to Africa while relaxed in Europe, Asia and America, have suddenly realized that Africa is the new frontier for business. Looking at it, you will agree that one out of every four Africans is a Nigerian and one out of every five black people is a Nigerian. The sheer size of the population is attracting investors to the market. All we need to do is to get the policy direction right. I am happy the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF) is an IT professional. He knows where the shoe pinches. Ours, as a nation, is to kick-start the inventions that will create employment.

“Virtually every Nigerian has a smartphone, but how many of them are made in Nigeria? Even the chips and casings. “