The Federal Government has announced a fresh phase of its DELTA-2 Program, a bilateral initiative designed to fast-track technology transfer, industrial innovation, and the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.
Dahiru Mohammed, Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), disclosed this in Abuja, noting that the scheme would co-fund applied research, industrial innovation, and experimental development in key sectors, including agriculture, mining, and advanced manufacturing.
The DELTA-2 Program is a collaboration between Nigeria, through the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic. It targets innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs with projects that can address national challenges while creating commercial value.
The latest round builds on the 2022 call for proposals, which drew 285 submissions from Nigerian researchers and companies. Twenty-five projects were funded in 2023, leading to the development of products and services that have already created jobs, supported farmers, empowered miners, and strengthened SMEs.
According to Mohammed, the initiative has become a catalyst for economic growth and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by promoting indigenous innovation and reducing reliance on imports.
“The DELTA-2 Programme is transforming ideas into tangible solutions that enhance productivity and expand opportunities for SMEs,” he said. “Its impact can be seen in agricultural technologies that boost food security and advanced manufacturing processes that strengthen our industrial base.”
He added that the programme thrives on partnerships that bring together universities, research agencies, and entrepreneurs to generate solutions that directly address Nigeria’s development priorities.
With a new window for applications now open, Mohammed urged institutions, researchers, and innovators to submit proposals that are “ambitious yet practical” and capable of driving sustainable prosperity.
