The federal government has inaugurated a technical committee to initiate the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Program. Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who led the inauguration in Abuja, expressed optimism about the program’s potential to redefine Nigeria’s digital and creative landscape.
The i-DICE Programme, a collaborative effort between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA), and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.
Endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC) in March, the program will be implemented across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Vice-President Shettima revealed that the Ministry of Finance had been tasked with expeditiously disbursing funds for the i-DICE Programme to ensure swift implementation. He described the initiative as a journey of innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunities that hold the power to reshape Nigeria’s digital and creative landscape.
Acknowledging the significance of partnerships with institutions, Shettima commended the meticulous preparations undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and partners, expressing confidence in the program’s readiness to unleash its full potential.
Chairman of the Technical Committee on the I-DICE program, Mr. Tope Fasua, highlighted the substantial financial backing of i-DICE, emphasizing its potential to drive transformative change in Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors. Fasua noted that fund manager selection is conducted through an open and transparent process guided by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
He disclosed that AfDB and the French Development Agency (AFD) had completed the necessary documentation, with the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) in the final stages. Fasua anticipated the first drawdown of funds on April 15th, marking a significant milestone in program implementation.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to societal impact and national development, Fasua thanked President Bola Tinubu for the chance to serve in advancing human capital and economic development in Nigeria.
