Nigeria's tech space projected to create 3 million jobs and generate $88 billion for the economy by 2021

The Nigerian government said the digital economy is projected to generate $88 billion and create up to three million jobs in the next three years for the economy.

Dr Okey Enelamah, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stated this on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at the “Invest in Nigeria,” Summit in California, United States, while urging the investors to tap into the country’s burgeoning tech space.

In a statement released from the Strategy and Communications Adviser, Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, he said the Nigerian government is resolute in creating an enabling environment where digital economy opportunities are not just theoretical but become real.

Enelamah disclosed that the technology sector had recorded some good strides – more than doubling in size over the past nine years, now accounting for nine per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

From the $20 million fundraise in Andela, to $10 million fundraise in Flutterwave, to the $7 million in SureRemit via a blockchain ICO, $1.1million in Piggybank. There are easy scores of these today and counting.”

The Minister assured the investors that there was no question about the entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians, saying the future is now.

The Nigerian delegation led by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, included senior government officials, regulators, companies leading the charge of innovation in Nigeria and some of our leading technology talents.

The primary purpose of the visit was to attract investments into Nigeria’s burgeoning tech space.