The Nigerian Telecommunications Indigenous Content Expo (NTICE 2023) organised by Nigerians Communications Commission, NCC marked its second edition with an insightful gathering at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos from the 22nd to the 24th of August, 2023. Themed “Harnessing Indigenous Content for Economic Growth; Networking to Boost Investments,” this event proved to be a dynamic platform for exploration, innovation, and collaboration. The expo encompassed a range of enriching activities including enlightening fireside chats, engaging panel sessions, illuminating start-up pitches, and captivating exhibitions.

Day 1 saw over 50 startups that had pre- registered and pre-qualified pitch their idea to a panel of judges chaired by Engr. Babagana Digima. These pitches illuminated fresh ideas, creativity, and the promise of transformative solutions within the telecommunications landscape. The dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives reaffirmed the event’s role as a catalyst for growth and collaboration.

The inaugural presentation of the Day 2 was eloquently delivered by Engr. Babagana Digima, the visionary team lead for The Nigerian Office for Developing the Indigenous Telecom Sector (NODITS). Engr. Digima extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees of the 2023 expo, emphasizing its pivotal role in empowerment, education, innovation, and creativity. His address was an inspiring reminder of the ministry’s new identity as the “Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy,” marking a step forward towards a future brimming with promise.

Engr. Ubale Maskar, the Executive Director Technical Services of NCC, representing the esteemed Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Prof Garba Dambatta. Engr. Maskar’s keynote address resounded with the need to foster a culture of entrepreneurship. He unveiled NODITS’ initiatives aimed at catalysing manufacturing, human capital development, and indigenous content expansion. 

Day 3 Day of the expo continued to ignite insightful discussions, beginning with a fireside chat that delved into the theme “Navigating the Terrains: Indigenous Manufacturing of Telecommunications Products in Nigeria.”

Demands, Resolutions, and Forward-looking Visions

Throughout the course of the sessions, an array of demands, resolutions, and forward-looking visions were voiced, signifying the dynamic and transformative spirit of the discussions. These articulated desires encompassed:

1. Paradigm Shift towards Digital Convergence: Amidst the discussions, one participant astutely observed that the traditional paradigms of entrepreneurship, such as SIM card manufacturing, were giving way to an era of technology convergence. As technology evolves, the focus should shift towards the amalgamation of digital platforms to generate new revenue streams. 

2. Fostering Innovative Business Landscapes: A fervent call emerged for the creation of innovative business landscapes within the telecommunications industry. This aspiration drew parallels from the banking sector, where indigenous financial servicing companies flourished through pioneering approaches.

3. Cultivating Unicorn Start-ups: A visionary perspective was shared, emphasizing that government partnerships should extend beyond mere Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavours. Rather, these partnerships should cultivate an environment where start-ups cease to be mere experiments and evolve into robust companies, even becoming unicorns. The aspiration echoed the need for sustainable growth and empowerment for start-ups in the industry.