BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Nigeria is investing significantly in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and digital public platforms as part of its national economic transformation agenda. Despite progress in access, substantial gaps remain in meaningful, safe, and productive use of the internet, particularly among unserved and underserved populations including rural communities, women, youth, informal workers, persons with disabilities, and micro and small enterprises.

The Programme aims to address these gaps by generating rigorous, policy relevant research delivered by university-led research consortia. It seeks not only to produce applied research outputs, but also to strengthen long-term national research capacity and develop a pipeline of advanced digital economy researchers.  To ensure coherence and strategic alignment with national digital economy priorities, the Programme is organised into six (6) thematic research clusters (the “Research Clusters”). Nigerian universities and accredited research institutions will serve as research providers for each cluster. Strategic oversight of the Programme will be provided by a Technical Assistance Steering Committee co-chaired with the Federal Ministry of Education.

SCOPE OF THE PROGRAMME

The objective of these consultancy assignments are to strengthen the Government of Nigeria’s capacity to design, implement, and evaluate inclusive digital economy policies through high quality, policy relevant research delivered by university led Research Clusters.

THEMATIC RESEARCH CLUSTERS

Eligible institutions are invited to submit Expressions of Interest for one or more of the following six thematic research clusters. Each submission must clearly indicate the specific cluster for which it is made and demonstrate substantive alignment with that cluster’s thematic scope. However, an institution may only be shortlisted in a maximum of three (3) clusters in the capacity of the lead consultant or a Joint Venture member, provided that they have relevant qualifications and experience. This does not limit the capacity of an institution to participate and then be shortlisted in multiple clusters as subconsultant.

1. Cluster A – Connectivity, Access, and Meaningful Use – https://b.link/TRC-CAM – An indicative budget of USD 1.5 million.
2. Cluster B – Digital Public Infrastructure and Digital Government – https://b.link/TRC-DPIDG – An indicative budget of USD 1.5 million.
3. Cluster C – Digital Skills, Literacy and Inclusion – https://b.link/TRC-DSLI – An indicative budget of USD 1.5 million.
4. Cluster D – Digital Economy, Jobs and Livelihoods – https://b.link/TRC-DEJL – – An indicative budget of USD 1.5 million.
5. Cluster E – Trust, Safety, Consumer Protection, and Online Harms – https://b.link/TRC-TSCPOH – An indicative budget of USD 1.5 million.
6. Cluster F – Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies – https://b.link/AIET – An indicative budget of USD 1.5 million.

NOTE: Due to the strong interest from institutions across the country, we are extending the application deadline for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Project BRIDGE. The new deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest is now Monday, 27th April 2026.

Vice-Chancellors, research leaders, and academic institutions are encouraged to take advantage of this extended window to review the Terms of Reference and submit their proposals via b.link/EOI-NDULRC.