See full text of his speech below:

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Speech by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, at the UNDP Innovation Hub in Lagos, Nigeria

*Date: 15th August 2024

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It is a privilege to be here today in this unique space that embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration. Spaces like this are not just buildings; they are the bedrock of creativity where like-minded individuals come together to solve the pressing challenges of our society. They are spaces for serendipity—a force that brings people together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

I am reminded of the early days at the Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) in Yaba, where a group of passionate minds came together to build what we now know as TechCabal. It was in that same space that initiatives like BudgIT, which has transformed transparency in governance, and LifeBank, which has revolutionized the delivery of medical supplies, were born. Startups at CcHUB were also among the first to implement Pay With Capture, now known as Flutterwave. And, of course, it was a conversation between Iyin Aboyeji and a few others that sparked the creation of Andela, a company that has trained some of the brightest minds in Africa, with its first fellows trained at CcHUB.

These are not just success stories; they are proof of what happens when we come together. It is this collaborative spirit that strengthens the complexity of our economy and diversifies our pathways to prosperity.

As we look forward, the emergence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents us with an incredible opportunity. To fully harness this, we must accelerate the evolution of our innovation ecosystem beyond individual countries, linking strengths and capabilities across the continent. Individually, we may face limitations, but when we come together, our collective innovation ecosystem becomes stronger, more resilient, and more impactful.

I have had the privilege of working in over 18 countries, setting up innovation centers in Nigeria, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, and Togo. Each of these countries has unique characteristics and strengths, and when we pool these together, we gain the ability to innovate quickly and effectively. Now, with access to a 1.2 billion-person market under the AfCFTA, we not only have an unparalleled opportunity to drive economic growth, but we also have access to a young and talented workforce that can rival any in the world.

This brings me to the leadership and foresight of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). I want to commend UNDP for their continued investment in the critical infrastructure needed for socio-economic development in Africa. Your commitment is a testament to the belief in our continent’s potential and the power of innovation to drive sustainable development.

I also want to extend our appreciation to our Nordic friends and partners. In today’s connected world, we are moving away from National Innovation Systems (NIS) to a more distributed innovation system. Our relationships with friends and allies globally will not only accelerate development in Africa but will also enhance our collective ability to address some of humanity’s greatest challenges—whether it be food security, environmental sustainability, or global health.

To the innovators here today, and to those who will benefit from this investment in the future, I say this: our continent needs you. You are the hope and the solution to the many challenges we face. Dream, and dream big. Be audacious in your pursuit of solutions. Know that you have a partner in us, committed to supporting you on the path to collective prosperity for Africa.

Together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we can build a brighter future for Africa and the world.

Thank you.