iDICE is an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, executed by the Bank of Industry, to promote investment in technology and creative ecosystems in the country.
As part of the Government’s effort to create more sustainable jobs in these industries, iDICE is set up to build capacity and upskill Nigerian youth (from ages 15-35), in technology and creativity to increase their employability, foster innovation, and support the emergence of more entrepreneurs. iDICE is co-funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB), Agence française de développement (AFD), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB),and other private investors.
Read – FG Launch Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (I-DICE) Programme
iDICE is also particular about bridging the gender gaps that exist in access to STEM education, entrepreneurship, and access to venture capital. By the end of this 5-year programme, iDICE would have invested in over 80,000 women in skills, mentorship and startup funding.
iDICE PROGRAM GOAL
iDICE seeks to do the following:
iDICE PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The Directorate’s activities are executed along two strategic groups
Enterprise and Skills Development
Enterprise and Skills Development
● Youth Incubated and trained in digital and creative entrepreneurship and ICT in-demand
skills
● Capacity of Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) and Start-ups strengthened
● Refurbishing and equipping creative entrepreneurship Innovation Hubs.
● Connecting unemployed youth to internship and job opportunities
● Organizing Hackathons and competitions,
● Provision of booster solar energy to hubs.
Expanding Access to Finance
● Setup & Operationalization of DICE Fund
● Support Startups and MSMEs with access to finance,
● Capacity building provided to support iDICE Funds investee pipeline development
Enabling Environment and Catalytic Infrastructure
● Create an enabling environment for business to thrive
● formulate/support and promote relevant policies
● Creating an enabling environment for startups by improving the regulatory frameworks
and policies to protect startups and investors.
● Capacity development for regulators in the fourth industrial revolution,
● Updating the University STEM curricular and developing the National ICT Skills
Qualifications Framework
Programme Management
● Set-up of programme coordination Unit
● programme management
● Monitoring and evaluation
● Strategic communication
● Establishment of iDICE Management and Information Framework/System
