‘Collaboration, policy alignment key to unlocking Africa’s digital economy’

The convener of Digital Innovation and Creative Excellence (DICE), Juliet Ehimuan, has urged stakeholders across Africa’s tech, business and policy ecosystems to dismantle silos and embrace collaboration if the continent is to fully unlock the immense opportunities offered by the digital economy.

Speaking at the DICE 3.0 edition, themed ‘Scaling Right: From Market Entry to Market Leadership’ held in Lagos, Ehimuan, who is also the founder of Beyond Limits, emphasised that digital innovation has become the continent’s most promising pathway to economic transformation.

She noted that the pace of change, combined with Africa’s projected population boom to 2.5 billion people by 2050, presents a unique opportunity for bold action, strategic partnerships, and policy alignment.

Speaking at the event held in partnership with The Guardian, she said: “At Beyond Limits, we are focused on developing leaders, driving entrepreneurial growth, and enabling vibrant ecosystems. That is what DICE is about, bringing the right people into the room to co-create solutions and build a more integrated and thriving innovation landscape across Africa.”

Ehimuan acknowledged the significant achievements of tech-enabled companies across various sectors such as finance, agriculture, logistics, education and healthcare.

However, she warned that many African startups would face steep hurdles to scaling within and beyond their home countries.

These challenges, she said, range from high operational costs and poor infrastructure to fragmented regulations and shifting consumer behaviours.

“Some startups like Paga, OmniRetail, Apex, MoneyPoint, Rayness and others have found ways to scale successfully, showing that with the right strategy, growth is possible. But the question is, how can we replicate these success stories? That’s why we are here,” Ehimuan said.

The convener stressed that sustainable growth in the innovation ecosystem requires intentional action from all quarters. She called on investors, policymakers, legacy business leaders and startup founders to see themselves as interconnected parts of a single value chain capable of driving transformation.

“If you are an investor, your next big bet could start with a handshake here. If you’re a policymaker, your presence signals a commitment to creating the right environment for innovation to thrive. Each of us has a role to play in this journey,” she said.

She highlighted expansion as the theme for this year’s edition, describing it as one of the most pressing challenges facing African startups today.

DICE 3.0, she explained, was created as a space to tackle such high-stakes issues by encouraging the exchange of ideas, practical knowledge and global perspectives.

“Technology has permeated every sector. Whether it’s agri-tech transforming food systems, health-tech improving patient outcomes or fintech driving financial inclusion, every business today is a digital business. Leaders must lean into the digital economy and the opportunities it offers.”

She pointed to artificial intelligence and machine learning as some of the most impactful emerging trends. According to her, the technologies offer Africa a real chance to tackle long-standing issues like climate adaptation, agricultural productivity and access to finance more efficiently.

“Africa’s biggest challenges will not be solved by the methods of the past. We need to embrace new technologies that can help us leapfrog into the future. That is what DICE stands for, and that is the future we are here to build,” she stated.

Speaking during a fireside chat with the convener, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, commended the vibrancy of Nigeria’s technology and creative ecosystems, describing them as key vehicles for employment generation and GDP growth.

She affirmed the government’s responsiveness, stating that this present administration is a listening government and remains committed to creating an enabling environment for startups, innovators and investors.

Highlighting the role of digital public infrastructure, the minister pointed to ongoing initiatives such as market intelligence tools, virtual investment deal boards, and digital registries.

She called on the tech ecosystem to support the modernisation of systems like the trademark registry and encouraged startups to bring forward innovative solutions.

[ad_1]

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}

[ad_2]