ITU-FCDO Roundtable and Technical Workshop: Building capabilities for sustainable and inclusive digital transformation in Nigeria

11:30 – 13:00

Panel session 1: Business models and enabling environment for meaningful and affordable digital connectivity

At the core of digital transformation are people, digital technologies and data. Their interactions power the economy and society and can be considered under the streams of access, adoption and value creation. Access is about creating the enabling governmental, economic and technological environment for everyone and everything to connect.
This session considers the access dimension of connectivity and explores digital connectivity gaps, with the use cases of schools and the communities around them. Promoting access to all and enabling last mile connectivity through the expansion of affordable broadband services and complementary infrastructures such as sustainable energy solutions are key to reach unserved and under-served communities.
The panellists will discuss innovative financing and operational approaches to lower the cost and increase the reach and use of internet services. The panellists will elaborate the role of policy and regulation in supporting solutions for meaningful connectivity, innovative business models for inclusive connectivity and ensuring no one is left behind.

Panel session 2: Development of digital skills and complementary capabilities in Nigeria's digital economy

For inclusive digital transformation, having the necessary skills to participate meaningfully in the digital environment is needed. Adoption is about making sure everyone is empowered to use digital technologies.
This session explores trends in the digital economy, digital entrepreneurship as a key driver for digitalization of the economy, and Nigeria's preparedness for the changing world of work. It will focus on identifying digital skill gaps and how the country can effectively develop capacity development, digital learning and educational programmes to realize the gains of digital transformation. The panellists will discuss the how to enhance the capabilities of stakeholders at the national level while supporting local initiatives and how to foster partnerships to access and maintain the resources required for a sustainable approach.

Panel session 3: Forward-looking approaches, polices and regulation to keep pace with the fast evolution of technologies and innovations that power digital transformation

A whole-of-government and society approach is needed to further digital transformation that is inclusive and sustainable. Adapted approaches to expand inclusive, affordable, and meaningful connectivity, its access and uptake can be facilitated by enhanced coordination and collaboration amongst the various stakeholders. Value creation in a digitalized society and economy can be accelerated when everyone is involved and capacitated to contribute and benefit.
This session discussed the opportunities and challenges in the face of advances and cross-sectoral trends in in digital business models and enabling policy and regulation. The discussion will draw on examples from the telecommunication/ICT and finance industries, and the rising platform and gig economy domain to highlight where prospects exist but also the extant barriers to be addressed. The panellists will consider progress made, essential collaboration between and within sectors and enablers that would allow for an inclusive and strengthened ecosystem while bridging gaps and accelerating digital transformation.

Deep-dive session 1 : Co-creating sustainable solutions for digital connectivity in communities

The interactive session aimed towards co-creating solutions that will allow communities to reap the benefits of digital transformation is facilitated by a focused presentation on topic to set the state of play and introduce interesting case studies. The presentation and group discussion will consider the following issues and questions, among others:
-  What technologies and operational models are available and what are their advantages and drawbacks?
-  To what extent do the existing models integrate broader infrastructure and resource constraints in promoting affordable and sustainable connectivity?
-  How can exemplary use cases these be scaled to benefit more people (taking into account affordability, access, inclusion, and uptake)?
The session will allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the enablers and barriers to sustainable digital connectivity in Nigeria, and will have put forward some solutions for further consideration.

Deep-dive session 2: Beyond infrastructure: Lessons learned from selected cases of digitally-enabled service delivery

The interactive session aimed towards exploring lessons learned in the provision of digital services will highlight the importance of digital technologies and local content in service provision. Through a focus on selected use cases of digital service delivery at federal and state levels, the session will explore their work, impact, and constraints as well as lessons learned. 
The session will allow participants to develop an understanding of not only the technological component of ICT-enabled service delivery but also how platform content can drive uptake, as well as the roles the various actors play and the importance of coordination. Participants will put forward key considerations to improve digital service delivery.

Deep-dive session 3: Leveraging emerging channels of digital skills development and opportunities: Lessons from tech hubs and others

The interactive session aimed towards exploring innovative approaches to developing the necessary human capacity to realize the potential of digital transformation will share insights into Nigeria's digital skill needs and gaps, and showcase skill development and entrepreneurial opportunities from emerging channels. The use case of technology hubs will also be shared and their supporting activities discussed.
Through a discussion around current conditions and directions for the future of work and entrepreneurial opportunities, the session will allow participants to share their observations and findings on what works and what does not work in the Nigerian context. Proposals will be explored for further consideration.