Advancing Nigeria’s tech ecosystem

BlueChip Technologies, a leading Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) firm in Nigeria, is advocating for practical approaches to developing effective solutions in the African tech ecosystem. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, the CEO and Co-founder of BlueChip Technologies, Kazeem Tewogbade, emphasized the importance of infrastructure as the foundation for scaling opportunities in Nigeria's tech industry. Tewogbade highlighted the crucial need for organizations to align their data strategy with their overall business strategy. He stressed the significance of being deliberate and thoughtful in building capabilities rather than just seeking solutions. Tewogbade suggested that organizations should consider externalizing the supply side of capabilities to stay competitive in the fast-evolving tech landscape. He mentioned the high attrition rates and intense competition for talent, making it essential to collaborate, co-create, and share resources with peers in the industry. BlueChip Technologies has also addressed talent challenges in Nigeria by founding Primo Academy, a training entity focused on providing data and AI education for individuals at all levels. The academy has witnessed significant growth, indicating a rising awareness of the value of data and AI skills in the market. Tewogbade remains optimistic about Nigeria's potential to become a hub for tech talent and innovation, despite challenges like brain drain and talent retention issues. He believes that investing in training and upskilling individuals can mitigate the negative impact of talent export and contribute to a more robust tech ecosystem in the country. BlueChip Technologies is actively exploring opportunities in sectors beyond fintech, such as edutech and health tech, where automation and data solutions play a vital role. Tewogbade emphasized the increasing traction in edutech and the potential for automation to revolutionize the education sector. As Nigeria continues to lead in startup funding in Africa, BlueChip Technologies is poised to capitalize on emerging trends and drive innovation through its training programs and data solutions. The company's commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning reflects its dedication to advancing Nigeria's tech ecosystem.