Nokia West Africa last week Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Federal Government of Nigeria to establish a mobile software laboratory in Nigeria.
According to the MOU, the phone make and the Nigeria’s ICT ministry will support local application developers in the country as well as provide regulatory and policy support for maximising the positive impact of mobile technologies in the country.
The partnership also seeks to build environmental awareness and expansion of handset recycling in the country.
The Federal Government’s Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said the MOU was one of several Public Private Partnership initiatives undertaken by the Ministry to stimulate the growth of ICT in the country.
Following the partnership, Nigerian app developers and mobile entrepreneurs from various universities and initiatives will get training to help them create local content and services and compete in the local, regional and international markets.
Johnson said the training will be held in a yet to be established Nokia mobile software laboratory with a dedicated growth programme for local developers focusing on technical, design and business skills.
Speaking during the launch, Johnson said: “this would enable Nigerian developers and entrepreneurs develop the right skill sets and support for creating sustainable businesses around mobile software and content development.”
She revealed the government is planning further partnerships with the private sector and industry players to help bridge the digital gap and stimulate socio-economic development.
