Nigeria’s recent admission to the BRICS economic alliance promises to unlock unprecedented global market access for the country’s technology innovators and entrepreneurs, according to government officials speaking at a national innovation showcase in Abuja.
The National Board for Technology Incubation revealed that Nigeria’s BRICS partnership status provides direct access to markets representing over 40 percent of the world’s population and trillions of dollars in trade flows. This development positions Nigerian innovators to compete on a global scale while benefiting from expanded funding opportunities and international collaboration networks.
“Nigeria’s BRICS membership gives local innovators unprecedented access to global markets and direct links to a bloc representing over 40 percent of the world’s population,” stated Kazeem Raji, Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, during the NextGen Innovation Challenge 2025 event.
The innovation challenge attracted over 3,000 entries from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 74 finalists emerging to showcase solutions spanning clean energy, agricultural technology, financial technology, educational technology, artificial intelligence, and deep-tech applications. These innovations demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to create rather than merely consume technology.
Economic analysts project that enhanced access to BRICS markets could generate significant revenue streams for Nigerian tech companies while creating employment opportunities in the technology sector. The partnership aligns with the federal government’s Nigeria First policy, which prioritizes local solutions for both domestic and international challenges.
“Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing a bold transformation anchored on innovation-led development,” Raji emphasized. “These platforms are designed to elevate our homegrown talent and strengthen our sovereignty.”
The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, called for increased private sector and international investment in Nigerian innovators, noting their potential to transform entire industries. The government continues expanding digital transformation initiatives, improving access to science and technology education, and reducing bureaucratic barriers to capital access.
This BRICS partnership represents a strategic shift from consumption-based to production-based economic development, positioning Nigeria as a regional innovation leader while providing local entrepreneurs with the tools and networks needed to scale their solutions globally.
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