FG launches N12bn digital economy research fund, engages universities

2026-03-29 - 15:24

By Progress Godfrey ABUJA — The Federal Government has unveiled a N12 billion Digital Economy Research Fund aimed at promoting evidence-based policymaking and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, with universities taking a central role in the initiative. The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, on Saturday, alongside a call for expressions of interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters. The fund, supported by Project BRIDGE, will finance large-scale research across six priority areas of the digital economy and connect Nigerian academics with international partners to generate policy-relevant insights. “Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a N12 billion research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” Tijani said. He explained that the initiative complements ongoing efforts to expand digital infrastructure nationwide, including the planned deployment of 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone. As connectivity deepens, research-driven approaches will ensure the benefits of digital investments are widely shared. The six national research clusters will focus on connectivity and meaningful use, digital public infrastructure and government services, digital skills and human capital, digital economy and jobs, online trust and consumer protection, and artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Each cluster is expected to be led by up to 36 professors from Nigerian universities, collaborating with global academic partners and over 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, to produce insights that will shape policy and strengthen institutions. A press conference will be held in the coming days to provide additional details and engage vice-chancellors and research institutions nationwide.