Dr. Damola Solanke, an expert in technology and software, has highlighted that information technology is driving multiple industrial and digital revolutions globally. However, despite Nigeria’s large mobile phone user base, the country has yet to experience a significant increase in new software development.
In a statement released to the media on Monday, Solanke pointed out that although over 180 million people—representing 72% of the population—have access to mobile phones, the nation has not seen a corresponding rise in new software creation.
He also noted the growth in Nigeria’s information, communications, and technology (ICT) sector, which contributed 15% to the country’s GDP in 2020, second only to agriculture. This marked a continuation of a five-year trend, with the sector growing at an 18% rate between 2016 and 2019. Nigeria is now recognized as Africa’s largest ICT market, with 90 tech hubs and an increasingly engaged client base.
“Despite having over 180 million mobile phone users and internet penetration projected to reach 65.3% by 2025—up from less than 2% in 2001—Nigeria has yet to see a surge in new software development. Major technology companies like IBM, Microsoft, Google, and Cisco have established their presence in the country,” Solanke stated.
However, Solanke also pointed out the challenges facing the industry, particularly in software development. He noted that the sub-sector is still in its early stages, with only a few individuals actively involved, unlike in countries such as the United States and India.
“Software development is crucial for improving people’s lives, which is the essence of technology. Wealthy nations consistently generate new software to make life easier. However, in Nigeria, the past three years have been relatively quiet in terms of new software development,” he said.
Solanke emphasized that this stagnation is partly due to young people not dedicating themselves to acquiring the necessary skills and applying what they have learned. Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled IT professionals to train the next generation of software developers. He mentioned that Andela, once a hub for skill acquisition, has closed down, leaving the remaining institutions unable to accommodate the growing number of young people interested in the field. As a result, many resort to informal methods of learning, such as computer centers and online courses.
As the president of IT Touch Limited, Solanke urged policymakers to give the software development sub-sector the attention it deserves to foster growth and innovation in Nigeria.
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