By Nigeria Joins Cisco Country Acceleration Programme: A Digital Transformation Milestone
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
In a pivotal move towards fortifying its digital transformation roadmap, Nigeria has officially become a member of the prestigious Cisco Country Acceleration Programme (CDA). Spearheaded by Cisco, a global technology leader, the CDA initiative has gained remarkable momentum since its inception in 2015, now spanning 49 countries with a staggering 1,500 active or completed projects. This concerted effort encompasses more than two-thirds of the world’s population and a substantial 75 percent of the global GDP.
Unveiling the Partnership
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
The pivotal accord that paved the way for Nigeria’s integration into the CDA was formalized in May this year. The agreement, materialized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Cisco and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aims to provide steadfast support for Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. A key facet of this collaboration is to contribute to the enhancement of digital skills and training, nurturing a technologically adept workforce.
Establishing Cisco EDGE Centre
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
The culmination of this partnership materialized when Technology Distributions (TD Africa), a trailblazing technology solutions provider in Sub-Saharan Africa, joined forces with Cisco to establish the Cisco EDGE Centre in Lagos. An acronym for “Experience, Design, Go to Market, and Earn,” EDGE is an integral element of Cisco’s CDA program tailored for Nigeria.
Empowering Innovation and Growth
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
At its core, the Cisco EDGE Centre operates as a hub for sharing business insights, fostering innovation, and propelling small and medium businesses into the digital age. This collaborative platform serves as a conduit for accelerating market entry, catalyzing innovation, and ultimately generating new employment opportunities within the local economy.
The centre embraces three pivotal functions, all housed under a single roof:
Showcasing Technologies and Facilitating Networking
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
The Cisco EDGE Centre serves as an arena where local partners can spotlight cutting-edge technologies and host client events. This enables businesses to forge valuable connections, leading to potential collaborations and growth opportunities. This holistic approach fosters an ecosystem where businesses can thrive by leveraging the latest technological advancements.
Empowering Innovators and Entrepreneurs
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
In addition to networking opportunities, the centre is designed to provide resources and tools to local innovators and entrepreneurs. By offering access to secure, intelligent, and connected solutions, the centre empowers these creative minds to develop groundbreaking solutions that address modern challenges. This nurturing environment sets the stage for a new wave of technologically advanced products and services.
Advanced Digital Training and Education
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
A cornerstone of the Cisco EDGE Centre is its commitment to education. The centre offers comprehensive training programs that delve into the intricacies of advanced digital technologies. Located at the Tech Experience Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, this innovative hub functions as an incubator for small and medium businesses. Entrepreneurs gain access to cutting-edge Cisco communication and collaboration technology, complemented by training and enablement programs that foster growth and excellence.
Bridging Global Expertise
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
The Cisco EDGE Centre further solidifies its impact by bridging the gap between local entrepreneurs and global Cisco experts. This cross-pollination of knowledge not only nurtures existing business concepts but also acts as a catalyst for the development of novel ideas. The collaboration ensures that the local workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Testament to Nigeria’s Potential
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
Cisco’s Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer, Fran Katsoudas, eloquently captures the essence of Nigeria’s entry into the CDA program. With its vibrant economy and burgeoning young population, Nigeria is poised to reap the benefits of an inclusive digital future. Cisco’s commitment to digital skills development, innovation, and incubation aligns seamlessly with the nation’s aspirations. This collaboration is destined to empower businesses, government entities, and academia, thereby shaping the future and fostering social and economic inclusivity from the grassroots level.
TD Africa’s Vision
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
Chioma Chimere, the Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, articulates the organization’s vision for the collaboration with Cisco. Through this dynamic partnership, TD Africa aims to catalyze the rapid scaling of small and medium businesses. By providing essential tools, resources, and knowledge, TD Africa envisions empowering individuals to thrive in the digital era. This multifaceted approach not only drives growth but also lays the foundation for a more inclusive future, brimming with new job opportunities.
The Crucial Role of Cisco Networking Academy
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
A pivotal pillar of the CDA program within Nigeria is the Cisco Networking Academy. This renowned program, one of the longest-standing IT skills-to-jobs initiatives globally, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s technology landscape. Boasting an impressive track record, the academy has trained over 120,000 students across 228 academies throughout the nation.
Nurturing Digital and Cybersecurity Skills
Nigeria Cisco collaboration
Over the years, the Cisco Networking Academy has played a pivotal role in equipping more than 400,000 individuals in Nigeria with essential digital and cybersecurity skills. This initiative stands as a testament to Cisco’s commitment to fostering a technologically proficient workforce, capable of navigating the complexities of the digital realm.
In essence, Nigeria’s integration into the Cisco Country Acceleration Programme heralds a new era of digital transformation and innovation. The establishment of the Cisco EDGE Centre marks a monumental stride towards nurturing local businesses, bridging global expertise, and fostering inclusive economic growth. As the nation’s digital landscape continues to evolve, this collaboration between Cisco and TD Africa holds the promise of a brighter, more technologically empowered future.
