FGN Seeks Partners for iDICE Initiative

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has initiated the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, a significant effort to bolster the nation's digital and creative sectors. As part of this initiative, the FGN is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified entities to design, organize, and implement a series of technology hackathons and innovative challenges. These events will not only foster innovation but also include comprehensive management of competitions, implementation phases, and crucially, the provision of seed capital and follow-up support for promising ventures. This program signals a robust commitment from the Nigerian government to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for startups and entrepreneurs in critical growth areas. The iDICE Programme aims to identify, nurture, and scale innovative ideas that can contribute to economic diversification and job creation. The scope of work for potential partners is extensive, encompassing the entire lifecycle of an innovation challenge, from conception and outreach to execution and post-program support.

Scope of Work for Hackathon and Challenge Organizers

Interested parties are expected to demonstrate a strong track record in managing large-scale innovation programs. The core responsibilities will include:
  • Design and Planning: Developing the overall strategy, themes, and structure for both general and female-focused tech hackathons and innovative challenges. This includes defining clear objectives, target audiences, and success metrics.
  • Implementation and Management: Organizing and executing the hackathons and challenges, which involves venue selection, participant recruitment, logistical arrangements, mentorship coordination, and judging processes.
  • Competition Management: Establishing fair and transparent competition rules, managing participant engagement throughout the event, and ensuring a high-quality experience for all involved.
  • Seed Capital and Follow-up: Identifying top-performing teams and individuals with viable business ideas, and managing the allocation of seed capital. This also includes providing post-program support, such as business development assistance, networking opportunities, and further investment linkage.
The program specifically calls for a focus on female entrepreneurship, indicating a strategic effort to address gender disparities in the tech and creative industries. Partners will be expected to design and implement initiatives that specifically encourage and support women-led tech ventures.
Nigerian entrepreneurs collaborating at a tech innovation workshop

Investment Focus: Digital and Creative Enterprises

The iDICE Programme is not just about running events; it's about creating tangible economic impact. The focus on digital and creative enterprises is strategic, recognizing these sectors as key drivers of future economic growth. This includes, but is not limited to, areas such as software development, fintech, e-commerce, digital media, gaming, animation, and digital arts. The FGN's investment through this program is intended to bridge the funding gap often faced by early-stage startups. By providing seed capital and structured follow-up, the iDICE Programme aims to transform innovative concepts into sustainable businesses. This approach is designed to de-risk early-stage investments and create a pipeline of investable companies for subsequent funding rounds. The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a key financing partner, underscoring the regional significance and potential of this initiative. The involvement of an international financial institution lends credibility and suggests a commitment to best practices in program design and execution.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Entities interested in partnering with the FGN on the iDICE Programme are invited to submit their Expressions of Interest. The government is looking for organizations with proven expertise in:
  • Organizing and managing high-impact hackathons and innovation challenges.
  • Facilitating the growth of digital and creative startups.
  • Managing investment funds, particularly seed capital for early-stage ventures.
  • Implementing gender-focused entrepreneurship programs.
Detailed requirements and submission guidelines are expected to be provided to interested parties. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to Nigeria's digital transformation and economic development while engaging with a dynamic and rapidly growing startup ecosystem. The program's success will hinge on the selection of partners who can bring not only organizational capacity but also a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and the specific needs of digital and creative entrepreneurs. The emphasis on follow-up and sustained support, beyond just the initial hackathon, is a critical component that differentiates this program from many others. It suggests a long-term vision for nurturing a robust innovation pipeline within Nigeria.