In Africa, countries like Ethiopia exemplify industrial progress, with their government’s Industrial Parks Development Corporation attracting foreign investment and creating jobs in light manufacturing sectors. Ethiopia’s industrial parks have contributed to its GDP growth of over eight per cent annually from 2010 to 2019, largely driven by textile and garment exports. Yet, despite these success stories, Africa still lags behind Asia in terms of industrial output and innovation.
A new era seems to be emerging in Nigeria, this opens up a landscape where aspirations for technological advancement and manufacturing are rapidly becoming tangible realities.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, the agency saddled with this crucial responsibility that focuses on technological advancement, is making an effort.
The nation is experiencing a significant shift towards self-reliance in technology, and this should lay a solid foundation for sustainable industrial growth.
Recently, NASENI successfully secured $3.25 billion in Foreign Direct Investment from China to commercialize 52 innovative products, ensuring their accessibility in Nigerian markets. This achievement complements earlier successes, including a $150 million partnership with Shenzhen LEMI Technology for lithium battery production and $2 billion in agreements with Chinese firms for electric vehicle and drone technologies. These strategic initiatives not only enhance Nigeria’s technological framework but also position the country as a future global player in advanced manufacturing.
Under the leadership of Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Vice Chairman and CEO of NASENI, the agency appears to have made some key achievements as he marks his first anniversary in this role. With a focus on developing Nigeria’s industrial sector through indigenous technologies and innovations, Halilu seeks to position the agency as a crucial driver of the country’s industrial transformation. This is akin to strategies employed by successful Asian economies that have effectively harnessed science, technology, and engineering for growth.
NASENI has reportedly developed 35 market-ready products and executed 44 projects, as the agency seeks to address Nigeria’s pressing economic needs. The agency’s commitment to indigenous innovation marks a significant departure from the historical reliance on imported technologies, reflecting strategies successfully implemented by nations such as China.
The agency seeks to grow solar power and renewable energy programmes in line with global trends towards sustainable technologies. It also targets the reduction of Nigeria’s dependence on fossil fuels while fostering a new sector of innovation.
Central to Halilu’s vision is the establishment of NASENI’s Strategic Launchpad, a comprehensive roadmap designed to catalyse industrial growth and innovation. This initiative outlines short-, medium–, and long-term goals and emphasises the importance of aligning Nigeria’s technological ambitions with the global marketplace. By integrating the private sector into the developmental agenda, he ensures that NASENI remains at the forefront of emerging technologies, positioning Nigeria as a hub for agricultural, renewable energy, healthcare, and ICT innovations. Such strategic foresight is essential for attracting further investment and fostering a culture of innovation throughout the industry.
Moreover, NASENI’s emphasis on capacity building through skill acquisition programmes underscores the vital role of human capital in industrialisation. By equipping young Nigerians with technical expertise, the agency is laying a foundation for a workforce capable of sustaining Nigeria’s industrial ambitions. This approach mirrors the success of Asian economies, where investment in technical education has driven substantial economic growth.
In the realm of international collaboration, Halilu has made significant strides by securing partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. Recent agreements with foreign firms reflect a proactive approach to knowledge transfer and capacity building, essential for localising technological advancements. These partnerships will not only enhance Nigeria’s capabilities in high-tech sectors but also foster a collaborative ecosystem where local entrepreneurs and scientists can thrive. By cultivating these relationships, Halilu is not merely transforming NASENI; he is establishing a new model of technological cooperation that could be emulated across the continent, ultimately driving sustainable growth and positioning Africa as a competitive player in the global economy.
While these achievements inspire optimism, the challenge lies in scaling these innovations to a national level. Nigeria’s manufacturing output remains modest, constituting just 8.7 per cent of GDP. Halilu’s strategy of decentralising industrial development—by establishing regional centres of excellence—fosters industrial hubs beyond major cities, promoting inclusive growth and alleviating pressure on urban infrastructure.
As Halilu reflects on his first year, the true test will be ensuring NASENI’s innovations are not only market-ready but also commercially viable. Building robust partnerships with the private sector, both domestically and internationally, will be essential for scaling these initiatives. His commitment to homegrown, sustainable industrialization has laid a firm foundation, but real transformation will depend on the long-term impact of these projects on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
- Olowu, a development communication consultant, writes from Lagos