Nigeria's i-DICE Programme Seeks 10,000 New Beneficiaries

The Federal Government is aiming to enroll 10,000 more beneficiaries in the $618 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme, which focuses on providing young Nigerians with funding and resources to develop sustainable businesses. This initiative follows the registration of 4,000 prospective beneficiaries in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and is part of a broader effort to combat youth unemployment through technology and entrepreneurship.

Dr Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, the Acting Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency and FCT focal person for i-DICE, stated that the programme aims to unlock Nigeria's digital and creative economy. The initiative is supported by the Office of the Vice-President and implemented through the Bank of Industry, with backing from various international financial institutions.

Interested participants can register for free through the programme's application portal, although registration does not guarantee funding or employment. The programme targets 300,000 Nigerians aged 15 to 35 interested in entrepreneurship and the creative industries.