TheCable

The United Kingdom says it has funded an open-source business intelligence platform aimed at providing transparent and reliable data about Nigeria’s technology sector.

Ben Llewellyn-Jones, UK’s deputy high commissioner, in a statement, on Thursday, said the new platform will help reduce barriers faced by companies interested in doing business in the country. 

The open-source business intelligence platform was funded by the UK Government’s Africa technology and innovation partnership (ATIP) programme through the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub.

“Nigeria remains a leader across Sub Saharan Africa for vibrancy and volumes, when it comes to the tech landscape, and there is an increasing need to provide reliable and legible points of reference,” Llewellyn-Jones said. 

“The new business intelligence platform draws directly on data from brother bridges, and leverages the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub brand and network to maximise inclusion and access to information.

“The launch of this open source business intelligence platform will enhance access to valuable information and data necessary for fostering partnerships across the UK and the Nigerian tech ecosystem.”

He further said the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub and Briter Bridge would be partnering to bring the ecosystem together through initiatives, research content and unlocking future funding opportunities to maximise inclusion and access to information about the state of tech in the country.

Speaking on UK’s support and importance of the platform, Lamide Johnson, interim country director of UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, said the platform would help to increase trade in the country.

“We are excited to have partnered the Briter Bridge to co-develop and launch the Open Source Business Intelligence Platform, which is aimed at providing tech stakeholders, across the board, easy access to information,” Johnson said.

He noted that the platform would allow users to have access to a comprehensive database of startups, tech hubs and investors operating in Nigeria, adding that users would also have access to a live investment tracker showcasing all deals happening in the country; crowdsourcing new entities/players in the Nigerian tech ecosystem, among others.

The open-source business intelligence platform which can be accessed here, will allow users to have access to a comprehensive database of startups, tech hubs, and investors operating in Nigeria.