TEXT: -Effective digital ecosystem is vital; powered by an enabling environment including right policies, funding access and mentorship.

• Startups can create new opportunities (youth) to develop skills necessary for a sustainable economy.

• Digital ecosystem enables underserved communities and improves financial inclusion.

• Startups have the potential to develop new products and services and disrupt conventional industries.

Recommendations:

• Digital payment gateways tailored for customer needs especially SMEs.

• Promote and incentivise offshore outsourcing/ ITeS to support job creation and augment exports.

• Invest in local talent training and development including faculty (mandatory summer internships for upskilling).

• Support businesses via globally competitive policies, tax regime and inclusion of leasing arrangements for movable IT equipment by financial institutions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023