Anambra deepens digital push, targets SME formalisation

Anambra State, a major commercial hub in Nigeria's South-East, is intensifying its digital transformation program with the aim of integrating more small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) into the formal economy by 2030. The state's Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) agency is advancing from developing basic technology infrastructure to expanding online government services and automating public administration.

This initiative is part of a wider economic modernization strategy under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, an accomplished economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria governor. The ICT agency's director, Chukwuemeka Agbata, revealed his vision to digitize every government entity in Anambra State and make more public services accessible remotely.

The OneGov platform, currently in use, will be expanded to facilitate online government processes, reducing the time and cost associated with dealing with the government while increasing visibility into demand for public services. The ICT agency is also working with the Ministry of Commerce to encourage SMEs to formalize, which can improve access to financial services, credit, insurance, government programs, and procurement opportunities.

Early data from the Smart Anambra platform suggests a strong demand for digital government services, with over 14,000 visits recorded between July 9 and 29, averaging around 700 visits per day. The state aims to move towards paperless administration, with a phased approach for the wider civil service, potentially piloting the model in selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

However, connectivity challenges in rural areas may limit the accessibility of online public services for those who need them the most. The ICT agency is exploring the use of federal infrastructure and the Universal Service Provision Fund to extend connectivity to underserved communities. Additionally, the ICT agency aims to become Nigeria's first AI-native government technology institution, with AI set to play a significant role in automated customer service, document processing, fraud detection, data analysis, and other government functions.