NASENI and Delta-2 Partners Seal $21.7 Million Deal for Innovation Projects
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has recently concluded a $21.7 million agreement with eleven Nigerian companies for the launch of the Delta-2 Projects, a collaborative effort between the Nigerian government and the Czech Republic. This endeavor seeks to introduce a range of products and services into the Nigerian economy.
The Delta-2 Programme, led by the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange (PICTT) and NASENI in partnership with the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR), was initiated in 2022. Its purpose is to provide funding for research, development, and innovation projects in Agriculture, Mining, and General Manufacturing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The agreement entails TA CR contributing $11.7 million, with NASENI providing $10 million as a counterpart fund. The collaboration between Nigeria and the Czech Republic dates back to 2014, showcasing the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The implementation of the Delta-2 Programme demonstrates NASENI’s dedication to reshaping Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape. Through a focus on Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization, the agency aims to bring the outcomes of the partnership to the market, thereby ensuring their commercial availability and benefit to consumers and end-users.
For every NASENI kobo invested in the Delta-2 program, the agency anticipates generating almost six naira in commercial returns, along with creating job opportunities, enhancing capacity, and facilitating technology transfer. The ultimate objective is to leverage technology and talent to deliver multi-level benefits to Nigeria.
The Delta-2 Projects received 285 proposals from Nigerian companies, which were meticulously evaluated by members of the Assessment Committee, selected from the Nigerian Academy of Science, Nigerian Academy of Engineering, and the Nigeria-Czech Republic Trade and Investment Council. The selected beneficiaries of the funding span across different zones in Nigeria, with implementation scheduled to commence in January 2024 and the funding lasting between 12 to 36 months.
The projects are expected to yield patents, proven technologies, and specialized databases, among others, with a direct positive impact on Nigerian farmers, miners, and MSME operators. The resulting technologies will be transferred and localized in Nigeria through NASENI and other research institutions and private companies.
Furthermore, NASENI has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT Saputra Global Harvest for the establishment of Coal-based fertilizers in Nigeria, covering food security, the supply of machinery and equipment, capacity development, and licensing. This agreement builds on the initial MoU signed in September 2022, aiming to support the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia.
Eminent figures from the Nigerian government have expressed their support for NASENI’s initiatives, affirming their commitment to enabling laws and collaborations for improved productivity.
The Delta-2 Programme and the agreement with PT Saputra Global Harvest signify significant steps towards fostering innovation, research, and development in Nigeria while addressing critical areas such as agriculture and technology. These initiatives aim to accelerate the country’s technological advancement and contribute to its economic growth in the long run.
