The President of the Nigerian Software Testing Qualification Board (NGSTQB), Mr. Boye Dare, has said that Nigeria has the potential to earn big from the global software testing industry, which has been projected to reach $89.3 billion by 2032.
Dare stated this on Thursday at the TestNigeria 3.0 Conference held in Lagos. While noting that India currently leads the global software testing industry, he said Nigeria has all it takes to lead as well.
“If India can do it, Nigeria can. We have the talent and potential to bring software testing projects to Nigeria, which will generate substantial foreign exchange for the country,” he said.
Software testing is the process of evaluating and verifying that a software product or application does what it’s supposed to do.
Software testing centre in Nigeria
While emphasizing the importance of software testing in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, Dare said there are plans to establish the Nigerian Testing Centre of Excellence, a national hub designed to elevate the quality of software produced in the country.
Dare also cited the development of the Nigerian Software Testing Framework, set to be introduced by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which will provide clear guidelines for developers and testers to ensure adherence to global standards.
“At NGSTQB, we are acutely aware of the pivotal role that software testing plays in the success of digital initiatives.
“Our mission is to ensure that the software driving Nigeria’s digital economy is reliable, secure, and meets global standards. It is for this reason that we are working tirelessly to establish the Nigerian Testing Centre of Excellence,” he said.
Standardizing Nigerian software
Also speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime, Senator Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi, stressed the importance of rigorous software testing in Nigeria to safeguard national data and drive the country’s digital economy.
- Afolabi highlighted the need to align locally developed software with international standards to optimize its potential and protect Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
- He noted that with the increasing reliance on software and information technology globally, Nigeria must prioritize high-quality software development to remain competitive in the digital economy.
- He added that this focus on quality would not only provide employment opportunities for the youth but also safeguard critical national data from potential cyber threats.
“The Nigerian software industry has seen significant growth, particularly in sectors like fintech, commerce, and banking.
“However, we must ensure our locally developed software meets international standards to create jobs, boost the digital economy, and enhance national data security,” he said.
Government initiatives
Afolabi highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as the development of a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, a digital literacy framework, and the proposed National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill.
- These initiatives, he said, demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development.
- He said the government is also working on creating a database of Nigerian AI experts to further drive innovation and digital growth.
- In addition to government efforts, Afolabi called for collaboration between the private sector, academia, and the government to foster an ecosystem that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital literacy.
- This collective effort, he said, is critical to driving Nigeria’s digital economy forward.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Hon. Adedeji Olajide, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of software quality assurance in propelling Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that the country’s fintech sector requires robust security measures to protect citizens’ data and prevent cyber threats.
Olajide revealed that the National Assembly is working on the e-Governance and Digital Economy Bill of 2024, which aims to provide a legal framework for the country’s digital economy. Currently in its second reading, the bill is expected to support Nigeria’s digital growth, recognizing its potential for economic development and job creation.
