The State of Israel has reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria in driving its technology, innovative sectors and building entrepreneurship among the youth to boost the nation’s economy.
Some Officials of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed this message during meetings with a delegation of Nigerian journalists on a tour of Israel on Tuesday in Jerusalem.
The Israeli officials said Israel is known for its high technology, innovation which it successfully used to transform its nation into development, irrespective of numerous challenges.
Sharon Bar-Li, Deputy Director-General, African Department, I the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Israel’s aim is to transfer knowledge to a society and ensure sustainability of such programmes by training and empowering local partners.
“We have continued working with African countries making Israeli technology available.
“Here, it is really not about the know-how, transferring knowledge, transferring technology, but the idea of working with Israel is about the do how because we have the experience.
“Years ago we were a developing country and therefore we are in a very good position to work together with your countries.
“One of the fields that Israel has decide to master, and if you like to use as a spearhead in its activities in African countries is around a sector of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Israel is described as the start-up nation, country of innovation. This restlessness that we have is the key engine to innovation.
“Although the traditional sectors of agriculture, water and health are still very relevant when working with African countries, we have realised that many African countries have entrepreneurial elements which Israel and Israelis can connect with naturally.
“And this is where we identify a good area, a common denominator where we can work together,” Bar Li said.
Bar-Li said that one of Israel’s sustainable development programmes in Africa is the establishment of its Development Agency, MASHAV’s Innovative Hub (Innov-Hub) in Abuja for aspiring researchers.
She said Israel would be replicating the innovative hub for young entrepreneurs in every capital country of Africa where it has a Mission.
