Tracy Okoro Isaac is a founding member of influential Think Tank platforms that bridge the gap between tech/innovation leaders and policymakers, propelling Nigeria’s digital advancement
Tracy Okoro Isaac is a founding member of influential Think Tank platforms that bridge the gap between tech/innovation leaders and policymakers, propelling Nigeria’s digital advancement. Her impactful work with the Bureau of Public Policy (BPP) on e-governance earned her recognition as the most valuable player in Nigeria’s innovation and policy ecosystem. In this interview with KENNETH ATHEKAME, she spoke on vision for the Nigerian digital economy and the relationship between the informal economy and the growing digital economy in Nigeria. Excerpts:
Could you share a bit about your journey in the digital economy? What initially sparked your interest, and how has your role evolved?
I started in the digital economy not by design but by curiosity. I was drawn to the possibilities technology offered for problem-solving and social transformation. Initially, I was focused on digital skills training and advocacy helping young people understand how tech could shape their futures. Over time, my role evolved into ecosystem building—bringing people, institutions, and policy conversations together to move from isolated programs to more sustainable, scalable systems.
You’ve been recognized as a thought leader and community builder. What do those roles mean to you in the context of Nigeria’s digital space?
To me, being a thought leader means helping shape the narratives that define how we think about technology beyond just coding or entrepreneurship. Community building, on the other hand, is about creating trust networks and platforms where people can learn, grow, and collaborate. In Nigeria’s fragmented ecosystem, both roles are about stitching people, ideas, and institutions together to create lasting impact.
What are the key challenges and opportunities you observed when you first began working in this sector in Nigeria, and how have they changed over time?
In the early days, the biggest challenge was awareness. Many people didn’t see tech as relevant to their lives or work. Infrastructure was another hurdle, especially internet access and stable electricity. Today, while some of those issues remain, we’ve made significant progress. There’s wider awareness, more public and private sector engagement, and stronger policy conversations. However, the challenge now is building a big tent that erodes our culture of silos and scaling what works and making sure solutions don’t stay concentrated in urban centers.
What is your vision for the Nigerian digital economy, and how do you see your work contributing to that vision?
I want to see a digital economy that’s inclusive, decentralized, and human-centered. One where young people in Yola or Yenagoa have the same access and opportunities as those in Lagos. My work focuses on building the system,framework and relationships needed to make that happen—whether through digital skills programs, ecosystem mapping, or supporting founders and policymakers.
You’ve played a significant role in building communities within the digital space. Can you describe a specific initiative or project where you saw tangible impact?
One of the most impactful initiatives I’ve been involved in was the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA). I played a role in community engagement and state-level advocacy, ensuring that voices from across Nigeria—not just Lagos—were included in shaping the Act. We built grassroots communities in multiple states, facilitated town halls, and translated policy language into practical conversations for everyday entrepreneurs.
How do you measure the success of your community-building efforts? What metrics or indicators do you prioritize?
I look at three things: participation, collaboration, and outcomes. Are people showing up consistently? Are they working across silos and sharing knowledge? Are new initiatives, partnerships, or policies emerging as a result? Quantitatively, we track things like reach, engagement, and retention. Qualitatively, I care about trust and transformation.
In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the Nigerian digital ecosystem?
We need better cross-sector platforms and spaces where stakeholders like the government, industry, academia, and civil society can engage consistently. It’s also about incentives: recognizing and rewarding open source thinking and shared value. Finally, storytelling is key. We have to document what works and make those lessons widely accessible.
How do you address the digital divide in Nigeria, and what strategies do you believe are most effective in promoting digital inclusion?
We focus on three levers: advisory, advocacy , and execution. That means offering data backed advisory to Key stakeholders like telcos and ISPs to expand broadband, advocating for policy shifts that reduce data costs, and executing digital evolution campaigns in underserved communities. Inclusion isn’t just about giving people devices, it’s about helping them see technology as an enabling tool they can use and shape.
What are the most promising sectors or trends within the Nigerian digital economy right now?
Agri-tech, health-tech, and edtech are all showing strong growth, especially with localized solutions. There’s also growing interest in AI and climate-tech, though we’re still early. I’m also watching the rise of digital public infrastructure, identity systems, payment rails, and open data platforms which could transform how services are delivered.
How do you see the regulatory environment impacting the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria? What changes would you like to see?
Regulation is both an enabler and a barrier. We’ve seen instances where lack of clarity stifles innovation. What we need is responsive regulation rules that evolve alongside the ecosystem. I’d like to see more regulatory sandboxes, clearer digital taxation policies, and a unified national data strategy.
What role do you believe that startups and entrepreneurs play in driving innovation and economic growth in Nigeria’s digital space?
They’re essential. Startups are agile, often move faster than larger institutions and are closer to the problems they’re solving. They create jobs, attract capital, and challenge the status quo. But they need better support: access to patient capital, stronger mentorship networks, and more predictable policy environments.
How do you see the relationship between the informal economy and the growing digital economy in Nigeria? What are the challenges and opportunities in bridging this gap?
There’s a huge opportunity to formalize value without erasing identity. Many informal businesses already use digital tools: WhatsApp for sales, mobile money for payments. The challenge is integrating them into formal systems without overburdening them with regulation or cost. Platforms like Moniepoint, Opay, Flutterwave and Paystack are making this easier, but we need to go further, especially in micro-financing, logistics, and digital ID.
How do you assess the level of digital skills and talent in Nigeria, and what initiatives are needed to bridge the skills gap?
We have raw talent, but the pipeline is uneven. Urban areas are saturated with training programs, while rural areas are largely ignored. We also have a mismatch between what’s taught and what the market needs. To fix this, we need decentralized skills centers, better integration between academia and industry, and incentives for continuous learning especially for mid-career professionals.
What are the biggest opportunities for Nigeria to leverage the digital economy for sustainable economic development?
Three areas stand out: Job creation through remote work and digital services. Improved service delivery through e-government platforms. Exportable digital products like SaaS or media.
If we invest in digital infrastructure and human capital now, we can build a diversified economy that doesn’t depend solely on oil or traditional sectors.
How do you see the future of the Nigerian digital economy in the next 5–10 years? What are your hopes and concerns?
I’m hopeful that Nigeria will become a regional hub for digital innovation, with startups solving African problems and exporting solutions globally. My concern is that inequality could deepen if we don’t address access, infrastructure, and inclusive policy now. The one thing I’d want to see above all is a national digital vision that is coherent, inclusive, and tied to long-term economic goals.
