Author: Uchechi Joy Onyenwe
Policy Analyst at DigitA
The tent is wide, and there’s room for every voice inside.
The Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) stands as a landmark policy aimed at transforming Nigeria’s startup ecosystem by addressing regulatory challenges and driving growth. At the core of its success lies the “Big Tent” approach—a participatory strategy that brought diverse stakeholders together to co-create a policy framework that is inclusive, flexible, and responsive to the needs of entrepreneurs and innovators across the nation.
The Big Tent Approach Explained
Speaking on the TEDx Stage in Lagos in June 2024, DigitA’s founder, Oswald Osaretin Guobadia, explained the Big tent as “a canopy with no doors but a roof to hold in everybody.” His words captured the essence of a policy framework that welcomes everyone—transcending barriers to ensure all stakeholders feel a sense of ownership. This shared responsibility introduced trust and accountability, two essential ingredients for a successful policy implementation.
More than a metaphor, the approach represents an open and collaborative policymaking process. Beyond the shores of Nigeria, this participatory strategy stands as a beacon to the success of Rwanda’s “Agriprenuer Development Program.” By unifying the efforts of farmers’ cooperatives, private investors, and government bodies, Rwanda’s Agricultural sector is witnessing a revolution that is taking rural communities along on the ride. For Kenya, the approach was strategic to bridging the gender gap between the government, private sector, and civil society. Due to the collaborative efforts of the approach, young women in Kenya enjoy specialized digital skills training and access to resources like mentorship and training, evidencing the level of change that could happen when stakeholders collaborate. South Africa’s National Development Plan was based on a vision to address a growing social and economic challenge. Policymakers knew that to achieve accelerated success, they must employ a concerted strategy that encourages a sense of shared ownership and inclusion. By involving government entities, labour unions, and civil society organizations, policymakers ensured an effective implementation strategy that legitimized and ushered in a unified vision for South Africa’s national development.
The Big Tent Approach— a Blueprint for the NSA’s Success
In a country home to the most unicorns on the continent—a notoriously challenging regulatory system deterred investors and stifled entrepreneurial growth. The Nigeria Startup Act, first introduced as a Bill to the floor of the National Assembly in June 2021 and enacted in October 2022, aims to reverse this trend. It offers numerous benefits, from simplified procedures and government-backed incentives to seed funding for early-stage startups. These provisions have created a thriving environment for startups, instilling a sense of optimism and hope in the ecosystem.
However, even the most well-intentioned policies can fall short if they do not resonate with those they aim to support. This is where the Big Tent approach played an important role. Engaging stakeholders in a collaborative process ensured the Act was more than just a set of regulations—it became a living tool that adapted to the evolving needs of the ecosystem.
As the famous proverb goes, “Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.” The success of the Nigeria Startup hinges on the collaborative strategy of involving key players from various sectors.
“Collaboration invites policymakers to feast on a smorgasbord of expertise from various sectors, blending the regulatory acumen of government officials with the market insights of entrepreneurs, enriched by the unique perspectives of citizens.” Oswald Osaretin Guobadia.
Whenever individuals feel a sense of shared ownership, their loyalty is activated, triggering a need to protect. Employing the big tent approach in shaping the NSA’s policy made stakeholders feel heard and valued, strengthening their commitment to its overall success. From mere observers to active participants, stakeholders felt empowered to share ideas and strategies for its success.
Policies are only as significant as the solutions they yield; based on the feedback from entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the ecosystem, policymakers ensured that the NSA was not crafted in a void. The collective input strategy ensured that it was inclusive, forward-thinking, flexible and adaptable to the needs of different sectors and regions, providing entrepreneurs with reassurance and confidence in its effectiveness.
A Vision for the Future
The Big Tent approach to the success of the NSA was not just about the dialogues—it was also about mutual accountability among stakeholders borne out of a coalition of diverse ideas. Proven to be a powerful tool in shaping the Nigeria Startup Act, it transformed the Act from a policy document into a living framework that promotes innovation, growth, and inclusivity. As states in Nigeria move to adopt the Act to suit their local ecosystems, the collaborative spirit of the Big Tent will fuel the effectiveness of state-level implementation. More importantly, the approach will serve as a blueprint to move policies from roundtable discussions to focus groups, stakeholder dialogues, and community town halls, ensuring that policies reflect the lived realities of the communities they serve.