The Anambra State Government, through the Solution Innovation District, has taken a giant leap in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. At the recently concluded one week Anambra Innovation Week 2024, 100 startups were awarded N1 million each, totaling N100 million. This was however done in conjunction with Meta, and UNDP.
According to Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, the state government’s drive is to make innovation and business startups the driving force of the economy. “We want to create an ecosystem that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation,” she stated.
The Anambra Innovation Week has been a huge success, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Lawrence Mefor, couldn’t be more thrilled as he was empathic that the innovation week has impacted positively on Ndi Anambra. He believes that the innovation and business solutions brought forth by the state government are the future of Anambra State.
Dr. Mefor however took a moment to express his gratitude to the organizers of the event and commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his vision in making Anambra stand out. The governor’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship is truly commendable, and it’s clear that his efforts are already bearing fruit.
Governor Charles Soludo while delivering his speech highlighted several key initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and technology in the state. One of the major announcements was the graduation of Code Anambra students, a program designed to equip Anambra youths with advanced digital skills and opportunities in the global tech industry. Additionally, the governor inaugurated the Ambassadors of Innovation, dubbed “Techies 4 Solution,” a group of innovators and thinkers who will drive technological advancements in the state.
The governor also launched the Anambra Angel Network, a platform that will provide funding and support to startups and entrepreneurs in the state. Furthermore, he officially launched the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe, an initiative aimed at empowering one million Anambra youths with digital skills, making them competitive in the global tech industry. These initiatives demonstrate the governor’s commitment to making Anambra State a hub for innovation and technology, and his vision for a digitally empowered future for the state’s youths.
The Anambra Innovation Week is just one example of the state government’s initiatives to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. The Solution Innovation District (SID), which was established by Governor Soludo, is another key player in this effort.
SID’s mission is to empower youths with digital skills, connect them to global job opportunities, and raise globally competitive startups and entrepreneurs. With initiatives like these, it’s no wonder that Anambra State is fast becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
The Anambra Innovation Week 2024 was open to all, including students, researchers, MDAs, SMEs, inventors, and young ICT geniuses. The event provided a platform for startups to showcase their innovative ideas and receive funding and support to bring their projects to life.
Key speakers at the event were Williams Tsuma, Head Innovation, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nigeria. Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa,Meta. Dr Krish Ranganath, Regional Executive for West Africa & Morocco at Africa Data Center. Ehia Erhaboh, co founder AI in Nigeria. Kene Mparu, Chairman Komworld, amongst others.
Some of the discuss centered on creative technology and connectivity, building the future of smart infrastructure and talent, Africa’s contribution to deep technology with robotics in focus.
With this initiative, the Anambra State Government has demonstrated its commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. The N100 million empowerment fund is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy, creating jobs and opportunities for the beneficiaries.
It’s worthy of note that as the state continues to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, it is clear that the future of Anambra State is bright. With initiatives like the Anambra Innovation Week, the state is poised to become a hub for innovation and economic growth in Nigeria.
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