The Anambra State Government in Southeast Nigeria has advanced its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship with the successful conclusion of the 2024 Anambra Innovation Week in Awka, the state capital.
The weeklong event, which ended with a grand finale on November 29, awarded N1 million each to 100 startups, amounting to N100 million in cash prizes. Organised in collaboration with Meta, the UNDP, and UBA, the initiative aims to position Anambra as a leading hub for innovation in Nigeria.
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The state governor, Charles Soludo, who stated that Anambra Innovation Week 2024 is a giant leap towards a tech-driven future, emphasised the administration’s commitment to transforming Anambra from a “departure lounge to a destination point,” positioning the state as a vibrant hub for technology and innovation. “We are on a long journey towards making innovation and business startups the driving force of our economy,” he stated, highlighting the necessity of creating a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to job creation.
Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation and the host, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have given rise to notable initiatives like Code Anambra, aimed at equipping youths with advanced digital skills. She pointed out that such programs will not only empower the next generation but also set a foundation for a sustainable technological future in the state.
The event attracted participants from 24 states across Nigeria, showcasing the diversity of innovative talent present in the region. Keynote speaker and co-founder of AI in Nigeria, Ehia Ehabo, highlighted the immense potential within Africa’s youthful population, stating, “For every challenge, there are multiple opportunities.” His insights underscored the importance of harnessing local talent to tackle global issues through creativity and technological advancement.
Dr Lawrence Mefor, the Commissioner for Information, expressed enthusiasm about the positive impact Anambra Innovation Week has had on the local populace, stating that the solutions presented during the event are pivotal to Anambra’s future. He lauded the governor’s vision, asserting that these initiatives are already beginning to bear fruit, setting the stage for Anambra’s economic growth and competitiveness in the digital age.
Highlighting the crucial role of technology in shaping the state’s future, Governor Soludo also launched the Anambra Angel Network, a funding platform designed to support startups, along with the “One Million Anambra Digital Tribe” initiative, which aims to empower one million youths with essential digital skills. These programs embody a robust commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Anambra State.
The discussions throughout the week delved into various aspects of digital transformation, with contributions from notable speakers including Williams Tsuma from UNDP and Dr. Krish Ranganath from Africa Data Center. Topics ranged from building smart infrastructure to Africa’s contributions to deep technology, indicating a bright future for collaborative innovation efforts across the continent.
Okoli further said, “As the event comes to a close, it is evident that Anambra State is on a transformative journey towards becoming a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The successful Anambra Innovation Week stands as a testament to the government’s dedication and strategic vision, setting the groundwork for continued growth and development in the technology sector for years to come.”
Meanwhile, speaking about the event on her verified social media handle, the wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Nonye Soludo, said, “It’s been a week-long mouthwatering fixture to bring the Anambra Innovation Week 2024 (AIW2024) to a close today. This significant event has proven to be a great catalyst for mentorship and education, providing hands-on opportunities for thousands of young techies and creatives in Anambra State to network and learn from notable professionals from across Africa.
“Our administration recognises digital education and empowerment as important ingredients for solid human capital productivity. In our clear zeal to establish a practical pattern to lead what we want to achieve in the technology and digital sectors, the Solution Innovation District (SID) has become a perfect vehicle for leading that great transition. Anambra is winning.”
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