The Anambra Innovation Week has reinforced Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of transforming the state into Africa’s tech capital. Over the past 30 months, the Solution Innovation District (SID) has spearheaded a massive upskilling programme, training more than 50,000 young people in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, Blockchain technology, and cloud computing. The initiative, known as “Code Anambra,” aims to cultivate a network of skilled developers and developers capable of building an African Silicon Valley, with far-reaching impacts on the region’s economic future.
A major highlight of the event was the emphasis on Infrastructure supporting the tech ecosystem. Sade Dada, Meta Platforms Inc.’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa and Connectivity and Innovation Policy Manager for Africa, praised Anambra’s significant progress in deploying fibre optic infrastructure. She emphasised that such investments are essential for driving innovation and could position the state as a leader in Technology across the South East. This development aligns with the broader goal of creating a thriving environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tech talent and teamwork propel Anambra’s growth.
Furthermore, the enthusiasm and creativity of Anambra’s youth were on full display during the summit. Students from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions unveiled remarkable technological creations and research achievements, reflecting the impact of the state’s focus on tech education. Young inventors and researchers received cash prizes and gadgets, inspiring many to pursue careers in technology. For some, the opportunity to interact with Governor Soludo was a defining moment that could mark the beginning of their journey toward becoming leading figures in the global tech space.
Ehia Erhaboh, co-founder of AI in Nigeria, shared his organisation’s experience setting up the Anambra Community Hub and praised the state’s thriving tech ecosystem. “In less than 24 hours, when we set-up that hub, the level of activity that we saw was something we have never experienced anywhere else,” he remarked, crediting Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation, for driving this remarkable progress. His comments underscore the effectiveness of the state’s deliberate efforts to foster collaboration between startups, universities, tech hubs, and accelerators.
UNDP backs Anambra’s vision to become a tech leader.
Moreover, the planned Innovation District in Awka is poised to become a transformative hub for tech entrepreneurs, spanning 13 hectares dedicated to developing innovative hardware and software products. This ambitious project has already gained international recognition, with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) committing to a Makerspace facility to encourage creativity and nurture startups. The district is envisioned as a breeding ground for tech unicorn, private startups valued at over $1 billion, cementing Anambra’s reputation as a leader in the global technology landscape.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is leveraging these technological initiatives to drive Anambra’s economic growth, focusing on skill acquisition and human capital development. Programmes like “Code Anambra” aim to create a workforce equipped to compete on the global stage, while investments in fibre optic infrastructure lay the groundwork for a connected and innovative economy. Soludo’s commitment reinforces the principle that a society’s greatest resource is its people, and his administration is working tirelessly to channel that potential into meaningful development.
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As these initiatives gain momentum, Anambra is well on its way to becoming a beacon of technological progress in Africa. Chinwe Okoli’s leadership in organising the Anambra Innovation Week exemplifies the collaborative spirit driving this transformation, inspiring young innovators to dream bigger. The Innovation District and other tech-focused investments are not just about the present but about creating a sustainable future. Under Soludo’s watch, Anambra is positioned to become a powerhouse of innovation, with its youth at the forefront of this remarkable journey.