The National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (CIEE) is a groundbreaking initiative by the Federal Government to promote innovation and provide crucial support for start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) nationwide. The program, organised by the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria and hosted in Abuja, is a UNIDO-driven effort supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to highlight innovative solutions in clean technology. Through this initiative, entrepreneurs in the cleantech sector will access resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to accelerate their growth and positively impact the environment.
Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, emphasised the significant impact the CIEE could have on emerging SMEs providing innovative Cleantech solutions. He claimed that the launch of the CIEE showcases their dedication to supporting these businesses, which will boost the country’s economy, improve access to renewable energy, and contribute to global Climate Change efforts. Nnaji focuses on these businesses’ limitations, such as inadequate government policies, lack of financial resources, and a struggling environment for innovation.
GCIP promote innovation and supports entrepreneurs through technology.
He further highlighted the importance of the GCIP’s three foundational principles, which include nurturing budding Cleantech ideas into successful businesses, enhancing the Cleantech development network, and guaranteeing seamless project management. The project’s first stage involved offering technical support, and three rounds of the GCIP Nigeria Accelerator took place. Moving forward, attention is now directed towards Component 2, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) with assistance from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
This component is dedicated to enhancing and linking the organisational capabilities of CIEE participants, creating policies, stimulating partnerships, and guaranteeing the involvement of women and young people. Uchenna Chukwu, the Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), emphasised the critical role of creative entrepreneurship in driving technology adoption, generating wealth, and enhancing global competitiveness. He emphasised the crucial function of technology incubation centres in offering entrepreneurs the necessary resources and assistance at NBTI.
CIEE supports Cleantech start-ups for sustainable growth across the country.
Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, UNIDO’s national program coordinator for environment and energy, highlighted the importance of Cleantech in the country and credited CIEE for encouraging a conducive environment for these businesses. He specifically highlighted the achievements of Nigerian SMEs receiving international accolades as a testament to the country’s capabilities. Banjo thanked the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology for advancing green technology nationwide and reiterated UNIDO’s dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial growth. CIEE aims to boost knowledge generation, strengthen capacity, create a revolutionary strategy aligned with the country’s climate objectives, and set up an Eco-friendly technology distribution system, all of which contribute to creating a national platform for networking and exchanging insights.
In addition, the launch of the program marks a significant step towards promoting the ecosystem and supporting green startups and SMEs in the country. With the backing of the federal and state governments, UNIDO, and other key stakeholders, this initiative is poised to drive economic growth, enhance access to renewable energy, and contribute to global Sustainability efforts. By providing resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, the CIEE is paving the way for a thriving ecosystem of innovative solutions that will benefit both the environment and the economy.
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Overall, the program will benefit the country, including driving Economic Growth by developing innovative, eco-friendly solutions. By supporting start-ups and SMEs in the green technology sector, the program creates job opportunities, increases access to renewable energy, and boosts the country’s global competitiveness. Also, the focus on sustainable industrial growth and capacity building enhances the nation’s ability to meet its climate objectives. The program stimulates a conducive environment for businesses, promotes knowledge exchange, and creates a national platform for collaboration and Sustainable Energy solutions.