Anambra State Announces Maiden Innovation Week, “Creating the Future of Africa Now”
The Government of Anambra State has announced the inaugural Anambra Innovation Week 2024 (AIW2024), set to take place from November 25 to 29, 2024, in Awka, Anambra. With the theme “Creating the Future of Africa Now,” the event promises to position Anambra as a leading digital and creative hub in Nigeria, aligning with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s ambitious vision to establish the state as Africa’s “Silicon Valley.”
In a press conference at Awka today, hosted by Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, she said AIW2024 will showcase Anambra’s commitment to advancing technology, digital talent development, and sustainable economic growth. Key highlights include an exhibition of innovation across various sectors, as well as workshops, high-level panel discussions, keynotes, masterclasses, and a TradeNovation Fair for SMEs aimed at fostering the state’s startup ecosystem and the broader African digital landscape.
Creating Anambra’s Digital Future
The Solution Innovation District (SID), under Governor Soludo’s leadership, is pivotal in establishing a thriving tech ecosystem that supports startups, tech talent, and innovative business growth in the state. Since its inception, SID has trained over 25,000 young people through programs like LevelUp Anambra and Code Anambra, preparing them for global tech opportunities. The SID Teen Digital Bootcamp is also nurturing a new generation of teens with digital skills for a promising future.
In a drive to improve connectivity, the Anambra State Government has laid over 2,000 km of fiber ducts across the state, with a 13.7-hectare site designated as SID’s permanent location, currently home to the Government House. This state-of-the-art site will host SID’s innovation and technology hub, with development already underway.
Anambra Innovation Week 2024: A Groundbreaking Event
AIW2024 is set to be an annual event celebrating African technological progress, innovation, and entrepreneurial potential. The week-long event will feature a flagship competition, Battle4Solutions, which boasts a prize pool of over one hundred million naira (N100,000,000). Nigerian startups and creators are invited to pitch solutions in diverse sectors, including digital health, renewable energy, agritech, and fintech, addressing some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Applications for the Battle4Solutions competition are now open to all innovators in Anambra and Nigeria at large. Interested applicants can visit www.innovationweek.anambrastate.gov.ng for more details.
Engagement and Partnerships
Anambra Innovation Week 2024 will bring together innovators, policymakers, CEOs, investors, digital experts, and academics from across Africa. Through its activities, the event aims to inspire bold ideas, foster partnerships, and showcase the latest advancements in technology and entrepreneurship, aligning with Anambra’s vision to be a regional leader in innovation and digital transformation.
For ongoing updates, speaker announcements, and partnership details, follow the Solution Innovation District on social media and visit the AIW event website.
