Abia hosts South East activation of Africa Innovation Foundry, Unveils ₦2bn Startup Fund
Abia hosts South East activation of Africa Innovation Foundry, Unveils ₦2bn Startup Fund
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Commissioner for Science, Technology and innovation in Abia State Dr. David Kalu, has described
the South-East Regional Activation of the Africa Innovation Foundry, as a major step toward positioning the region as Nigeria’s hub for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Addressing participants at the event in Umuahia the state government Kalu said the activation goes beyond a program launch, adding that it is an engine designed to accelerate the future of an entire continent.
“The Africa Innovation Foundry’s mission is a bold and necessary step for the training of 150,000 tech talents and the incubation of 3,000 startups. “It is addressing the most critical infrastructure of the 21st century human capita” he stated.
He noted that while physical infrastructure remains vital, Abia’s greatest asset is its people. He added that hosting the activation aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s strategy to make the South-East the heartbeat of innovation in Nigeria.
He said, “Through the domestication of Startup Act Abia has become the first state in the South-East to domesticate the Nigerian Startup Act into the Abia Startup Law.
“This law is not merely a document. It is a signal to every founder, every investor, and every builder that Abia is open for business technology-enabled business.
“Key pillars of the law include:
The Abia Startup Support Fund,a ₦2 billion fund to improve access to finance for innovation-driven enterprises.
“Institutional Framework has the Abia State Startup Administration Board to handle startup labeling, tax incentives, and intellectual property protection.
“Talent Development: Partnerships with tertiary institutions for skill-to-job training programs to prepare youths for the global digital economy.
Kalu cited the recent launch of the first Manutech Innovation Hub in Nigeria at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, which had in attendance the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa; the Special Adviser to the UNDP Secretary-General on Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa; and the UNDP Resident Representative as a major boost to every Foundry in the zone.
He noted Abia is building an economy where innovation is a primary pathway to prosperity through technology parks and innovation clusters that leverage the state’s existing strengths in manufacturing and leatherwork.
“We’re merging our traditional industry with digital innovation to create a uniquely Abia digital economy.
“The State is not just hosting an event, we’re inviting you to join us in building a sustainable technology-enabled future” he insisted.
In a welcome remarks the Senior Special Assistant to the Abia State governor on Digital Economy, MS Elizabeth Chibuzor, on Wednesday welcomed stakeholders to the Southeast Regional Activation of the Africa Innovation Foundry, urging innovators to leverage the platform for cross-border partnerships.
She described the Southeast Regional Activation as vital, noting that innovation is deeply rooted in the region’s history of entrepreneurship, apprenticeship, and community-driven enterprise.
“Long before start-up ecosystems and venture building became part of our everyday culture, our people developed systems through which knowledge was transferred. Young people were mentored, businesses were financed, and successful entrepreneurs helped others to begin,”
“Aba in particular is a city where ideas become products. It is a living laboratory of manufacturing, craftsmanship and enterprise. Our people do not simply identify problems. They experiment, adapt and build solutions.
The opportunity before the region is to connect its historic entrepreneurial strength with technology, research, investment, and access to larger markets.” she stated.
She reiterated that under the leadership of governor Otti, the Abia State Government recognizes that the future of economic development depends on nurturing talent, supporting innovation, and creating the right environment for enterprises to thrive.
Also Speaking, the Executive Director of Africa Innovation Foundry (AIF) Mr. Deji Garuba, said the organization plans to upskill 150,000 young Nigerians and incubate 3,000 startups across the country within the next three years, with 100 startups earmarked for each state.
He explained that unlike other programs, AIF will tailor its approach to the peculiarities of each region, adding that the organization would work with hub owners, angel investors, and ecosystem enablers to identify bankable sectors in each region based on data rather than “vibes.”
“What we’re doing in the southeast is not the same thing we’re doing in the northeast, for example. What we’re doing in the south-south is not the same thing we’re going to be doing in the southwest,” he said.
The AIF Executive Director stressed that the success of the initiative depends on collaboration with policymakers and investors. He commended Abia State Government for its support and expressed hope that more states in the region, including Enugu, would domesticate startup bills to provide backing for innovation.
He announced that the national virtual upskilling program is already running. Interested participants can access it at `AIF.distinction.app`.
In her remarks Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovatio Mrs. Justina Oluchi Eboh, described activation as a new chapter for innovation and digital transformation in Nigeria.
She said, “The Africa Innovation Foundry’s goal to train 150,000 tech talents and incubate 3,000 startups aligns with Abia’s vision of human capital as the key infrastructure for prosperity.
“Under Governor Alex Otti, Abia is leading the South-East in innovation policy. The state domesticated the Nigeria Startup Act into the Abia Startup Law the first in the region to do so.
“Other initiatives include a ₦2 billion Abia Startup Support Fund, the Startup Administration Board, and partnerships with tertiary institutions.”
Also speaking a participant Ugwaneke Vivian Chidimma, called on Nigerian youths and state governments to embrace technology, saying it is now the key driver of growth for every sector.
Chidimma, who is from Enugu State and CEO of an agri-processing and export company headquartered in Adamawa State, said she learned about the program online through her mentor and decided to register to expand her knowledge and network.
“I’m very happy to be here. I learned a lot.”It’s not all about getting funds. Even when you get someone to buy into your idea, you should have an agreement in place in case of future disagreements” she said.
Photo A cross session of fecilitors and participatipants during the event