Awka, October 29, 2024 – The Anambra State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR through the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, is thrilled to announce the first-ever Anambra Innovation Week (AIW) 2024. The event will take place from November 25-29, 2024, in Awka, with the theme, "Creating the Future of Africa, Now."
Ms Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation and the Lead of the Solution Innovation District announced that this groundbreaking event, Anambra Innovation Week (AIW) 2024, marks a significant step towards positioning Anambra as Nigeria’s digital and creative capital. Through the Solution Innovation District (SID), the state government has made remarkable strides in fostering digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development, all aimed at building a thriving ecosystem for digital talent, startups, and forward-thinking businesses.
Ms. Okoli stated that the Anambra Innovation Week is an annual event and a leading platform for showcasing Nigeria and Africa’s fast-growing and vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem, while underscoring Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo's vision to make Anambra the Silicon Valley of Africa. Over the five-day event, #AIW2024 will bring together innovators, policymakers, Top Tech CEOs, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, digital experts, government and academia from Africa and beyond. It will feature exhibitions, showcases, competitions, games, keynotes, high-level panels, fireside chats, workshops, masterclasses, and a TradeNovation Fair for SMEs, all designed to advance technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the continent.
Notably, she revealed that #AIW2024 will prioritize the growth of innovative ideas, talent, technology, and invention. One highlight is Battle4Solutions, an innovation competition with a prize pool exceeding one hundred million naira (N100,000,000). This competition invites Nigeria’s brightest startups to pitch solutions addressing critical societal challenges across sectors such as digital health, renewable energy, e-commerce, agritech, fintech, environment, education, and more. Government ministries, agencies, academic institutions, startups, and creators are welcome to participate, with competition details available on our website. Visit the website HERE
She further reinforced that Governor Soludo’s administration has made significant and strategic progress toward actualizing his innovation agenda, starting with infrastructure. Over 2,000 km of fiber duct has been laid across the state for last-mile internet connectivity. A 13.7-hectare plot of land, currently home to the Government House, has been designated as the permanent site for the Solution Innovation District (SID). The master plan redesign is complete, and construction on the first major structure has begun, setting the foundation for what will become a hub of innovation and technology—Anambra’s own “Silicon Valley.” Thus, SID operates from a temporary center equipped with a digital skills lab, robotics lab, coworking spaces, training halls, high-speed internet, and a productive environment for startups and tech enthusiasts.
“This is not just an event but a vision to place Anambra at the forefront of Africa’s digital economy,” said Ms. Okoli.
Present at the press conference were the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, and various media representatives.
Join the Future of Africa – Apply Today, Innovators nationwide are invited to participate in the Battle4Solutions competition, with applications now open at https://innovationweek.anambrastate.gov.ng.
For continuous updates on AIW 2024, follow the Anambra Innovation Week website and Solution Innovation District social media pages.
Media Contact
SID Media Office
Solution Innovation District
sid@anambrastate.gov.ng
