On the 21st of March 2023, a historic event took place in Anambra State as the Governor of the State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, officially launched the Solution Innovation District (SID) starting with the Anambra Digital Tribe program. The launch also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft and the Wootlab Foundation to train 20,000 Anambra youths on digital skills.

The Solution Innovation District (SID) is an innovative program of the State aimed at creating an environment that fosters innovation, creativity, invention, and entrepreneurship. SID is building a community of innovators, inventors, technologists, social entrepreneurs, tech companies, government, academia, investors, digital tribe, and smart artisans who provide solutions to local and global problems. The launch of the SID indicates Mr. Governor's commitment to transforming Anambra State into a hub of innovation, inventions, and digital excellence. SID programs include digital skills training, business incubation, open innovation, business acceleration, and SME innovations. 

The Anambra Digital Tribe program, part of the Solution Innovation District programs, is a training program that seeks to equip Ndi Anambra with on-demand digital skills for the modern workplace. The program is designed to ensure that the beneficiaries have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the digital economy.

Within these first three months, Governor Soludo has prepared the innovation district center and is set to officially open the center in July, Governor Soludo is also preparing Ndi Anambra to take advantage of the opportunities in the digital space. SID in partnership with Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation has trained 20,000 Ndi Anambra with digital skills in the LevelUp Anambra Program which focused on graphics design, web design, digital marketing and advertising, digital entrepreneurship, and productivity tools. The significance of this collaboration cannot be overstated, as the training equipped the beneficiaries with skills in high demand in the digital space.

The digital skills training program was conducted in two cohorts, with each cohort consisting of 10,000 participants. Over the course of three months, the beneficiaries of these cohorts received comprehensive training. The training program was not merely theoretical; it emphasized practical, hands-on learning experiences to enhance the beneficiaries understanding and proficiency in their chosen courses. Upon successfully completing their courses and assessments, the beneficiaries got access to their certificates, symbolizing their newfound expertise and commitment to continuous learning. These certificates are tangible proof of the trainees' dedication and proficiency, providing them a competitive edge in the job market. 

The launch of The Solution Innovation District is a significant milestone for the innovation ecosystem in Anambra State and the region. The impact in this short period is a testament that Mr. Governor is committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive. The digital economy is the future, and Anambra State is well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in this sector. 

Stay tuned as we will announce the winners of the laptops and internship opportunities from the LevelUp Anambra Program next week.

Prepare to participate in our upcoming webinar series Anambra Tech Drive. Register here: bit.ly/SIDWEBINAR