By Emeka Chiaghanam
The highly anticipated Anambra Innovation Week 2024 has commenced in Awka, bringing together tech experts, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore how technology can shape a brighter future for Anambra State and Africa. The five-day event, themed Creating the Future of Africa Now, is designed to celebrate innovation, foster collaboration, and highlight the transformative potential of technology in driving socioeconomic growth.
Speaking at the opening
ceremony at the International Conference Centre, Governor Charles Chukwuma
Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim, reiterated his
administration's commitment to advancing digital skills among the youth. He
noted that 25,000 youths have been trained in various skills, creating
self-reliant individuals and budding employers.
“We are committed to providing
opportunities for more young people to develop digital and other skills,” the
governor said. “This administration is focused on fostering innovation and
creating a knowledge-driven economy.”
The event is organized by the
Solution Innovation District (SID), established in 2022 as a centerpiece of
Governor Soludo’s agenda for a digitally empowered Anambra State. According to
the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms.
Chinwe Okoli, SID has been instrumental in nurturing startups, empowering
talents, and positioning Anambra as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
“From hosting groundbreaking
training programs to developing the Anambra Digital Economy Blueprint, SID has
demonstrated how visionary leadership can drive transformational change,” Okoli
said.
The week-long event commenced
with discussions on demystifying innovation and understanding the digital
ecosystem. Day one focused on emerging technology trends and their potential to
shape the state’s future. Day two will introduce a Career Conference tailored
for students and young professionals across Anambra’s 21 local government
areas, complemented by a nationwide ICT quiz competition and hackathons.
The third Day of the event will
transition to a Digital Transformation Conference for small businesses and
government, emphasizing governance efficiency and the use of artificial
intelligence for impactful service delivery. The fourth day will showcase
creativity and enterprise through a Startup Conference and Tradenovation Fair,
featuring exhibitions, panels, and startup pitching competitions. The event
will culminate on day five with the Grand Summit, which will include high-level
ministerial panels, exhibitions, and the launch of the One Million Anambra
Digital Tribe and the Anambra Angel Network.
Ms. Okoli described the programme
as one designed not only to inspire participants but also to equip them with
actionable insights and opportunities to innovate, network, and thrive.
Several tech leaders shared
their perspectives on how emerging technologies can address Africa’s
challenges. Mr. Emeka Afigbo, a Silicon Valley-based expert, emphasized the
role of artificial intelligence and deep tech in creating smarter, more
connected environments. He noted that AI and emerging technologies offer tools
to simplify life and solve complex problems, bridging the physical and digital
worlds for a more efficient future.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata,
Managing Director of the Anambra ICT Agency, called for a collaborative
approach to innovation. He encouraged participants to embrace technology
regardless of their academic background, noting that the willingness to learn
and adapt is crucial for success. According to him, technology is inclusive,
and anyone with the drive to learn can use it to solve problems and create
solutions.
Chief Executive Officer of
PalmNet Consult Limited, Mr. Daniel Chinagozi, highlighted Africa’s cultural
heritage as a unique resource that could be leveraged for global impact through
technology. He argued that African traditions, such as food and communal life,
could shape the world’s future if harnessed innovatively.
“Our food, communal life, and
traditions can shape the world’s future if we harness them innovatively,”
Chinagozi said. “We need strategies to showcase these aspects of our culture to
the world.”
Information Technologist Mr.
Emmanuel Essiet urged Nigerians to explore emerging tools such as artificial
intelligence, emphasizing their potential to unlock opportunities and solve
local problems. He said that AI and similar technologies are game-changers for
the future and building knowledge around them is vital.
As the week unfolds,
participants will engage in discussions, workshops, and exhibitions aimed at
fostering innovation and driving Anambra’s digital transformation.
The event has as participants
diverse audience, including students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts, all
eager to contribute to shaping a tech-driven future for the region and beyond.
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