But at the Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) 2025, the country’s most influential fintech gathering, speakers made it known that beyond the data, trust, collaboration, and innovation will define the nation’s digital future.

For the first time in its history, the week-long event is being held simultaneously in Lagos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, bolstering inclusion as well as national reach, as is aligned with the theme “The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future.”

This year’s edition is held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing regulators, innovators, investors, and policymakers under one roof to discuss the fintech sector’s scale and sustainability.

From Association to Movement

Opening the day’s proceedings, Dr Stanley Jacob, president of FintechNGR, described the association’s evolution from a small group of pioneers to a national force building solid grounds for finance.

“When Fintech Nigeria was set up, it wasn’t to sit back and watch,” he said. “It was to drive digital transformation for our financial landscape. We wanted to lead, and today, I can confidently say we are orchestrating that transformation.”

Dr Jacob noted that through its PIE Agenda — Participation, Innovation, and Expansion, FintechNGR has grown into a hub of activity with over 600 institutional members and 62 active volunteers driving impact.

“We are no longer just an association. We are now a movement,” he said.

He explained that the association’s five Communities of Practice — covering innovation, cybersecurity, inclusion, policy, and industry advocacy — now anchor its influence in both local and international fintech conversations. “We have created an ecosystem that doesn’t just respond to change; we drive it.”

Harmony Through Collaboration

Picking up that thread, Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, vice president of FintechNGR and chairperson of Nigeria Fintech Week 2025, noted that fintech’s progress depends on collaboration.

“Our ecosystem requires every instrument — regulators, innovators, investors, and consumers — to play their part,” she said. “This is more than a theme; it is a statement of intent.”

She noted that FintechNGR’s growing visibility in policy discussions is evidence of maturity. “We’re not just a ceremonial presence with regulators. We’re now recognised for our expertise and the value we bring to Nigeria’s financial and technology ecosystem,” she said.

Dr Sharrieff-Ayedun also stressed FintechNGR’s governance reforms, from data protection frameworks to transparency in operations, as part of building credibility. “Do not leave this week without making the deal you came to make. Like a symphony, we must all play in harmony.”

Africa Can Deliver to the World

Dr Segun Aina, chairman of the FintechNGR Board of Trustees and president of the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), lifted the discussion to the continental aspect, affirming that Nigeria’s fintech success is part of a bigger African story.

“Nigeria has four of the nine leading fintechs in Africa, and many more are on the way,” he said. “We are not just participating in the global fintech story, we are shaping it.”

He highlighted key AFN initiatives, including the Africa Fintech Hub, supported by the African Development Bank, and the Fintech Passporting Project, which aims to harmonise regulatory requirements across African countries.

“With standardised frameworks, it will be seamless for fintechs to operate from one African country to another,” he said. “Africa can deliver to the world, not as followers, but as creators.”

Trust as the New Currency

Representing CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Dr Rakiya Opemi Yusuf, director of the Payments System Supervision Department, reiterated the Central Bank’s focus on balanced innovation.

“Like an orchestra, our fintech ecosystem requires harmony between innovation and regulation, inclusion and security,” she said. “Only through such balance can we advance trust and inclusion.”

She cited the ₦384 trillion figure as evidence of the deepening confidence in Nigeria’s financial technology systems. “The Central Bank embraces responsible innovation,” she said. “Compliance and trust are not barriers; they are the foundation of sustainability. When products are built on trust, they endure, and they attract investors.”

In alignment with this, Callistus Obetta, group executive, Technology & Services at First Bank of Nigeria, emphasised that trust is “the bedrock of financial services.”

“In today’s digital world, trust is our real currency,” he said. “AI should not replace human relationships, it should enhance them, allowing people to serve customers with empathy and purpose.”

Policy and People at the Core

Representing Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Blessing Adeolu-Adediran of CCHub delivered a goodwill message that tied policy, innovation, and human capital together.

“The future of our nation will be shaped by the digital innovations of today,” she said. “This week reminds us that the Nigeria we envision tomorrow will be built by what we choose to do — or fail to do — now.”

She spotlighted the Sail Innovation Lab, a project that has trained over 9,000 young Nigerians in technology skills, as a practical model for inclusive growth.

One Vision, One Symphony

Nigeria’s fintech expansion has reached a point of harmony, between ambition and regulation, innovation and inclusion, policy and people.

Dr Stanley Jacob’s closing words at the Nigeria Fintech Week 2025 captured the spirit of the day: “Our mission continues, our vision remains clear, and our commitment is unwavering. Together, we will orchestrate Nigeria’s digital future.”

• GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival cast a unique global spotlight on the profound influence of emerging entrepreneurs across Nigeria & Africa 
• Supernova Challenge finals also headlined the third & final day of GITEX NIGERIA 2025 – Curacel claimed $10,000 first prize

The inaugural GITEX NIGERIA concluded in a tremendous fashion this Thursday in Lagos, as West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show cast a spotlight on the influence of emerging local and regional entrepreneurs.

Held under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GITEX NIGERIA took place across Abuja and Lagos from 1-4 September.

Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event was endorsed by Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, global producer of GITEX events.

Taking place in Nigeria’s commercial and innovation capital, the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival showcased the strength and depth of an ecosystem through which talent development pathways and digital infrastructure projects are accelerating Nigeria’s US$1 trillion economy ambition.

Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos State, hailed its immediate impact at the national level, declaring:

“GITEX NIGERIA sends an inspirational message to every Nigerian: that many positive things are transpiring across our country and opportunities are here. For every attendee at the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival, this has been immediately apparent. We see many young citizens and entrepreneurs, with enormous innovative minds, making a real difference – generating interest, raising capital, and overcoming challenges by bringing their ideas to life and delivering tangible impact. Such outcomes are crucial because they show that, as the world evolves, so too does Nigeria – as a nation of leaders, innovators, and architects of digital future we envisage.”

Central to Nigeria – and Africa’s – digital sovereignty is upskilling and expanding grassroots talent and organisations.

As the largest regional showcase of its kind and a convergence point for local and international stakeholders embracing digital transformation, the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival was perfectly timed to support this mandate.

Over 650 startups from 27+ countries and 29 different industries participated with a shared vision of co-creating tech architecture across multiple sectors undergoing continent-wide digitisation. Its strategic programme included Nigeria’s most globally diverse investor programme, innovation hub showcases, and curated meetings between startups, investors, corporates, governments, industry leaders, and prospective partners.

Speaking after the recent announcement of funding 75 new research projects for startups, researchers, corporates and Nigerian diaspora for digital innovation, Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria said:

“The opportunity and responsibility lies with all of us to build a resilient, innovative, and globally connected ecosystem, one that ensures that Nigeria not only keeps pace with the digital future but also shapes it. To all enterprises, corporates, startups, academia, and partners, we offer a transparent and accelerated path to collaboration, investment, and cooperation with Nigeria. Let us accelerate the development of the digital economy not only for Nigeria, but for Africa and the world.”

Supporting the multi-sector disruption ranging from education and agriculture through manufacturing and energy, startup participation was bolstered by hundreds of organisations brought by local engagement and international innovation hub partnerships.

Within Nigeria, NITDA, Lagos State, FATE Foundation, Co-creation Hub Africa (CcHUB), and Orange Corners were among the partners, while internationally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), American Business Council (ABC) contributed.

Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director general/CEO, NITDA, said:

“Across Africa and around the globe, future-oriented partnerships are the lifeblood of thriving startup ecosystems and digital economies. By uniting ambitious organisations from instrumental sectors in the emerging digital economy, we demonstrate how collaboration fuels innovation, accelerates transformation, and empowers Nigerians and Africans to shape their digital future.”

Universally recognised as the world’s leading pitch competition for early-stage companies and emerging entrepreneurs, the Supernova Challenge made its regional debut at West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show – culminating in action-packed Thursday final.

Across two days in Nigeria’s innovation capital, the continent’s brightest and boldest disruptors joined Nigeria’s most visionary startups in competing for a US$22,000 total prize pool across six categories – showcasing game-changing solutions transforming agritech, cybersecurity, edtech, e-commerce, healthtech, telecom, and more.

Following the semi-finals 24 hours prior, the remaining contestants battled it out for valuable cash prizes and unprecedented visibility as regional and international investors watched on.

Abdul-Jabbar Momoh, VP, from Nigerian startup Curacel,  revolutionising health insurance with AI-driven solutions – emerged as the most outstanding finalist among the expert judging panel, and was awarded the US$10,000 first prize for its AI-driven health insurance solution.

Reflecting on the at GITEX NIGERIA, Momoh said:

“Placing first at the GITEX NIGERIA Supernova Challenge gives us more visibility and fuel our expansion across Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as North America. Most importantly we are going to keep on impacting lives in Africa and around the world by deploying solutions to move health insurance distribution.”

The winners across each Supernova Challenge category were as follows:

• Overall Supernova Champion (US$10,000): Curacel
• AI category (US$2,000): Build Africa
• Digital Finance category (US$2,000): InCash
• Creative Economy & Martech (US$2,000): Hadiya
• Agritech & Energy (US$2,000): Acecore
• Mobility & Smart Cities (US$2,000): Kara
• Disruptor Award (US$2,000): HiPrep

For more information, news and updates on GITEX NIGERIA, please visit gitexnigeria.ng.

However, even the most skilled graduates still find themselves endlessly job hunting. Lagos, the supposed land of opportunities, is overcrowded, and the dream of building a successful startup in Nigeria sometimes feels like chasing shadows.

But what if the next big thing in African tech wasn’t from Lagos or Abuja—but from Ilorin?

Well, the Ilorin Innovation Hub, a 13,000-square-metre tech centre is coming to change the story. Driven by the Kwara State Government in partnership with IHS Nigeria, this facility is not another government project that looks good on paper—it’s designed to create 10,000 jobs, incubate startups, and provide young innovators with the tools they need to build global businesses.

With the commencement of incubation and acceleration programs announced on Thursday, 27 February 2025, the hub has been described as the largest of its kind in West Africa, with a 3,000-square-metre indoor workspace capable of accommodating over 1,000 concurrent users. 

For a state that has long been overshadowed by bigger commercial hubs, we hear the message—Ilorin is getting ready to compete globally.

With innovators like CcHub and Future Africa appointed to lead incubation initiatives, and the government slashing internet costs to attract digital businesses, Kwara State seems serious about becoming a tech giant.

So, could the next Nigerian unicorn be born in Ilorin? If this hub fulfils its promises, the answer might just be yes.

“Why Not a Tech Unicorn from Ilorin?” – IHS Nigeria CEO Challenges Innovators

In his address, Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, explained the technological growth and economic opportunities the hub will bring:

“This hub represents a bold step towards fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation, not only in Kwara State but across Nigeria as a whole,” Darwish stated.

He noted IHS Nigeria’s focus on digital infrastructure development, stressing that the hub is not just an edifice, but an ecosystem designed to promote creativity, train young innovators with skills, and provide access to funding and mentorship.

“Unicorns are emerging globally, so the question to ask is ‘Why not from Ilorin, Kwara State?’” Darwish stressed.

With a vision to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across sectors such as digital skills, agricultural technology, and energy innovation, Darwish affirmed IHS Nigeria’s goal to empower young entrepreneurs to build globally scalable solutions.

Government Endorsement: “The World Will Soon Hear of Kwara State”

Representing the Kwara State Government, Dr Mary Ayinde, commissioner for Tertiary Education, spoke on the prospects of the Ilorin Innovation Hub.

“This is another giant stride of His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Kwara State is going places, and the world will soon hear of Kwara State,” she said.

The state government had slashed the cost of right-of-way fees for fibre optic installations, reducing limitations for internet service providers (ISPs) and making connectivity more affordable for residents. 

As a result, Kwara now has a low-cost, high-speed internet infrastructure, making it attractive for businesses and technology-driven enterprises.

Ayinde stressed the importance of connectivity in driving economic development, adding that the state is committed to ensuring that the hub serves as a launchpad for the next generation of Nigerian innovators.

Future Africa and CcHub to Lead Implementation of High-Impact Initiatives

IHS Nigeria has partnered with two renowned programme managers—Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa—to implement incubation and accelerator programmes designed to groom startups, businesses, and young innovators.

Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave and founding partner at Future Africa, described the hub as the “seed of a new generation of billion-dollar businesses.”

“I recruited Kwara State as my top recruiting ground for Andela, a company that builds and deploys talent all over the world,” Aboyeji noted.

He affirmed that the Ilorin Innovation Hub would help in creating sustainable infrastructure, with a focus on agriculture, energy, and digital connectivity.

“We are here to work with entrepreneurs to build globally scalable businesses. The billion-dollar businesses of the future will move up from here,” he added.

Stephanie Okpere, design lead at CcHub, reaffirmed the organisation’s focus on supporting the hub’s research and entrepreneurship initiatives.

“In the last 15 years, CcHub has worked with over 50,000 startups, and we have the expertise to drive innovation at this hub,” she said.

She outlined plans for mentorship, talent development, and partnerships with universities, ensuring that the hub will serve as a pipeline for young innovators into the global tech space.

Ensuring Technological Advancement and Sustainable Infrastructure

The Ilorin Innovation Hub is being built with cutting-edge infrastructure designed to support innovation at a high scale. Features include:

• 13,000-square-metre campus with a 3,000-square-metre indoor work and event space
• Capacity for over 1,000 concurrent users
• Dedicated co-working spaces, conference halls, and an IHS Lounge
• High-speed connectivity for seamless digital collaboration

With a focus on sustainability, the hub will be powered by a solar energy system comprising 681 units of 5-kilowatt solar panels, generating approximately 584 megawatts of energy—enough to power 200 three-bedroom flats.

Added to these, the facility will include 600 kilowatt-hours of battery energy storage, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply. This solar-powered system is projected to save over ₦2 billion in energy costs over time.

The hub’s cooling system, featuring 96 DS cooling units, will be solar-powered, with the capacity to sustain up to eight four-bedroom flats, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Recognising the challenge of infrastructure maintenance in Nigeria, the project team has developed a solid facility management strategy to ensure the hub remains in pristine condition for years to come.

Measures will include:

• Regular audits and assessments
• Comprehensive cleaning and equipment servicing
• Long-term sustainability planning

The official commissioning of the Ilorin Innovation Hub is scheduled to take place later this year.

The TowerCo is part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count.

This technology and innovation center, located in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, is an initiative of the Kwara State Government, built and equipped in partnership with IHS Nigeria, who are also operationalizing the facility.

Covering a land area of over 13,000 sqm, with seating capacity for over 1,000 users, the Ilorin Innovation Hub is arguably the biggest technology space of its kind in West Africa and considered a masterpiece of functional space and design architecture.

The facility has been designed and built as an ecosystem to help nurture creative talents, drive technological innovations, entrepreneurship, and overall economic growth across Kwara State in particular, and Nigeria in general.

It is aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of investing in the digital economy to stimulate local industries, enhance competitiveness, increase productivity and provide millions of Nigerians with new skills, as well as long-term employment and wealth creation opportunities.

As part of their commitment, IHS Nigeria is working with two program managers, Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa, to facilitate the rollout of programs aimed at empowering startups, businesses, and young innovators with the tools to succeed in the digital economy.

CcHub is a leading pan-African creative and innovation ecosystem enabler. They will design and implement sustainable models to help build capacity for innovation, support top innovators and startups in the region, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem, further helping attract and connect key players.

Future Africa is an innovation fund dedicated to supporting founders who are shaping Africa’s future.

They will oversee the implementation of three key programs: Advanced Technical Leadership Training, Corporate Innovation and Accelerator Program; and Ecosystem Development and Mentorship Initiative.

Through the above programs, IHS Nigeria and the Kwara State Government are aiming to help stimulate the growth of the technological ecosystem in Kwara State and across Nigeria.

Together, their vision is that the Ilorin Innovation Hub and its programs will help create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Nigeria, focusing on digital skills, artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, and energy innovation.

This initiative also complements IHS Nigeria’s ongoing partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy on the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Learning Community, aimed at empowering three million Nigerians with critical digital skills.

In October 2024, the Hub invited young artists from Kwara State and across Nigeria to participate in an Arts Hackathon by submitting art works that resonate with the themes of innovation, creativity, and local community development.

The aim was to showcase the unique relationship between creativity and science. Ten artists, whose works were selected from over 250 entries, each received a cash prize of ₦500,000 and will have their artwork displayed in the Innovation Hub.

Mohamad Darwish, CEO, IHS Nigeria, commented,

“I am extremely proud of IHS Nigeria’s role in developing the Ilorin Innovation Hub. This marks another critical milestone in IHS’ efforts to improve the lives of people in our operating communities by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall wealth creation in Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s backbone of digital possibilities, and an enabler of mobile connectivity, we believe this hub will create opportunities for millions of Nigerians with brilliant ideas looking for the facilities, training, expertise, mentorship and funding support to turn their ideas into viable businesses. Businesses that will contribute to the overall socioeconomic upliftment of Kwara State, and Nigeria more broadly.

“We are optimistic that this facility will support the rise of additional unicorns in Nigeria in multiple sectors, highlighting the depth and resilience of Nigeria’s talent to compete in the global market, akin to how IHS, as a company with roots in Nigeria, has already demonstrated.”

• Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), is calling for leading healthtech startups to join its 3^rd cohort I3 will offer 15 African startups flexible grants, introductions to major healthcare customers and  support to close partnership deals 
• i3 is funded by a powerful network of global healthcare organizations committed to expanding patient access across Africa: the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, Endless Foundation, HELP  logistics–a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation, Sanofi’s Global Health Unit and Chemonics. 

Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a pan-African initiative to support African healthtech startups to commercialise and scale their offerings, is calling for leading innovators to join its 3rd cohort.

Funded by the Gates Foundation, MSD, Cencora, Endless Foundation, HELP  Logistics–a subsidiary of the Kühne Foundation, Sanofi’s Global Health Unit and Chemonics, i3 will offer select startups 3 critical resources to prepare themselves for expansion: flexible grants, introductions to potential customers and tailored counsel to close partnership deals.

i3 is selecting a total of 15 leading startups for this cohort: 

• 10 early-stage startups innovating in healthcare delivery or product distribution
• 5 growth-stage startups building the future of pharmacy care

Early-stage startups will receive a $50K grant and growth-stage startups will receive a $225K grant to unlock major partnerships that can expand patient access across the continent. For startups in the cohort,  i3 aims to facilitate at least 150 relationships with key healthcare organizations, worth at least $30M,  which will expand patient access while creating valuable local jobs.

Applications for the 3rd cohort are open now until February 28th.

Apply here:  

The selected startups will be announced on April 30th.

In just two years since its launch, i3 has empowered 60 African health innovators across 16  countries, exceeding expectations with 43% women-led and 20% Francophone-led ventures.

The program provided $3M in direct grants, and facilitated 450 strategic connections, resulting in >$11M in contracted partnerships, expanded reach, and nearly 1,000 jobs created—half of which were held by women. i3 is coordinated by Salient Advisory and Solina Center for Research and Development  (SCIDaR).

Dr. Uchenna Igbokwe, CEO, SCIDaR,

“With the right resources, African-led companies can scale commercially while reaching underserved communities and creating jobs. The i3 program has been able  to prove, in just two years, that an actively engaged network of leading global health institutions and  partners can power African innovators to solve critical African problems in healthcare.”

Oghenetega Iortim, CEO of Figorr, a company that provides end-to-end supply chain tracking technology and an i3 alumni, said,

“We partnered with the Nigerian government to track over 200M health products. Through i3 we met with major global customers who were excited to find ways to expand  Figorr’s impact both in Nigeria, and beyond. We’re grateful to i3 for opening these doors.”

The selected startups will be announced on April 30th. A virtual Q&A  session will be hosted by i3 on February 21st to answer any questions regarding the application process.

i3 is coordinated by Salient Advisory and Solina Center for Research and Development (SCIDaR).

Leading tech hubs – CcHUB and Villgro Africa – will spearhead cohort selection, alongside a distinguished panel of African experts.

The Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), in collaboration with the Edo State government and the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is set to bolster the digital solutions ecosystem. 

This initiative goes beyond nurturing innovation; it’s about empowering entrepreneurs to drive global scale in the tech sector of Edo State.

The CcHub is rolling out a plan to provide grants to 50 startups in Edo State through two programs — Inclusion-Focused Support and the Innovation Challenge Program. 

These programs aim to facilitate diversity, inclusivity, and innovation in the Edo State tech community.

Benefits

1. Inclusion-Focused Support Program

For those with underrepresented founders and teams, particularly women in tech, the Inclusion-Focused Support Program offers a commendable opportunity.

Thirty (30) startups will be selected to receive $10,000 each, providing the financial impetus needed for growth and innovation. This program is a gateway for women-led startups to dive into a world of opportunities and catapult their ventures to new heights.

2. Innovation Challenge Program

The Innovation Challenge Program is designed to ignite the spark of creativity and innovation across all tech startups in Edo State.

Twenty (20) startups with excellent ideas and products will be awarded $20,000 each to scale up This program, asides funding will help startups with market potential to innovate, transform, and thrive in the competitive tech sector.

Eligibility

For the Inclusion-Focused Support Program, startups with underrepresented founders and teams, especially women, are encouraged to apply.

This program aims to bridge gaps and create equal opportunities for diverse voices in the tech industry.

The Innovation Challenge Program, on the other hand, is open to all tech startups in Edo State with innovative ideas and products that have the potential to make a mark in the market.

How to Apply

The application deadline for both programs is set for 12 February 2024. To embark on this exciting journey, tech startups in Edo State need to submit their applications.

This appointment follows the transition of former CEO Bosun Tijani, who now serves as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Ojoma Ochai, previously the Managing Partner at the Creative Economy Practice of CcHUB, has been a key part of the company enhancing Nigeria’s creative industries.

Her leadership and expertise in driving innovative solutions within the creative economy have significantly contributed to the success of the practice.

With nearly two decades of progressive experience in the creative and technology sectors, Ojoma Ochai is spearheading innovative initiatives that elevate Africa’s creative industries.

Funke Opeke, Chairperson of the CcHUB Board, expressed delight at Ojoma’s elevation, stating, “We are delighted to have Ojoma step up as the new Managing Director of CcHUB. Her commitment to achieving social change through innovation and creativity is key to what CcHUB represents.” Ojoma’s proven track record and strategic leadership are deemed essential to advancing CcHUB’s mission of contributing to African prosperity through innovation.

As Ojoma Ochai assumes her role as Managing Director, CcHUB sets its sights on growth, aiming to forge stronger partnerships, expand its Pan-African footprint, and deepen its impact in supporting the continent’s innovation ecosystem.

Co-creation Hub is at the forefront of Africa’s technology innovation ecosystem, dedicated to accelerating the application of science, technology, and social capital for economic prosperity across the continent.

Launched in 2010 as Nigeria’s premier innovation center, CcHUB has expanded its physical presence to six cities across Africa, including Lagos, Abuja, Ijebu-Ode, Kigali, Nairobi, and Windhoek.

With a mandate to build an epic innovation ecosystem, CcHUB collaborates closely with entrepreneurs, civil society organisations, government, and the private sector.

The organisation identifies and nurtures novel solutions to social challenges in Africa, boosting a deeply rooted network, cultivating strategic partnerships, and providing industry know-how to support the development of thoughtful, relevant, and scalable solutions by entrepreneurs and innovators.

Themed, “Innovating for the Future”, the Nigeria Innovation Summit showcased inspiring stories, initiatives, and collaborative efforts aimed at addressing some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. 

Sponsored by the visionary support of TotalEnergies, the programme’s partners included Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), CoinEx, CcHUB, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), TechEconomy, Technext, among others, surging with energy and promise.

Tony Ajah, the Programme Director of the Nigeria Innovation Summit, set the tone with welcome remarks. He emphasized the power of dialogue in driving change, stressing that talk, far from being cheap, is the precursor to transformative action. Strategic connections, he noted, are the linchpin to impactful collaborations, giving birth to a community of innovators across diverse sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and security.

“We bring people together for a forward thinking conversation. It begins with talking about it. If you want to address a problem, you must talk about it. 

People say talk is cheap, but talk is cheap only to people who do not have the capacity to make it happen. We talk about areas we want to improve, like the process that will reduce the traffic in Lagos for instance. 

The next is strategic connection, we align in our discussions and see how we can connect to see what we can give birth to and that will lead to strategic collaborations. That collaboration will help us form a community of like-minds who can identify problems in different sectors including health, agriculture, education, security and several areas where we see how to grow and sustain the mind that has started out  in solving the problems we have identified.”

The summit resonated with stories of resilience and ingenuity. Chukwuemeka George Eze, the tenacious mind behind Revive Earth, shared his journey of overcoming obstacles to create electric vehicles, inspired by the spirit of giants like Tesla. Gbenga Sesan, the founder of Paradigm Initiative, ignited the audience with his call for youth to seize digital opportunities, urging them to carve their own paths amid challenges.

The imperative intersection of technology and agriculture found a voice in Ibrahim Maigari Ahmadu, Founder/CEO of RiceAfrika Technologies. Ahmadu revealed the stark realities faced by smallholder farmers in Nigeria and unveiled transformative solutions, emphasizing that Africa’s agricultural revolution lies in investment, not aid.

He outlined key necessities such as land preparation equipment, high-yielding seeds, and structured markets. Ahmadu’s innovative approach focused on community agency networks, unlearning/relearning, incentivization, and adoption, creating a significant impact on agricultural productivity.

Dr. Funmi Adewara, the Founder/CEO of Mobihealth International, illuminated the summit with her vision to enhance medical accessibility. Her company, founded in Nigeria and embraced globally, stands as a pioneer of affordable healthcare solutions. The company pioneered affordable medical insurance, ensuring that individuals can access healthcare services. MobiHealth’s success story highlighted the power of innovative solutions in addressing healthcare disparities.

Orok Godspower, CoinEx Nigeria Partner/Country Manager, unveiled the future of payments, simplifying the complexities of blockchain and championing a fraud-free digital landscape.

He emphasized the role of education in reducing the risks associated with blockchain, ensuring a seamless and secure experience. CoinEx Nigeria’s approach highlighted the transformative potential of digital assets in shaping the future of payments.

Jonny Baxter, the insightful British Deputy High Commissioner, highlighted the essence of partnerships in shaping future economies. His words resonated with the attendees, highlighting the need for collective efforts to streamline processes and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria.

Amidst the vibrant discussions and innovative fervor, the Nigeria Innovation Summit left a memorable mark, not merely as an event but as a force behind the nation’s persistent spirit to innovate, collaborate, and lead in shaping a progressive future.

As Nigeria embraces innovation, partnerships, and education, the nation is set to create a future where creativity and technology converge to drive progress and prosperity for all. This summit not only celebrated innovation but also ignited a spark for a brighter, more innovative future for Nigeria.

Investing in Innovation Africa (i3), a pan-African initiative for start-ups building the future of healthcare supply chains, has announced its second cohort of 29 companies.

Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and sponsored by Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen), Merck Sharpe & Dohme (MSD), Microsoft, and Chemonics, i3 is dedicated to facilitating the commercialization of promising early- and growth-stage companies.

Selected startups receive introductions to leading potential customers in industry, donor agencies and governments, a $50,000 grant, and tailored investment readiness support from leading accelerators Villgro Africa, IMPACT Lab, Startupbootcamp Afritech, and CcHUB.

The 29 start-ups chosen operate in 21 different African countries, delivering digitally-enabled healthcare supply chain solutions. Innovators are building online pharmacies and telemedicine firms, as well as inventory management services for pharmacies, clinics and hospitals, supply chain data analytics, product protection, product visibility and more.

Thirty-eight (38%) of the companies selected are women-led and 17% are conducting operations in Francophone Africa.

The selected companies are, in alphabetical order: Afia Group Limited, Aimcare Health, Bena Care, BioCertica, Chari Pharma, CheckUps Medical, Chefaa, Dawa Mkononi, Drugstore Nigeria, Famasi Limited, Field Intelligence, Inc, GICMED, Grinta, Healthtracka, Kapsule, Medical Diagnostech, Medpharma Alliance International Limited, Octosoft Technologies Limited, Pharmarun, Pharmaserv Health Project Nigeria Limited, Reductiona, SASA Health Limited, Tech Care For All Eastern Africa, Technovera – Pelebox Smart Lockers, Tibu Health, UltraTeb, Waspito, WellaHealth, and Welo.

Innovators selected will benefit from the i3’s annual Access to Markets event in Nairobi, which will be held between 14-15 of November.

The event facilitates dynamic partnership dialogues between industry stakeholders, governments, donors, and large multilateral agencies. Connections are made to drive the commercialization and scale of the start-ups through mutually beneficial contracts, pilot projects, and investments.

The first cohort of 31 companies supported by i3 last year forged 24 contracts, pilots, and strategic partnerships to date.

Kieran Daly, Director, Global Health Agencies and Funds at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, commented: “As countries and global health institutions work to expand access to priority products, we face an urgent need to leverage solutions across the public and private sectors to improve health outcomes and strengthen local health systems. Programs like i3 help us understand, support and engage with technology-driven solutions emerging across Africa, hand-in-hand with our partners.”

Yusuf Rasool, Director, Global Market Access, Sustainable Access Solutions at MSD, noted, “We are excited to have a second cohort of 29 innovative changemakers in African healthcare enter the program. Investing in these companies are a means of delivering lifesaving solutions and empowering communities through the access of critical medicines across the continent.”

Jason Dinger, Senior Vice President of Global Products and Solutions at Cencora

“The range of startups selected for the second cohort reflects the breadth of talent and creativity in the

African entrepreneurial landscape, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of their solutions in the years to come.”

Investing in Innovation Africa (i3) is coordinated by Salient Advisory and SCIDaR and is operationalized by leading technology hubs across the continent: CCHub for West Africa, Startupbootcamp AfriTech for Southern Africa, IMPACT Lab for North and French-speaking Africa, and Villgro Africa for East Africa.

President Bola Tinubu has assigned portfolios to his appointed ministers who have been cleared by the senate. One of the Minister’s whose portfolio directly connects to young people and he is expected to offer profound solutions to the erring economy, is Dr. Bosun Tijani.

He has been handed the keys to the office of Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and his appointment has generated significant attention within Nigeria’s technology and entrepreneurial circles.

Bosun Tijani is no stranger to the African tech ecosystem. In fact, he has been around in the country and passed through different phases to get to this present level. He is widely recognized as a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and perhaps best known as the co-founder of Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB), a pacesetter innovation center situated in Lagos. With a passion for technology and entrepreneurship, Bosun has played an instrumental role in fostering the growth of Nigeria’s tech landscape.

Founded in 2010, CcHUB quickly emerged as a powerhouse of innovation, driving collaboration among startups, investors, tech enthusiasts, and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem. Under Bosun’s visionary leadership, CcHUB has been a catalyst for numerous tech startups and initiatives across various sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and financial technology.

Bosun Tijani’s career journey reflects innovation and positive change. He has been a driving force behind several groundbreaking ventures and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at LifeBank, a role that allows him to contribute to the advancement of life-saving medical solutions. Additionally, with a passion for education, Bosun founded STEMCafe, a non-linear learning center where young minds explore the world of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – through interactive activities.

Bosun’s dedication to improving public health is evident in his role as an adjunct researcher at The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. He focuses on applied digital epidemiology, leveraging mobile and social data to enhance disease management and public health efforts in Nigeria. As a partner at Growth Capital by CcHUB, Bosun is actively involved in supporting early-stage businesses that are leveraging technology to drive social change in Nigeria.

In the fitness arena, Bosun’s influence extends through his role as the founder and CEO of Truppr, a social platform connecting individuals with fitness events and activities. His education and expertise contribute to his multifaceted approach to innovation and entrepreneurship.

With a Ph.D. in Innovation & Economic Development from the University of Leicester, a Master of Science degree in Information Systems and Management from the University of Warwick, Warwick Business School, and a certificate in Innovation for Economic Development from Harvard Kennedy School, Bosun is well-equipped to drive change.

Bosun Tijani’s leadership and influence extend well beyond the tech world. He has been instrumental in advocating for a conducive environment for technology and innovation in Nigeria, championing policies and initiatives that promote the growth of the tech ecosystem in the country.

His appointment as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy is in line with his dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape and fostering innovation across various sectors.

As he takes on this significant role, Bosun Tijani is well-positioned to contribute his expertise and visionary leadership to shape the future of digital transformation in Nigeria.

Nigeria and beyond, look forward to a new chapter in the country’s digital journey, and the people eagerly anticipate the positive impact Tijani will undoubtedly make.