The agreement, signed during a high-level innovation engagement in Beijing, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership designed to accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across Africa and the Middle East.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate in key areas including:

• Startup & Venture Acceleration – joint accelerator programs and venture-building initiatives in sectors such as energy, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
• Co-Investment & Business Development – development of frameworks to co-invest in high-potential startups and transformative technologies.
• Knowledge Sharing & Industry Engagement – exchange of expertise, best practices, and insights to drive R&D and commercialization
• Networking & Collaboration Platforms – creation of opportunities for startups, investors, researchers, and industry leaders to connect.
• Events & Knowledge Exchange – co-hosting international summits, workshops, and B2B meetings to foster global innovation linkages.

Speaking on behalf of SID, Chinwe Okoli, chief executive officer of SID and Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State on Innovation and Business Incubation, emphasized the significance of the partnership:

“This collaboration represents a major milestone for Anambra State and Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Our partnership with DTVC reflects SID’s commitment to building strong international linkages that accelerate technology development, commercialization, and sustainable growth. By working with DTVC, we are opening new doors for startups, researchers, and industry players to co-create solutions that address global challenges while driving inclusive economic growth. Together, we will empower innovators and entrepreneurs to scale solutions with global impact.”

On his part, Mohammed Abusharifah, chief executive officer of DTVC, noted the alignment with DTVC’s mission to advance global technology partnerships:

“DTVC reaffirms its commitment to accelerate the journey of ideas from lab to market by bridging world-class research with entrepreneurial spirit. Our partnership with SID will create a bridge for an increase in flow of talent, expertise, and investments between our two innovation hubs.”

This MoU underscores the shared vision of both parties to foster innovation ecosystems that not only benefit their local communities but also contribute to global knowledge exchange and economic advancement.

This is a comprehensive training program to empower Ndi Anambra with advanced digital skills and opportunities in the global tech industry.

Code Anambra is designed to equip Anambra youths with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills in various core and advanced digital skills, including Web Development (Frontend), Web Development (Backend), Cloud Computing, Mobile App Development, Machine Learning, Game Development, Artificial Intelligence, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Blockchain Technology, Product Management, Cyber Security, UI/UX Design (Product Design), Digital Marketing and Arduino Programming/Internet of Things.

This initiative again reflects the commitment of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo‘s vision towards promoting innovation, technology entrepreneurship, and job creation in the state.

Code Anambra is a continuous cohort-based program. It is a four-month program that comprises intensive training, learning, and project phases.

Code Anambra is open to both indigenes and residents of Anambra State who possess a certain level of proficiency in using computers.

By participating in this training program, individuals will have the opportunity to enhance their technical skills and embark on a promising career path within the thriving software development industry.

The program is open to Anambra indigenes and residents. Participants have two options- join the program completely on-site or completely online.

Upon the successful completion of the program, top performers will have the unique opportunity to be connected with internship placements in reputable tech companies and organizations. Additionally, outstanding participants could also be matched to available jobs through the Anambra Jobs Program providing them a direct pathway to contribute to the growth of the local tech ecosystem.

Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, expressed her excitement about Code Anambra, stating;

“We are delighted to formally jumpstart the Code Anambra program in line with Mr. Governor’s agenda of raising the Anambra Digital Tribe who possess advanced digital skills that are competitive at home and exportable abroad. Our programs at Solution Innovation District are designed to achieve Mr Governors grand vision of making Anambra the Digital and Creative Capital of Nigeria. In addition to our business incubation program focused at raising technology-enabled startups, we recently concluded the training of 20,000 youths in the LevelUp Anambra program and further empowered top performers with Laptops and Internship Placements. We are committed to empowering Ndi Anambra to take the centre stage and become innovation drivers in the global innovation ecosystem. Developing digital experts in Anambra is critical as we build the Silicon Valley of Africa, that is the Solution Innovation District.

“Code Anambra program will serve as a catalyst for the growth of the local tech industry by nurturing and developing the next generation of innovators, inventors, digital skilled workers and talents in Anambra State. “At Solution Innovation District, we are building the ecosystem to make Anambra State the preferred destination for tech talents, creatives, innovators, inventors and solution providers.

We are grooming exportable home-grown digital talents in Anambra and we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact this program will have on the lives of participants, the entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem in the state. We are proud to have Decent Job Tech Skills as our training partner on this program”, she added.

Speaking on the partnership, Chigozie Ezugwu, the Managing Director/CEO of Decent Jobs Tech Skills LTD stated:

“We are honoured to partner with the Anambra State Government and the Solution Innovation District in launching the transformative Code Anambra Digital Skills Training Program.

“Providing in-demand digital skills and equipping Anambra Youths with digital skills through the Code Anambra program is a project we are passionate about and we are delighted to contribute to this digital revolution in the State. In this program, participants will be exposed to a rigorous curriculum developed by industry experts. They will gain hands-on experience, work on real-world projects, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals.

“Together, we’ll shape a brighter future for Anambra youths, under the visionary leadership of Mr. Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR and his hardworking Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli.

SID in IASP Luxembourg: Anambra, Destination for Digital Talents – Okoli

To apply for the Code Anambra training program, interested candidates are invited to visit the official application portal at https://bit.ly/codeanambra.

The application ends on November 8, 2023, and interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to secure a spot in this highly sought-after program.

Code Anambra program is designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, enabling participants to excel in their chosen technology field.

It is a significant step towards building a vibrant technology innovation ecosystem in Anambra State.

The Anambra State Government through the Solution Innovation District is providing Ndi Anambra, especially the youth, with an exceptional opportunity to acquire priceless skills, unlock their potential, and shape the future of the digital economy in Nigeria.

To participate, apply for the Code Anambra Training program in partnership with Decent Job, click HERE.

Government of Anambra State has concluded plans to launch Innovation and Busine​​ss Incubation Program on 21st March, 2023.

The program, according to a statement signed by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s Press Secretary, Mr. Christian Aburime, is driven by the ‘Solution Innovation District’-SID.

The launch will also herald the takeoff of the Anambra Digital Tribe program focused on grooming a competent digital tribe in the state, he said.

TechEconomy gathered that the State government is partnering Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation to train 20,000 youths of Anambra on selected digital skills starting this March.

“This ties into Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s manifesto”. The broad pillars under which the agenda will be driven are – education, health, youths and women empowerment among others.

‘“We plan to position Anambra as a centre of excellence for human capital development and proactively leapfrog our students/youths as Africa’s digital tribe…’ as contained in Governor Soludo’s People’s Manifesto”, Aburime explained.

To achieve this vision, the Governor recently appointed a Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation to drive the Solution Innovation District Program, Ms. Chinwe Okoli.

She holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters Degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of London, United Kingdom as well as a Diploma in Management of Higher Education Institutes from Galilee International Management Institute, Galilee, Israel.

She has received extensive local and international training and is experienced in public policy design and assessment; managing high-level business relationships; liaising between governments and the private sector, academia and networks; design set-up and management of physical/digital innovation hubs; science parks; co-working spaces; innovation districts; angel investment networks/fund and thriving innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

The Solution Innovation District program is designed to empower over 10,000 youths annually on digital skills as the Anambra Digital Tribe with skills competitive at home and exportable abroad; groom technology-enabled startups to provide solutions to local and global problems and raise innovative entrepreneurs and smart artisans through business incubation to enable them to innovate, grow and scale their businesses to earn more revenue, contribute to the economy and create more jobs.

How to Register:

Interested youths are encouraged to attend the launch of Solution Innovation District in Awka. But you have to register using the link HERE.