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 ground-breaking program aims to democratize access to digital education by providing free, high-quality digital skills training to over one million Ndi Anambra, both residents and indigenes.

At the heart of the initiative is the SID Academy – a robust Learning Management System (LMS) accessible, where participants can learn anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.

Designed to be inclusive and transformative, 1MADT offers 32 beginner to advanced courses in high-demand digital fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, SEO optimization, web design, data analysis, graphic design, digital marketing, and more, with flexible training durations ranging from 4 to 12 weeks.

No prior experience or qualifications are required, making it accessible to everyone-from students and job seekers to professionals and entrepreneurs.

The benefits of this initiative extend far beyond individual learners. By equipping Anambra’s workforce with future-ready skills, 1MADT is set to drive job creation, inspire innovation, fuel entrepreneurship, enhance SME productivity, and position the state as a magnet for global technology investments.

The initiative supports Governor Soludo’s broader vision of economic transformation through digital empowerment and innovation-driven development.

In line with this vision, SID is also deploying SID Mini Hubs/partner centres which are tech-enabled learning centers strategically located in schools and communities across the state.

These hubs are outfitted with computers, internet access, projectors, and teleconferencing tools to ensure equitable access to digital resources, especially in underserved areas.

Speaking on the program’s impact, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, remarked:

“Mr. Governor promised to upskill 10,000 persons annually but has already surpassed that number. With a new target of one million, the goal is to eradicate digital illiteracy and unlock the potential of our people to compete favourably with technology. Mr. Governor is developing 13.7 hectares as our Silicon Valley and investing in the skill sets required to compete globally. This program is for all Ndi Anambra—and it is totally free to beneficiaries. There are even additional incentives such as laptops and smartphones to celebrate excellence.”

To scale and sustain the impact of 1MADT, the Anambra State Government invites corporate organizations, development partners, ICT hubs, educational institutions, philanthropists, and stakeholders to partner in this transformative project to expand the reach of digital education and accelerate Anambra’s emergence as Africa’s digital powerhouse.

The 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe is a movement. Through the leadership of Governor Soludo and the innovation-driven agenda of the Solution Innovation District, Anambra is not just preparing for the future, it is boldly creating it.

To register for the 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe, visit the website.

The 2-day Ecosystem Stakeholders Engagement and Validation Session, held at the Solution Innovation District Center in Awka in December brought together key stakeholders, government officials, and industry players to discuss the adoption of this ground-breaking legislation and validate pertinent issues that should be considered.

The event, hosted by Ms Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu; Commissioner of Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake; MD of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA); MD of ANSIPPA, Mr Mark Okoye; State adoption lead of the NSA, Mrs Tracy Okoro, and various stakeholders including the academia, hub founders, startups, tech community, NASME,  partners, tech enthusiasts and relevant stakeholders in the State.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, reiterated the importance of embracing technology, stating that Mr Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR is a tech-driven leader. He emphasized the urgency for the State to embrace technology and become champions of positive disruption and leaders of the global technology revolution.

Dr Ibezim highlighted the human capital development agenda of Mr Governor, which is to leapfrog our students and youths to become Africa’s digital tribe that offers solutions to problems through technology.

He encouraged the youths to think big and unlock their great ideas, calling them the ‘gold of the state’.

The Deputy Governor appreciated Ms. Chinwe Okoli for her passion and integrity in driving the innovation ecosystem in the state.

Earlier, Ms Chinwe Okoli, in her opening address, expressed joy at the enthusiasm of Ndi Anambra towards technological advancement.

She stated:

“Mr Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo is committed to championing the ‘everything technology and technology everywhere’ agenda towards transforming Anambra to become the Silicon Valley of Africa. So the administration is intentional about building the technological capacity of Ndi Anambra through various programs of the Solution Innovation District – Code Anambra, LevelUp Anambra, business incubation, business clinic for SMEs etc-.

Ms Okoli emphasized that “adopting the Nigeria Startup Act in the state would create the required enabling environment for startups to thrive in the State”. The new act in Anambra will be expected to offer tax incentives, reduce regulatory burdens, and provide funding opportunities.

She called for collaborations between academia, government, private sectors, angel investors, venture capitalists, hub founders, startups, and other stakeholders to propel the state to the forefront of the global innovation ecosystem.

On her part, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized that the adoption of the NSA in the state would protect investors and investments while ensuring the sustainability of businesses over time.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the managing director of the Anambra State ICT Agency concurred that NSA adoption in the state needs to reflect the reality and comparative advantage of the state.

Noting that the state is known for commerce and embracing e-commerce is essential.

He called on the ecosystem to take collective action, stressing that innovation requires collaboration between the private sector and the government.

The State adoption lead of the NSA, Mrs Tracy Okoro, explained that the act was built on four pillars: funding, human development/capacity building, infrastructure (internet connectivity), and  regulations.

She underscored the NSA as the co-creation of displacement and disruption enacted to establish the need for innovators and government to collaborate in creating a conducive environment for technology-enabled businesses to thrive. She emphasizes that what will become the ACT in Anambra State will reflect its peculiarities.

Members of the Anambra State innovation ecosystem, SMEs and Startups in the state are  hereby encouraged to familiarize themselves with the content of the Nigerian Startup Act document, which can be downloaded via the link here.

As agreed during the engagement session, we have provided a survey form for all stakeholders to share their thoughts on what should be considered in creating the Anambra Startup Act.

Click on this link to make your input in creating the Act.

The Ecosystem Stakeholders Engagement and Validation Session were concluded on a high note, with questions, concerns, and suggestions from participants, all contributing to shaping the Anambra Startup Act. The success of the engagement signals a new era in Anambra State, positioning her as a hub for innovation and technology.

The First Lady’s visit on 2nd January 2024 was marked by enthusiasm, collaboration, and a shared commitment to advancing technology and innovation in the state.

Upon her arrival at the SID Center, Mrs. Nonye Soludo was warmly welcomed by Ms. Chinwe Okoli, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, along with some key players in the innovation ecosystem.

The Special Adviser then guided the First Lady on a comprehensive tour of the Solution Innovation District (SID) Center.

The event was attended by a distinguished audience, including the Commissioner, government officials, partners, members of the tech community, developers, and beneficiaries of the Code Anambra program—both trainees and trainers.

Ms. Chinwe Okoli opened the event with an opening  remarks, expressing her joy at hosting the First Lady at SID. She highlighted the significant milestones achieved by SID since its establishment, including the ongoing Code Anambra program, which aims to train 2000 Ndi Anambra on various code and advanced digital skills.

Also, stated that SID is committed to training the youth of Anambra State in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Distinguished personalities in the innovation ecosystem also delivered their welcoming addresses and good wishes.

Among them were Prof. K. K Nwazor, the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, who discussed the collaborative efforts between the university and SID in advancing science and technology.

Frank Uzochukwu Oli, the Principal Manager at the Nigeria Office for Developing Indigenous Telecoms Sector (NODITS), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), expressed his joy over the positive impact witnessed from Code Anambra beneficiaries.

He affirmed NCC’s partnership with SID to continually build human capacity among the youth in the state.

Mr. Christian Udechukwu, Commissioner for Industry, highlighted the Soludo administration’s focus on sustainable human capital development, particularly among the youth, and commended the administration’s achievements in less than two years.

Mrs. Amaka Obi, TC Chairman Idemili South, encouraged the audience to give their best in acquiring digital skills, emphasizing the importance of such skills in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The First Lady, Mama Anambra, expressed her gratitude to Ms. Chinwe Okoli for her dedication in driving the innovation ecosystem in the state, describing her as a “powerful lady.” She underscored the significance of technology as the current oil boom, urging attendees to leverage the digital skills provided by the government to become self-sustained through remote work.

The attendees, visibly pleased, expressed profound gratitude for the First Lady’s words of encouragement and support, marking a positive and promising start to the year 2024 at the Solution Innovation District.

The Innovation district which is a one-stop shop for youths in the areas of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, will provide training, incubation, and access to investment to spur the growth of the startup ecosystem in the State.

The district provides access to high-speed internet, steady power supply, conducive and serene environment for innovators, creators, the digital tribe to thrive.

Performing the function, Governor Soludo congratulated the 20,000 Anambra youths who recently participated in the initial training programme of the Solution Innovation District, ‘LevelUp Anambra’ for acquiring various digital skills online. 

The Governor thanked Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation for partnering with the State government to make the program a reality, revealing that the current Government House will become the permanent site of the Solution Innovation District once he moves into the new government house currently under construction. 

He added that Solution Innovation District is a sign of the state government’s commitment to developing Anambra youths.

“The world may be going east or west, but Nigeria must go through necessary disruptive changes. The removal of subsidy and floating of exchange rate are just some of these changes. It is quite auspicious that we are opening this district at this critical time.

“Our greatest resource is our human capital, and we want to mine it to its infinite elasticity. Only those who can see tomorrow. Only those who plan and work towards it, can control the future. I ask our youths to look up to opportunities in these ongoing disruptive changes.

“In a digital age, human capital appreciates with continuous usage. We must keep on innovating and acquiring multiple scalable skills to control the future.

“We want the youths and children of ndi Anambra to be prepared for this future- invention, innovation, and technology,” Governor Soludo said.

“We must focus on tomorrow. The old order is gone, so let’s not cry to bring it back. We are empowering and training our youths to control the future and become champions of the world.

“Technology is our mantra. We want to get technology to become our culture. Everything technology and technology everywhere!

“The 0.01 criminals that cause nuisance in our society cannot define us. They are completely insignificant,” the Governor stressed.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli thanked the Governor for his commitment in actualizing the vision which she explained is quite timely.

“Solution Innovation District is a platform for you to innovate, create, ideate, invent and to give your talents the wings to fly. Yes, many of you here are bundle of talents. You can create wonderful solutions and guess what? Now is the time with S.I.D. Solution Innovation District is a place where you Think outside the box, think even without a box, Think big and Explore your immense potentials. 

“At SID, we provide you steady power supply, high speed internet, basic amenities, clean and conducive office space for you to focus on building your dream solutions across sectors.”

“SID program includes business incubation, digital skills training, business acceleration, angel investment, outsourcing of the best talents out of Anambra. We also have plans to democratize innovation through schools and SID mini hubs in various locations”

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba and the Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu respectively said that the district is in line with Governor Soludo’s commitment to develop Anambra youths.

Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, Head of Service, Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour), Chief Protocol Officer, and other Members of Anambra State Executive Council, Members of Anambra State House of Assembly, Transition Committee Chairmen, among others attended the event.

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.