By Ezeh Anya Ezeh, Bureau Chief, South East

Kodex Africa and the Anambra State ICT Agency on Thursday, March 21, 2024, played host to a delegation of budding entrepreneurs from the Enterprise Development Centre (@EDC4SME), fostering innovation and collaboration within the Anambra State’s tech ecosystem.

The visit, part of a broader initiative to nurture entrepreneurship, as explained by the Head, of Alumni Relations and Support Services Department at the Pan Atlantic University, Mrs. Nnenna Ugwu, highlighted the partnership between the EDC and the Mastercard Foundation for the implementation of the ‘Transforming Nigeria Youth Programme’.

According to Mrs. Ugwu, “This programme is dedicated to empowering Nigerian youths, between ages 15 to 35, by providing them with essential skills and resources to generate sustainable employment opportunities.

“With various training programmes, consulting services, and incentives, EDC is fostering entrepreneurship and empowering youths across Nigeria,” she said.

Mrs. Ugwu underscored the tangible benefits of such collaborative ventures, citing significant advancements in job creation, market access, business formalization, and overall economic development within the region.

She further expressed profound appreciation to the team at both Kodex Africa and Anambra State ICT Agency for their hospitality and knowledge shared as well as potential for future partnerships.

In his remarks, the MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata(aka CFA ) shared success tips with the eager entrepreneurs and highlighted the critical role of partnerships in entrepreneurial success.

“Partnerships are the cornerstone of success. There is a whole lot you can achieve when you collaborate with the right people. I encourage you to leverage partnerships that work, and target trending skills like AI to propel your business forward,” Mr. Agbata added.

On his part, Director at Kodex, Barr. Ifedi Eze urged participants to keep partnership and collaboration at the forefront of their minds in achieving the shared vision for Anambra’s tech ecosystem.

During the event, Operations Lead at Kodex, Chidimma Idika provided invaluable insights into the company’s activities and its unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship not only in Anambra but across the African continent.

Similarly, the ICT Agency team seized the opportunity to showcase Anambra’s technological advancements under the visionary leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, further cementing the state’s position as a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurial growth.

The event featured enriching discussions and experience-sharing sessions around entrepreneurship and the ongoing developments in Anambra State. Mr Governor Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo was greatly commended for his efforts in this regard.

On behalf of the young entrepreneurs, Okorie Kalu expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Kodex team and ICT Agency for their invaluable contributions and insights shared on their learning experience to the state and pledged to work with the state to achieve greater heights.