By Ezeh Anya Ezeh, Bureau Chief, South East Nigeria

In a landmark collaboration aimed  at positioning Anambra State as Africa’s Silicon Valley, in the lead up to Anambra Innovation Week 2024,  the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Anambra State Government through the Solution Innovation District (SID) to establish a cutting-edge Marketspace, Cyber Era NG has learnt.

This event was officiated by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G Attafuah.

This initiative aligns with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary agenda of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” and aims to empower youth, drive innovation, and foster economic growth across the state.

The Marketspace in Awka is designed to democratize access to entrepreneurship and technological innovation. It will create pathways for improved livelihoods by providing young people with the resources, skills, and collaborative environments to bring their ideas to life. The Anambra Marketspace, strategically located in Awka, will prioritize inclusivity, with special programs tailored for young women, persons with disabilities, individuals with low literacy skills, and youth in underserved areas.

Speaking during the launch of the Marketspace, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, stated: “This Marketspace will unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and empower local talent. Through collaborative partnerships such as the UNDP, we will pave the way for innovation. I believe that technology is the bridge to a prosperous future, and we are immensely delighted to embark on this journey with UNDP. Our long-term vision is to raise a powerful Anambra Digital Tribe who will drive economic transformation through innovation, position Anambra as Africa’s Silicon Valley and make a significant impact on the global stage.

“The value of Anambra’s Marketspace’s in entrepreneurship development is multifaceted.

The Marketspace will provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to turn ideas into tangible prototypes, facilitating the testing and refinement of products. Breaking barriers to innovation, the space enables entrepreneurs to experiment and iterate without significant upfront costs. Thus, entrepreneurs are equipped with the resources to ignite ideas, permitting prototyping, testing and refinement of products.

What’s more, the Marketspace is forward-looking and promotes technological know-how through offering trainings and workshops, enabling skill refinement and keeping entrepreneurs abreast with emerging technologies.”

In her remarks, Ms. G. Attafuah expressed that the groundbreaking ceremony was “A landmark for young entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators of the state and region at large.” Furthermore, she reflected on the significance of Nigeria’s youthful population, expressing that its talented youth are an invaluable asset and “The ability to create and innovate locally is not just a matter of choice; it is essential for economic resilience and growth.”

Ms. Attafuah acknowledged the support of the Anambra state government and private sector partners, dedicated to ensuring the Marketspace remains sustainable, accessible, and impactful. She extended gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its support in the establishment of the Marketspaces.

Redefining entrepreneurship, Ms. Attafuah stated that, “The Marketspace puts young women, persons with disabilities, persons with low literacy skills and those living in non-urban areas at the forefront, for economic growth synonymous with social progress – leaving no one behind.”

The Marketspace is a launchpad for ideas that address real-state challenges extending to wider challenges of the nation. As such this space will bridge the gap between education and employability, enhancing the quality of life for all who live in Anambra and Nigeria. Empowering communities and preserving Nigeria’s rich culture, the space blends art, technology, and local craftsmanship, igniting creative capabilities in the region.

The Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are immensely delighted to have UNDP support Mr. Governor’s vision for the Solution Innovation District as we continue to build the Anambra Innovation Ecosystem. The Solution Innovation District is designed to attract opportunities like this from leading institutions, further cementing Anambra’s position as a hub for innovation and creativity.”

She highlighted the Marketspace’s cutting-edge features, stating, “The facility will be equipped for robotics, textiles, and electronics, with dedicated sections for design, prototyping, and advanced technological experimentation. It will also include collaborative zones for brainstorming, ideation, and project pitching. Importantly, the Marketspace will integrate designs that celebrate Anambra’s rich heritage while meeting global standards.”

The project stems from the UNDP-Anambra Stakeholders Meeting on Digital Transformation and Tech Development held in August 2024.

This strategic dialogue highlighted critical gaps in the state’s innovation ecosystem, particularly within tertiary institutions, and laid the foundation for this transformative partnership.

The Marketspace will bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government while serving as a launchpad for the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas.

The Marketspace will incorporate green building materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable waste management practices. By involving local youth and artisans in its design, construction, and operations, the project not only nurtures local talent but also reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and community ownership.

The Marketspace is a highlight of the upcoming Anambra Innovation Week 2024, scheduled for November 25–29, 2024. This event celebrates the state’s remarkable strides in technology and innovation under the theme “Creating the Future of Africa Now” serving as a premier platform to showcase and celebrate Africa’s dynamic innovation ecosystem.

The Marketspace aligns seamlessly with the vision to position Anambra as a regional leader in technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Local firms will lead the remodeling, repurposing, and furnishing of the facility, which is set to become fully operational within six months.