In furtherance of its sustained support for Nigeria’s digital economy and innovation drive, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has collaborated with the Anambra State Government on the launch of a techno-powered Makerspace through the Solution Innovation District (SID).
The Makerspace, which was formally launched by the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, and the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is designed to promote technological innovation, job creation among the youth and economic growth of the state.
A statement issued by the state government on the initiative indicated that it aligned with the state governor’s ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere’ agenda, which aims to position Anambra State as a hub for innovation and economic transformation in the country.
According to the government, the Makerspace is designed to ensure democratization of access to technological resources in the state by enabling innovative young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into concrete realities in terms of technological products and solutions production.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative and its importance to the state in the increasingly growing technology-driven global economic space, the state governor said the Markespace “will unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and empower local talent.
“Our vision is to build a powerful Anambra Digital Tribe that will lead economic transformation, position Anambra as Africa’s Silicon Valley, and make a significant impact o the global stage”, Soludo added.
While clarifying that the project will prioritize inclusivity by offering tailed programmes for young women, persons with disabilities, others with low literacy skills and youth from under-served communities, the governor pointed out that the Makerspace will be a one-stop centre for entrepreneurship development in the continent.
He clarified: “it will serve as a hub for entrepreneurship development, providing tools for prototyping, testing, and refining innovative products.
“The facility will also host training sessions and workshops to keep entrepreneurs updated on emerging technologies. By reducing barriers to innovation, the Makerspace offers entrepreneurs the chance to experiment and iterate without incurring significant costs”, Soludo added.
In her remarks, the UNDP Resident Representative described the Makerspace initiative as a landmark initiative for young entrepreneurs, artisans and innovators in Nigeria and Africa as it will support the ability to locally create and innovate for economic resilience and sustainable growth of the economies.
She commended the Mastercard Foundation and other private sector partners that supported the financing of the project to ensure its sustainability and accessibility for all.
Attafuah enthused: “This Makerspace places marginalized groups, including young women and individuals from non-urban areas, at the forefront of economic growth and social progress.”
