Abia Launches Ecosystem to Drive Digital Innovation and Excellence – International Edition (English)

Over the weekend, The Abia Technology and Innovation Network, which includes centers like hubs, incubators, accelerators, along with founders and startup companies, officially launched their technological environment in Umuahia. This initiative aims to establish Abia as a leading center for digital advancement.

The program spanning three days concluded on Saturday included visits to the Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem, discussions at an ecosystem stakeholder roundtable, and culminated with the release of the Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem report. This event was attended by representatives from the 21 hub locations within the state, officials from the Abia State government, Mr. David Daser, who is the CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute in Abuja, along with various tech sector participants.

At the event, Daniel Chinagozi, who founded and leads Innovation Growth Hub and chairs the Abia Technology and Innovation Network, remarked, "These past two days have been truly remarkable. We initiated an exploration of the Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem, visiting 21 member hubs, major workspaces, incubators, and studios actively contributing to the tech scene in both Aba and Umuahia."

What we accomplished involved interacting with the government and media, along with engaging investors, partners, educators, and academics. We communicated our activities and showcased the range of experiences linked to the roles played by the Abia Technology and Innovation Network. Additionally, we facilitated an exchange where the government outlined their programs, future plans, and current initiatives. This allowed us all to identify potential synergies for leveraging these opportunities and fostering a robust ecosystem within Abia, Nigeria.

Chinagozi conveyed his enthusiasm about the presence of State Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, David Kanu, who joined their visit alongside Dr. C.K. Okoro, the Rector of what was formerly known as Abia State Polytechnic but is now called Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, along with the President of Digital Bridge Institute from Abuja. These individuals attended to interact with Chinagozi’s group.

He conveyed his delight that Mr. Daser, the President of DBI, highlighted several initiatives DBI has undertaken to enhance technological education and discussed "ways for collaboration, partnership, and accessing international certifications together."

He stated, "Verbally today, nearly all agreements were made between the Abia State government and DBI regarding their collaboration to capitalize on DBI’s key initiatives for enlarging Business Process Outsourcing operations nationwide and extending DBI’s ventures with business process outsourcing firms throughout the state."

He mentioned that the state has shown interest in seeing that occur in Abia.

It brings us great pleasure to see the ecosystem forming, as tech firms working individually can’t fulfill their potential in this landscape. To truly make an impact, we require collaboration—engaging with the government, attracting investments, engaging the media, and involving every stakeholder to construct this ecosystem.

So for us, this marks the beginning of our mission to build an ecosystem as an association. Today, we're pleased to announce the release of our inaugural Ecosystem Report titled 'The Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem Report.' This report outlines the progress made over the past decade, from 2014 to 2024, and highlights some very notable developments.

He mentioned that the condensed version of the report unveiled at the event will be posted on their website and "will be accessible globally so everyone can understand what is occurring within the state."

During the Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem tour earlier, the state Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Kanu, praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with Governor Alex Otti's vision regarding technology. He affirmed the government’s commitment to partnering in this endeavor. Additionally, the Rector of Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr Okoro, expressed support: "As an educational body, we aim to collaborate with Abia technology hubs."

During the Abia Technology and Innovation Ecosystem Stakeholders Roundtable, Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu, who serves as the principal secretary to the state governor, emphasized that the state government is committed to playing an active role in supporting the tech ecosystem. She stated, "Considering our background, Governor Otti focuses on progress rather than dwelling on past issues; he constantly asks what comes next and where we should head toward. Therefore, we aim to bolster this partnership and further engage with the local technological environment."

He mentioned that all required resources for managing their hubs are supplied by the governor. This includes electricity, top-tier internet access, development of human capital, substantial investments in education—such as hiring new teachers and setting up smart schools—and comprehensive reforms at universities. He conveyed this as "a dedicated series of actions aimed at shaping the workforce needed for the tech industry" within the state.

During his address, the CEO of DBI Abuja, Mr. Daser stated, "The occasion offered a stage to explore the trajectory of digital advancement, foster employment prospects, and underscore the importance of education in cultivating upcoming technology executives. This serves as a chance for innovation centers to deliver internationally acknowledged credentials, thereby empowering budding professionals to seize global chances and contend on a worldwide level."

He expressed gratitude towards Chinagozi, the Chairperson of the Abia Technology and Innovation Network, along with acknowledging the contributions of the Abia State government and various participants. All these entities are diligently striving to establish Abia as a center for technological prowess, recognizing that teamwork plays an essential role.

He remarked, "The commitment and creative efforts put into nurturing talent, fostering start-ups, and boosting economic development are genuinely praiseworthy."

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