IHS Nigeria Deepens Digital Economy Drive, Showcases 19 Startups To Attract Investors

No fewer than 19 high-growth startups were showcased as IHS Nigeria, in partnership with the Ilorin Innovation Hub, hosted its maiden Demo Day in Ilorin, Kwara State, to accelerate innovation and unlocking investment opportunities.

The event, themed “The Convergence,” brought together investors, venture capitalists, corporate partners, and members of the media to witness emerging startups pitch solutions across key sectors, including agriculture, health-tech, green energy, lifestyle, and digital services.

IHS Nigeria, a member of IHS Holding Limited, is one of the largest independent owners and operators of shared telecommunications infrastructure globally, and has continued to expand its footprint in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem through strategic partnerships.

The Ilorin Innovation Hub, a collaboration between the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria, commenced operations in February 2025, with its accelerator and incubation programmes managed by Co-creation Hub and Future Africa.

The Demo Day served as a platform to evaluate the hub’s impact in its first year of operation, particularly in nurturing innovative ideas and supporting startups tackling real-world challenges.

Speaking at the event, the chief executive officer of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and sustainable development.

“We believe innovation and digital technology are powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. This is why we partnered with the Kwara State Government on the Ilorin Innovation Hub,” he said.

Darwish added that the quality and diversity of ideas presented by the startups reflect the vast potential within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

“It is impressive and very fulfilling to see the diverse portfolio of ideas and solutions showcased today from the hub within a year of the commencement of operations. This speaks to the depth of creativity among Nigerians and what is possible when they are equipped and supported,” he stated.

Also speaking, the managing director of Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, said the event highlights the impact of structured support systems on entrepreneurial growth.

“Today, we showcase 19 startups that have shown that when you combine talent with the right support, the results speak for themselves. The Ilorin Innovation Hub exists to ensure that geography is never a barrier to building something extraordinary,” she said.

She noted that the Demo Day reinforces the hub’s mission to position Kwara State as a centre for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the showcased startups would attract funding, foster strategic collaborations, and scale their solutions beyond local markets.

The initiative also reflects broader efforts by both the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria to bridge the digital divide and deepen Nigeria’s digital economy through sustained investment in innovation infrastructure.