Innovation Week: UNDP Partners With Anambra State To Establish Makerspace

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Anambra state government through the Solution Innovation District (SID) to establish a cutting-edge makerspace.

This collaboration, in the lead-up to Anambra innovation week 2024, is poised to position Anambra state as Africa’s silicon valley.

The 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 Soludo’s visionary agenda of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” and aims to empower youth, drive innovation, and foster economic growth across the state.

The makerspace in Awka is designed to democratise 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 makerspace, strategically located in Awka, will prioritise 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 makerspace, His Excellency Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, stated, “This Makerspace 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 that will drive economic transformation through innovation, position the state as Africa’s Silicon Valley, and make a significant impact on the global stage.”

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

It is forward-looking and promotes technological know-how by offering training and workshops, enabling skill refinement and keeping entrepreneurs abreast of emerging technologies.

In her remarks, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, 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, stating 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, who are dedicated to ensuring the Makerspace remains sustainable, accessible, and impactful. She also extended gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for its support in the establishment of the Makerspace.

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

The Makerspace is a launchpad for ideas that address real-state challenges, extending to broader challenges facing 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.

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 Makerspace’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 Makerspace 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.