Makerspace Revolution: UNDP, Anambra govt collaborate for innovation week

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has teamed up with the Anambra State Government through the Solution Innovation District (SID) to launch a state-of-the-art Makerspace in preparation for Anambra Innovation Week 2024.

The collaboration aims to foster innovation, technological advancements, and digital transformation, particularly in addressing socio-economic challenges in Africa, as well as positioning Anambra State as the continent’s Silicon Valley.

The event was presided over by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie 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 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 programmes tailored for young women, persons with disabilities, individuals with low literacy skills, and youth in underserved areas.

Speaking during the launch of the Makerspace, Professor Soludo stated that it 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 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. What’s more, the Makerspace is forward-looking and promotes technological know-how through offering training and workshops, enabling skill refinement and keeping entrepreneurs abreast with emerging technologies,” the governor said.

In her remarks, UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the groundbreaking ceremony was “a landmark for young entrepreneurs, artisans, and innovators of the state and region at large.”

She reflected on the significance of Nigeria’s youthful population, stressing that “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 Makerspace remains sustainable, accessible, and impactful.

The UNDP Resident Representative stated that, “The Makerspace 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 Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, 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 Makerspace 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.

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