ISN celebrates five years of innovation growth, unveils vision for Nigeria’s tech ecosystem

The Innovation Support Network Hubs (ISN) has celebrated its 5th yearly gathering where it showcased its achievements so far and set ambitious new targets for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Established in 2019 with just 75 hubs, ISN disclosed that it has grown into a network of 207 hubs across 30 states, supporting thousands of Nigerian entrepreneurs and young innovators.

Key leaders of ISN, government officials and industry partners attended the gathering, which was held in Akwa Ibom State, underscoring ISN’s importance in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.

In his speech, the Chairman of ISN, Mr. Charles Emembolu, recounted that the journey began with a bold vision to unite Nigeria’s innovation hubs, strengthen their impact, and create a nationwide network that fosters economic growth, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

He attributed their rapid growth and achievements to firm partnerships with government agencies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; and the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) Nigeria co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

In her keynote address, the Head of Project, GIZ/DTC Nigeria, Dr. Thuweba Diwani, highlighted ISN’s pivotal role in fostering capacity-building and strengthening Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

She applauded the organisation’s efforts in amplifying digital opportunities and creating a unified force for ecosystem development.

The Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, emphasised the need for skill-building and accessible work environments to harness the nation’s vast talent pool.

Asika called on ISN to maintain its proactive role in empowering communities and advancing innovation.

The gathering featured a Deal Room, where selected startups were matched with investors, as well as the Nigerian Startup Act Town Hall hosted by NITDA, highlighting policy impacts on digital innovation.

A standout highlight at the gathering was the launch of the private sector-led Nigeria Innovation Fund.

Set to raise $100 million, this fund aims to expand ISN’s capacity to support startups and strengthen tech hubs nationwide.

Attendees were invited to contribute to this vision, with organisers emphasising the critical role of private and public collaboration.

In addition, ISN will co-host the Omniverse Africa Summit in early 2025, expected to attract over 20,000 participants from 15 countries.

This event hopes to bring investors directly to Nigerian innovators, solidifying Nigeria’s role as a major player in African tech.

ISN’s leaders closed the event with a call on stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem by increasing funding, supporting hubs and startups, and creating jobs.