Abia and Enugu states have advocated stronger regional collaboration aimed at training 150,000 technology talents and incubating 3,000 startups across Nigeria.
This was highlighted during the South-East Regional Activation of the Africa Innovation Foundry (AIF), which took place at the Abia State Secretariat Complex in Umuahia.
The event attracted government officials, innovators, investors, and tech founders from across the South-East region.
In his keynote address, the Abia State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, David Kalu, stated that Abia has positioned itself as a leading hub for innovation in the region.
He revealed that the state has adopted the Nigerian Startup Act into the Abia Startup Law, making it the first state in the South-East to establish a legal framework specifically for startups.
Kalu also outlined several initiatives, including the creation of a ₦2 billion Abia Startup Support Fund to enhance access to financing for startups.
Additionally, he announced the formation of the Abia State Startup Administration Board, which will oversee startup labelling, tax incentives, and intellectual property protection.
He further explained that Abia is combining its traditional strengths in manufacturing and leather production with digital innovation through the development of technology parks and innovation clusters.
He referenced the recent launch of Nigeria’s first manu-tech innovation hub at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umuahia, established in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Also speaking, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Lawrence Ezeh, emphasised that innovation is central to Enugu’s economic transformation strategy.
He noted that under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, the state has made significant investments in digital infrastructure, smart education, and startup development, with the goal of positioning Enugu as the leading destination for technology investment in Eastern Nigeria.
Ezeh described the AIF activation as a timely initiative and called on South-East states to harmonise policies through the proposed South-East Digital Economy Policy Roundtable.
Elizabeth Chijioke, Special Assistant to the Abia State Governor on Digital Economy, highlighted that the region’s long-standing entrepreneurial and apprenticeship traditions provide a solid foundation for building a tech-driven economy.
She encouraged innovators to collaborate across state lines and consider Abia as a strategic partner for testing, scaling, and commercialising their ideas.
In her remarks, Justina Eboh, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, said Abia’s decision to host the activation reflects a clear commitment to developing a sustainable, technology-driven future.
She added that human capital remains the most critical asset for achieving prosperity in the 21st century.
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