The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a technology-driven economy as it hosted the Southeast Regional Activation of the Africa Innovation Foundry (AIF), a nationwide initiative that aims to train 150,000 tech talents and incubate 3,000 startups across Nigeria over the next three years.
The regional activation, held at the Education Conference Hall of the Abia State Secretariat Complex in Umuahia, brought together government officials, technology stakeholders, entrepreneurs, innovators and development partners to discuss strategies for accelerating digital innovation and entrepreneurship in the Southeast.
Delivering the welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Abia State Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. Mrs. Oluchi Eboh, described the programme as a significant milestone in positioning the Southeast as a centre for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
She said the initiative aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of transforming Abia into a technology-driven economy through sustained investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship and human capital development.
According to Eboh, the state has already laid a strong foundation for innovation through the implementation of the Abia Startup Law, the establishment of the ₦2 billion Abia Startup Support Fund and strategic partnerships with tertiary institutions to equip young people with in-demand digital skills.
“We are not merely hosting a programme; we are opening a new chapter in innovation and digital transformation across Nigeria,” she said.
She urged public and private sector stakeholders to deepen collaboration, noting that partnerships would be essential in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem capable of creating jobs and supporting technology-driven enterprises.
“Collaboration is our greatest tool. Abia State is inviting you to join us in building a sustainable, tech-enabled future for our region and our nation,” Eboh added.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. David Kalu, said the Africa Innovation Foundry is designed to strengthen human capital development while positioning the Southeast as a leading destination for innovation, digital entrepreneurship and startup growth.
He described the initiative as more than a training programme, saying it represents a coordinated effort to unlock the continent’s innovation potential.
“We are not just launching a programme; we are igniting a multi-regional engine designed to accelerate the future of an entire continent,” Kalu said.
He highlighted the state’s efforts to create an enabling environment for startups, noting that Abia became the first state in the Southeast to domesticate the Nigerian Startup Act through the enactment of the Abia Startup Law.
According to him, the law provides a comprehensive framework to support innovation through the ₦2 billion Abia Startup Support Fund, the establishment of a Startup Administration Board, tax incentives, intellectual property protection and stronger partnerships with universities and other higher institutions to develop digital talent.
Kalu also disclosed that the state government is investing in technology parks and innovation clusters while leveraging Aba’s established manufacturing, fashion and leather industries to drive digital transformation and attract technology-based investments.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy, Mrs. Elizabeth Chijioke, said the Southeast has always been recognised for its entrepreneurial spirit and innovative culture, adding that technology provides an opportunity to expand those strengths and compete globally.
“Our people have always created value from limited resources. The task before us is to connect that entrepreneurial strength with technology, research, investment and access to larger markets,” she said.
The Africa Innovation Foundry is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s digital innovation ecosystem by developing a pipeline of skilled technology professionals, supporting startup creation and attracting investments that can accelerate economic growth, job creation and digital transformation across participating regions.
