ISN Celebrates Five Years, Showcases Vision for Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem

The Innovation Support Network Hubs (ISN) has celebrated its 5th annual gathering in Akwa Ibom State, where it showcased growth and set ambitious new targets for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. 

Established in 2019 with just 75 hubs, ISN has grown into a network of 207 hubs across 30 states, supporting thousands of Nigerian entrepreneurs and young innovators. Key leaders, government officials, and industry partners attended the gathering, underscoring ISN’s importance in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of  ISN, Mr Charles Emembolu, said  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) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, 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 for 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 organizers emphasizing 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 to action: strengthen Nigeria’s tech ecosystem by increasing funding, supporting hubs and startups, and creating jobs. 

With strong momentum from this 5th gathering, ISN is poised to push Nigeria’s innovation sector to new heights in the years ahead.