By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Innovators and technological experts, on Monday, identified various strategies of promoting African cultural heritage as well as solving socioeconomic challenges bedeveling the continent.
The experts, who spoke at Awka, Anambra State capital during the maiden edition of Anambra Innovation week, a weeklong programme organised by the Anambra State Solution Innovation District under the theme Creating the Future of Africa Now, argued that Africa has potential of advancing her economy.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, PalmNet Consult Limited, Mr Daniel Chinagozi, argued that most aspects of African cultural heritage such as food, drinks, communal life and others could go a long way in sharpening the future of the world if experts could unite and found innovative ways of harnessing them using emerging technology strategies.
"You can identify a problem you want to solve, brainstorm on your own and ask people about it too. Come out with a prototype. We can devise a better strategy for transferring our culture, food, drinks to the world. We need ideas. We need strategies to solve various African problems," he added.
Chinagozi's postulatuons was in line with the objectives of the Solution Innovation week.
The Special Adviser to governor Chukwuma Soludo on Digital Innovation and Incubation , Miss Chinwe Okoli had described the programme as a historic gathering designed to celebrate innovation, foster collaboration, and chart the course for the digital future of Anambra and Africa at large.
"Our theme this year, “Creating the Future of Africa Now,” is a clarion call to leverage the transformative power of technology and innovation in building an Africa that thrives in the digital economy. It reflects the vision of our Chief Host, His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, whose unwavering commitment to a digitally empowered Anambra State inspires all of us here today.
"In 2022, Governor Soludo established the Solution Innovation District (SID) as a cornerstone of his agenda to build Anambra’s digital tribe. This bold initiative has since become a beacon for innovation, nurturing startups, empowering young talents, and driving the state’s transition into a knowledge-based economy.
"From hosting groundbreaking training programs to developing the framework for the Anambra Digital Economy Blueprint, SID has made remarkable strides in positioning Anambra as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Africa. Today, this platform stands as a testament to how visionary leadership can ignite transformational change," she added.
She explained that the programme started with discussions on demystifying innovation, the digital ecosystem, and how emerging tech trends can shape our future, while Day 2 brings a Career Conference tailored for students and young professionals across all 21 LGAs, complemented by a nationwide ICT quiz competition and startup hackathons.
"On Day 3, our focus shifts to the Digital Transformation Conference for SMEs and Government, where discussions will center on governance efficiency and leveraging AI for impactful service delivery.
Day 4 will feature the Startup Conference and Tradenovation Fair, where we celebrate creativity and enterprise with exhibitions, panels, and startup pitching competitions.
"Finally, we culminate on Day 5, the Grand Summit, with exhibitions, high-level ministerial panels, and the official launch of transformative initiatives such as the One Million Anambra Digital Tribe and the Anambra Angel Network. This lineup is designed not only to inspire but also to empower participants with actionable insights and opportunities to innovate, network, and thrive," she
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Anambra State Information and Technology (ICT) Agency, Mr Chukwuemeka Agbata emphasised that innovation entails collaboration and willingness to succeed by learning and applying new strategies in solving problems.
Agbata, who believed that everyone could use technology if willing, urged Anambra populace irrespective of academic background to explore the opportunities inherent in acquiring skills around Technology.
Also speaking, an Information Technologist, Mr Emmanuel Essiet, urged Nigerians to embrace emerging technological tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) by building knowledge around them and use them to create a great future.
Another speaker, Mr Chukwuemeka Afigbo, argued that AI, Deep tech and others have come to make life easier, while attempting to connect the physical world to the digital world through creation of more efficient, convenient and intelligent environment.
Earlier, Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, assured that his administration would not relent in creating enabling environment for innovators especially those investing in technology to thrive.