In a groundbreaking move to fuel innovation and technological advancement in Nigeria, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has partnered with AfriLabs to establish the NASENI Innovation Hub. This partnership represents a remarkable step towards bridging the support gap for young innovators and startups across Nigeria, empowering them to commercialize groundbreaking technologies and foster sustainable economic growth. 

The NASENI Innovation Hub will provide critical infrastructure, capacity building, mentorship, and resources to Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups. This collaborative initiative is designed to nurture innovative ideas, drive industrialization, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in the global tech ecosystem. By offering acceleration support, the hub will enable young innovators to transform their ideas into viable and scalable businesses, enhancing job creation, technological exports, and economic productivity. Additionally, in an effort to create opportunities for knowledge exchange and funding, the hub will facilitate networking by establishing an ecosystem that connects innovators with key stakeholders.   

Through this strategic partnership, NASENI aims to enhance collaboration between various sectors and accelerate the development of market-ready products, contributing to Nigeria’s industrialization goals. This initiative aligns with NASENI’s vision of promoting scientific and technological infrastructure and addresses the nation’s growing demand for innovation-driven solutions. 

This collaboration reinforces AfriLabs’ commitment to fostering innovation, building resilient ecosystems and enhancing access to opportunities for African entrepreneurs, as well as supporting and scaling innovation-driven enterprises across the continent. 

Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, commented on the partnership, saying, “At AfriLabs, we are deeply committed to driving innovation and empowering Africa’s next generation of tech leaders. Our partnership with NASENI represents a significant step toward nurturing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Together, we are not just creating an Innovation Hub – we are building a pipeline for groundbreaking ideas that will shape Nigeria’s future industries and foster economic growth. We believe this collaboration will play a key role in scaling innovative solutions that address local challenges and have a global impact.” 

“At NASENI, we are committed to transforming Nigeria into a global leader in technology and industrialization. The establishment of this innovation hub marks a pivotal step in fostering homegrown solutions, nurturing local talent, and creating a dynamic ecosystem that will drive sustainable development through science and engineering. We believe that by empowering innovators and providing the infrastructure they need, we can fast-track industrial growth and economic diversification for Nigeria’s future.”- Khalil Suleiman Halilu, EVC of NASENI. 

Through this hub, NASENI and AfriLabs are laying the foundation for a robust, self-sustaining innovation ecosystem that will drive Nigeria’s industrialization and economic transformation for years to come through some innovative programmes targeted at different types of people or demographic to stimulate the nation’s economy. The hub will be running several programmes to build and support the ecosystem, including initiatives such as: 

1. NASENI Reverse Japa Programme is a global innovation return programme for Nigerian researchers in top foreign universities. It is focused on reverse brain drain by enabling researchers commercialize their innovations in Nigeria. Funds disbursed through this will be used for setting up laboratories, prototype development, market entry, and other commercialization activities. 

2. DeltHer Expansion Programme aims to empower women in engineering by providing resources, training, and mentorship. This programme funding will support projects, startups, or research led by female engineers, particularly those that drive technological innovation. 

3. FutureMakers by NASENI aims to nurture young talent (upcoming innovators at university and secondary school levels) and foster a culture of innovation among Nigeria’s youth. Grants and scholarships will be provided for innovative projects, competitions, and mentorship programmes aimed at young innovators. 

4. Placeholder Programme is an initiative for innovators developing solutions for public sector challenges. The aim of this programme is to address critical issues within government ministries and agencies, such as defense and security, through innovative solutions. The funding from the programme will support the development, testing, and implementation of innovative solutions that can be adopted by public sector entities. 

5. NASENI Xceler8 is an initiative designed to accelerate innovators and startups with innovative solutions within the science, engineering and manufacturing sector within Nigeria by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to fast-track the development and scaling of their innovative solutions.  

About NASENI 

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is a Nigerian government agency tasked with promoting and developing science, technology, and engineering infrastructure in the country. NASENI is dedicated to addressing the challenges and needs of Nigeria’s scientific and technological development, driving industrialization and innovation. 

About AfriLabs 

AfriLabs is the largest network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa, driving the growth of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. With a mission to support the development of the African technology and innovation ecosystem, AfriLabs connects hubs and other stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, resource sharing, and knowledge transfer. 

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