FG launches national innovation entrepreneurship ecosystem

The launch ceremony, which took place in Abuja, was sponsored by the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria, an initiative led by UNIDO and financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Acknowledging the transformative potential of the CIEE, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasized the commitment to assisting emerging SMEs offering innovative Cleantech solutions.

This initiative is aimed at driving Nigeria’s economic growth, expanding access to renewable energy, and contributing to broader climate change initiatives.

Minister Nnaji addressed the challenges facing these enterprises, such as inadequate policy and regulatory support, limited access to financing, and a nascent innovation ecosystem.

He outlined the GCIP’s three-pillar framework for transforming early-stage Cleantech solutions into scalable enterprises, enhancing the Cleantech innovation landscape, and ensuring effective project coordination.

The initial phase of the project included technical assistance and three cycles of the GCIP Nigeria Accelerator.

The focus is now shifting to Component 2, overseen by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) in collaboration with UNIDO.

This component aims to enhance and connect the institutional capacity of CIEE stakeholders, formulate policies, foster partnerships, and promote gender and youth involvement.

The Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Uchenna Chukwu, while speaking, underscored the importance of innovative entrepreneurship for technology commercialization, wealth creation, and global competitiveness.

NBTI plays a crucial role in providing entrepreneurs with essential resources and support through technology incubation centers.

UNIDO’s national program coordinator for environment and energy, Oluyomi Banjo, highlighted the significance of Cleantech in Nigeria and the role of CIEE in creating a conducive environment for such enterprises.

He cited the success of Nigerian SMEs in winning global accolades as a testament to the country’s potential.

Banjo expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology for its dedication to enhancing Cleantech in Nigeria and reiterated UNIDO’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

The overarching goals of the CIEE are to promote knowledge creation, capacity building, develop an innovation strategy aligned with Nigeria’s climate objectives, and establish a framework for Cleantech delivery.

Ultimately, the ecosystem aims to create a national platform for networking and sharing best practices.