IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Towers, has launched incubation and acceleration programmes at the newly established Ilorin Innovation Hub in partnership with the Kwara State Government, a move designed to cultivate tech talent, empower startups, and catalyse economic growth.
The initiative, unveiled recently, precedes the hub’s official commissioning later this year.
Spanning 13,000 square meters with a seating capacity of over 1,000 users, the Ilorin Innovation Hub is regarded as one of the largest technology centres in West Africa, designed to foster technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
IHS Nigeria, which co-developed the facility and is overseeing its operations, is collaborating with Co-Creation Hub and Future Africa to implement a suite of programmes aimed at equipping entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses with critical digital skills, funding opportunities, and mentorship.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish, said, “This marks another critical milestone in IHS’ efforts to improve the lives of people in our operating communities by supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and overall wealth creation in Nigeria.
“As Nigeria’s backbone of digital possibilities and an enabler of mobile connectivity, we believe this hub will create opportunities for millions of Nigerians with brilliant ideas looking for the facilities, training, expertise, mentorship, and funding support to turn their ideas into viable businesses. Businesses that will contribute to the overall socio-economic upliftment of Kwara State and Nigeria more broadly.”
The hub’s programmes include the Advanced Technical Leadership Training, Corporate Innovation and Accelerator Programme, and Ecosystem Development and Mentorship Initiative, with Future Africa driving implementation and CcHub focusing on capacity building and supporting local startups.
The initiative is expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a focus on artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, and energy innovation, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to stimulate Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub also complements IHS Nigeria’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy on the Three Million Technical Talent initiative, which seeks to equip three million Nigerians with essential digital skills.
“We are optimistic that this facility will support the rise of additional unicorns in Nigeria across multiple sectors, highlighting the depth and resilience of Nigeria’s talent to compete in the global market—akin to how IHS, as a company with roots in Nigeria, has already demonstrated,” Darwish added.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub is positioned to become a cornerstone of Kwara State’s digital transformation, fostering an ecosystem where creativity and technological advancement intersect to drive sustainable economic development.