Agbata Jnr, Ataguba, Eze, in line for 2022 Global Startup Leadership awards

By Alexander Chiejina

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr, Ajuma Ataguba, and Ifedy Eze, are the only Nigerians nominated for the 2022 Global Startup Leadership awards.

The feat achieved out of over 35+ distinguished personalities nominated globally for this award is based on their impact in the startup ecosystem and new entrepreneurs. The Global Startup Leadership Awards aims to highlight the top startup ecosystem and accelerator leaders helping activate and empower new entrepreneurs across the globe.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr is the first managing director and chief executive officer of Anambra State ICT and currently volunteers as a director of the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Hubs, a network of 100+ hubs and director, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).

Agbata, as CEO of Anambra State ICT has the task of expanding broadband access, digitising government services, and supporting technology startups, all in a quest to make Anambra State the digital and creative capital of Nigeria. CFA has a long history of supporting and growing multiple startup ecosystems across Africa. Since 2019, he has helped launch more than 80 promising startups in the region.

Ajuma Ataguba, is a managing director at Founder Institute and venture partner at White Hibiscus Capital. An experienced business development consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the sectors of agriculture, education, technology and international trade, Ataguba is a Cochran Fellow, Mashav Scholar and Swedish Institute Alumna. She also possesses social entrepreneurship certifications from University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School, Copenhagen Business School.  Ajuma’s commitment to empowering early-stage founders in Abuja made her into a startup ecosystem leader. Since 2020, she has helped to launch more than 20 promising startups in the region.

Ifedy Eze is a managing director at Founders Institute. Eze is a trained lawyer and experienced business strategist with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry. Eze holds a certification in strategic management from Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria and an executive management certification from the Lagos Business School of the Pan-Atlantic University. He also has a long history of supporting and growing the startup ecosystem in Lagos. Since 2019, he has helped launch more than 100 promising startups in the region.