Joy Agwunobi
IHS Nigeria, a leading communications infrastructure company, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering technological innovation and job creation through the Ilorin Innovation Hub, an initiative of the Kwara State Government developed in partnership with the company is set to redefine the landscape of tech-driven entrepreneurship in the country.
Spanning over 13,000 square meters, the Ilorin Innovation Hub stands as the largest technology space in West Africa, designed to accommodate over 1,000 users; it serves as an incubator for emerging talents, offering resources and training to drive innovation and business growth.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the commencement of incubation and acceleration programs at the hub, Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, emphasised that the facility was designed to cultivate an ecosystem that nurtures creative talent, drives technological advancements, and promotes entrepreneurship.
He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the President’s renewed hope agenda, which prioritises investment in the digital economy to boost local industries, enhance productivity, and equip millions of Nigerians with essential digital skills, ultimately creating long-term employment and wealth opportunities.
To facilitate the rollout of these programs, IHS Nigeria has partnered with Co-Creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa—two renowned organisations dedicated to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. CcHub, a prominent pan-African innovation enabler, is tasked with designing and implementing sustainable capacity-building models to strengthen the regional tech ecosystem. This initiative aims to support top innovators and startups while attracting key stakeholders to further develop the innovation landscape.
Future Africa, an investment fund focused on supporting Africa’s next generation of business leaders, will oversee three major programs at the hub: Advanced Technical Leadership Training, the Corporate Innovation and Accelerator Program, and the Ecosystem Development and Mentorship Initiative. These programs are tailored to empower startups, businesses, and young innovators with the necessary resources to thrive in the digital economy.
Darwish noted that through targeted training, incubation, and accelerator programs, the Ilorin Innovation Hub aims to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in digital skills, agricultural technology, and energy innovation over the coming years.
He further stated that the project complements IHS Nigeria’s collaboration with the federal ministry of communications, innovation, and digital economy on the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Learning Community, a nationwide initiative to equip three million Nigerians with critical digital skills.
“As a key enabler of mobile connectivity in Nigeria, we believe this hub will serve as a launchpad for countless individuals with innovative ideas, providing them with the necessary infrastructure, mentorship, training, and financial support to transform their visions into successful businesses,” Darwish said.
“We are confident that this facility will contribute to the emergence of more tech-driven enterprises from Kwara State, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital innovation,” he added.
Representing the Kwara State Government, Mary Ayinde, the commissioner for tertiary education, expressed optimism about the state’s growing reputation as a hub for technological development. She noted that the Ilorin Innovation Hub would not only foster the growth of new businesses but also create more job opportunities within the state.
Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, founder of Future Africa, acknowledged Kwara State’s contribution to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, stating that while many talented individuals from the state have migrated to Lagos to build their companies, the new hub would provide them with the infrastructure and support needed to thrive within the state.
Temi Kolawole, managing director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, reflected on the journey behind the initiative, stating, “This vision has been years in the making. There were moments of uncertainty, but today, thanks to IHS Nigeria and our dedicated partners, we stand within the largest innovation hub in West Africa. This is more than just a building—it is a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas.”
