Ebonyi State’s innovation sector has received a substantial boost with the selection of Andrew Ndukwe, CEO of AlphaZone Tech Hub Limited, to represent the state at the esteemed iHatch Program.
This initiative, aimed at enhancing the skills of tech hub leaders across all 36 states of Nigeria, marks a key step in advancing the country’s digital economy and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship.
The program began with an engaging in-person residency in Abuja, featuring an insightful keynote by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. Dr. Tijani’s address on Technological Innovation and Economic Growth, grounded in his PhD research on National Innovation Systems, offered invaluable perspectives on establishing successful innovation hubs, drawing from his experience in founding Africa’s leading tech hub, CcHub.
The week-long program, following a series of virtual sessions, provided an immersive learning experience filled with high-impact workshops and knowledge-sharing from industry experts and innovation leaders. Speakers like Mr. Akinwande Akinsulire, Nisi Madu, and CcHub representatives led discussions on key topics, while participants visited leading innovation hubs such as Venture Parks and Cleantech Hub in Abuja. These visits allowed participants to witness firsthand how tech hubs foster entrepreneurship, drive technology adoption, and improve investment readiness.
Reflecting on the program, Mr. Ndukwe expressed his gratitude for the transformative experience, noting that the exposure to such a wide range of expertise would significantly shape the future of technology-driven entrepreneurship in Ebonyi State. He particularly highlighted a session on human-centered design as pivotal, noting its potential for enhancing startup incubation and acceleration efforts at AlphaZone Tech Hub.
“The iHatch program reaffirmed my belief that sustainable innovation requires a structured, data-driven approach. The insights gained on national innovation systems, best practices in incubation, and real-world case studies have equipped me with the tools to position AlphaZone Tech Hub as a major catalyst for technological growth in Ebonyi State,” said Mr. Ndukwe.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ndukwe plans to roll out new initiatives at AlphaZone Tech Hub focused on digital skills training, startup incubation, and improving access to funding for local businesses. He is also committed to building partnerships with government agencies, the private sector, and international collaborators to expand market access for Ebonyi-based startups.
The program culminated in a thought-provoking session with the Director-General of NITDA, where hub managers discussed the program’s vision for strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Mr. Ndukwe actively contributed to discussions on the National Innovation Systems Mapping Initiative, underscoring Ebonyi State’s potential role in Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy.
As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem continues to expand, leaders like Andrew Ndukwe are at the forefront of driving impactful change. Armed with new knowledge and tools from the iHatch program, he is poised to accelerate the development of Ebonyi’s startup ecosystem, ensuring local innovators have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive globally.
Mr. Ndukwe also extended his appreciation to the iHatch program’s organizers and facilitators, including National Coordinator of ONDI, Victoria Fabunmi, Dr. Odiong, NITDA, and the Spurt Team members Kriston H. Wilson and Princess Edokpayi, for their dedication to shaping Nigeria’s next generation of innovation leaders.
With the momentum gained from this significant program, Ebonyi State is on track for a tech-driven transformation, guided by pioneers like Andrew Ndukwe and AlphaZone Tech Hub.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards digital transformation, regional hubs like AlphaZone Tech Hub will play a crucial role in fostering innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Programs like iHatch are helping to build a new generation of African startups and disruptors, with long-lasting effects on the country’s innovation landscape.
