In a groundbreaking collaboration, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has partnered with the Anambra State Government to establish a cutting-edge Makerspace in Awka, Anambra’s capital.

This initiative, led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, and UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, is part of the Solution Innovation District (SID) project. It aligns with Governor Soludo’s agenda of “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere,” aiming to empower youth, foster innovation, and drive economic growth in the state.

The Makerspace, strategically launched ahead of the Anambra Innovation Week 2024, is set to democratize access to technology and entrepreneurship.

It offers young people—particularly women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities—tools, skills, and collaborative spaces to transform their ideas into viable solutions. Speaking at the launch, Governor Soludo emphasized the transformative impact of the initiative.

“This Makerspace will unlock new opportunities, drive economic growth, and empower local talent,” he said. “Our vision is to create an Anambra Digital Tribe that will position our state as Africa’s Silicon Valley and make a significant global impact.”

Ms. Attafuah described the Makerspace as a beacon for young entrepreneurs and innovators, stressing the importance of local talent in driving economic resilience. She commended the collaboration with private sector partners and the Mastercard Foundation, ensuring the project’s sustainability and inclusivity.

The Makerspace will serve as a hub for innovation, equipped with facilities for robotics, electronics, textiles, and prototyping. It also includes collaborative zones for brainstorming and project pitching, blending modern technology with Anambra’s cultural heritage. Workshops and training sessions will keep entrepreneurs updated on emerging technologies, bridging the gap between education and employability.

Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, expressed optimism about the project’s impact on Anambra’s innovation ecosystem. “The Solution Innovation District will continue to attract opportunities from global institutions, solidifying Anambra’s position as a hub for creativity and technology,” she noted.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the Makerspace incorporates green building materials, energy-efficient systems, and waste management practices. Local artisans and youth were actively involved in its construction, reinforcing community ownership and environmental stewardship.

This initiative follows the UNDP-Anambra Stakeholders Meeting on Digital Transformation in August 2024, which identified gaps in the state’s innovation ecosystem.

 The Makerspace addresses these gaps by fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government while creating pathways for the commercialization of groundbreaking ideas.

The Makerspace is one of the highlights of Anambra Innovation Week 2024, slated for November 25–29. Under the theme “Creating the Future of Africa Now,” the event will showcase Anambra’s advancements in technology and entrepreneurship. Local firms are spearheading the facility’s remodeling and furnishing, with operations expected to commence in six months.