Spotlight on Akure's emerging tech ecosystem

While Yaba metropolis in the city of Lagos continues to heavily dominate discussions around tech in Nigeria, developments in other cities are also indicating that tech in Nigeria does not start and end in Lagos. Akure, the capital city of Ondo state is one of such Nigerian cities where tech ecosystem is emerging.

“The Akure Tech Ecosystem is an emerging system. A lot has been done to improve the ecosystem in the last two and a half years which has resulted in the increase in the number of tech hubs in the city,” Adeloye Edema, one of the organisers of Akure Tech Expo holding this week, told TechCity.

He attributed the progress made in recent years to efforts of key players led by the state government.

He said: “The State Government is a major player through the Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA). The Government formed Office of Innovation and Partnership is also an emerging player. Other players include Premier Hub, Coven Labs, Akure tech Hub, Shokenny Solutions, among many others.”

In spite of the numerous achievements already made in Nigeria, Edema argued that there are still key offerings from the tech ecosystem in Akure for Nigeria’s tech industry. According to him, Akure can offer the Nigerian tech sector affordable facility, affordable human resources, dedicated workforce and a budding community of Techpreneurs.

But to achieve this, he said the city needs more media attention and spotlighting for the ecosystem.

“Improved internet connectivity in the city, alternative power, more synergy and innovative collaborations will help the ecosystem record significant growth,” he told TechCity.

He said the state government has already been actively involved in the ecosystem through the creation of an office of Innovation and Partnerships. The government also established the Akure Tech Hub while also providing support to “most Tech Hubs in the State, and Implementation of free internet service”.

To drive attention to developments in the ecosystem and to achieve several other objectives, Edema and his team are hosting the Akure Tech Expo conference and exhibition this week (20 and 21 September 2019).

“This is the first Tech Expo and Exhibition in Akure. The State government has been doing much in increasing technology awareness in the State, this event compliments that effort and it is private driven. This event is not just about speakers coming to speak, facilitators will be on ground to give first hand practical training and workshop to participants. We expect this to increase the level of knowledge and also impart skills to the participant. There are few events where you get best of both worlds in terms of Knowledge/Skill acquisition and business linkage,” Edema told TechCity.

Over a period of two days, there will be a training workshop, where participants will be grouped into three classes and trained on Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Cyber Security. The second day will feature the main conference that will feature speakers that will discuss topical issues.

“The event presents a platform to connect people in the state and its environs to new trends in technology,” Edema told TechCity.

The organisers said the event will create business linkages, connect top tech and business leaders with participants; it will also serve as launching pad for new products by tech companies.

One of the highlights of the event is the pitching competition which has a prize of N500,000.

Moreover, SMEs will have their business listed on Google my Business and verified instantly at the conference. SMEs that qualify will also have their websites designed for free at the conference. Discount cards and coupons will be given out at the conference. Participants will be able to access products and services at up to 50% discount.

Edema said the idea behind the Akure Tech Expo conference is to connect top tech and business leaders with participants to help participants get acquainted with the rapidly changing technological developments to help solve business and social challenges.

“Whether you are a student, startup, industry player or an already established technology provider, the conference has been designed to create an experience and platform where you get to learn from the best,” he said.

At the end of the event, participants are expected to come out with a better understanding and knowledge in the areas of training they will go through during the conference, which is Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Cyber Security.

“Start-ups will have access to investors. Start-ups will also have access to make top quality pitch videos that will be promoted to source for eventual investors for them. We expect the event to create business linkage, which in turn can lead to job creation for people,” Edema told TechCity.

To register for the event, click here