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In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with AfriLabs, has launched InnovateNaija, a ₦250 million innovation challenge aimed at empowering young Nigerians to turn ideas into scalable solutions.
Launch at GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival
The initiative was unveiled at the GITEX Nigeria Startup Festival, drawing innovators, policymakers, and investors from across the globe.
NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, described the challenge as “a movement to empower people” across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT.
“InnovateNaija is not just about prizes but belief—belief that Nigerian youths can transform necessity into invention and invention into scalable businesses,” Halilu said.
Breaking Barriers for Young Innovators
Highlighting Nigeria’s vibrant youth population, Halilu noted the need to break barriers such as lack of funding, mentorship, and opportunity.
He recounted the story of a water-powered generator built by a young innovator, calling it “the spirit of Nigerian innovation.”
“Africa’s future depends on collaboration. When a Nigerian innovator builds a solar solution, it should scale across the continent,” he added.
Collaboration Between Agencies
NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, pledged full support for InnovateNaija, affirming that collaboration—not competition—between government agencies will better serve Nigerian innovators.
He commended NASENI’s transformation into a youth-focused powerhouse, adding: “Nigeria’s innovators now have access to the global innovation ecosystem through platforms like GITEX.”
Government and Private Sector Backing
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, assured youth of an “open-door policy” to support ideas without bureaucracy.
Senator Mohammed Onawo, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, pledged legislative backing, including stronger intellectual property protection and funding support.
Private sector leaders such as Tonye Cole of Sahara Energy also endorsed the initiative, praising student-led innovations like water-powered generators.
Funding and Next Steps
The InnovateNaija Challenge will provide ₦250 million in grants to 37 innovators nationwide. The top 15 will advance to the NASENI Invention Fest in Abuja, where the overall winner will secure ₦100 million to scale their solution.
Winners will also access NASENI’s Innovation Hub in Abuja, gaining infrastructure, mentorship, and manufacturing support to transform their ideas into market-ready products.
