IHS Nigeria has commenced incubation and acceleration programs at the newly constructed Ilorin Innovation Hub ahead of its official commissioning later this year. The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Kwara State Government, is designed to foster technological innovation and entrepreneurship in the state and beyond.
The TowerCo, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited, is in charge of the facility, which is poised to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Spanning over 13,000 square meters and accommodating more than 1,000 users, the Ilorin Innovation Hub is one of the largest technology centers in West Africa. It is strategically positioned to support creative talents and drive economic growth, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for digital transformation. The facility is expected to stimulate local industries, enhance productivity, and create job opportunities through advanced digital training and entrepreneurship support.
To ensure the effective rollout of its programs, IHS Nigeria has partnered with Co-creation Hub (CcHub) and Future Africa as program managers. CcHub, a pan-African innovation enabler, will develop sustainable models to build capacity and support startups, while Future Africa, an innovation fund, will oversee the implementation of key programs. These include Advanced Technical Leadership Training, Corporate Innovation and Accelerator Program, and the Ecosystem Development and Mentorship Initiative.
The initiative aims to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs across Nigeria by fostering expertise in digital skills, artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, and energy innovation. It also complements IHS Nigeria’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy on the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Learning Community, which seeks to equip millions of Nigerians with vital digital competencies.
In October 2024, the hub organized an Arts Hackathon to showcase the intersection of creativity and technology. Young artists from Kwara and across Nigeria submitted artworks reflecting innovation and community development. Ten winners were selected from over 250 entries, each receiving ₦500,000 and the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the innovation hub.