unveils initiative to empower startups, SMEs FG
The Federal Government has launched the National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups and SMEs in the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, in a statement obtained from his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
The launch event in Abuja was organised by the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme Nigeria, a UNIDO-led initiative sponsored by the Global Environment Facility.
“We launched the National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem to bridge the commercialisation gap faced by cleantech startups. Despite their potential to drive economic development and renewable energy access, they struggle with the “valley of death
Nnaji emphasised the focus on building institutional capacity, promoting global collaborations, developing robust policies and regulations, and ensuring gender and youth inclusion, aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“The launch of the CIEE demonstrates our commitment to supporting SMEs offering innovative cleantech solutions,” Nnaji added. “We are proud that Nigeria is among the fifteen countries implementing this impactful program.”
The initial phase of the project offered technical assistance and ran three cycles of the GCIP Nigeria Accelerator. The focus now shifts to Component 2, led by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology with support from UNIDO.
This component aims to enhance and connect the institutional capacity of CIEE participants, develop policies, promote collaborations, and ensure gender and youth inclusion.
The minister noted that the event saw participation from federal ministries, research institutes, agencies, project partners, financial institutions, the private sector, incubation hubs, civil society organizations, non-governmental organisations, tertiary institutions, and numerous entrepreneurs and startups.
The National Program Coordinator for Environment and Energy, UNIDO, Oluyomi Banjo, stressed the importance of cleantech in Nigeria and the crucial role of the CIEE in fostering a supportive ecosystem for cleantech enterprises.
Banjo cited the achievements of Nigerian SMEs in winning international awards, demonstrating the country’s potential in this field.
He expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology’s efforts to enhance cleantech development in Nigeria and reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial growth
(PUNCH)
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