Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration in Startup Ecosystem at ThriveAgric’s Inaugural Abuja Tech Converge
ThriveAgric, a leading agricultural technology company, recently hosted the Abuja Tech Converge – TechXcelerate Conference, marking a significant milestone in promoting innovation, collaboration, and talent development within Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration Held in partnership with OCP Africa, the event provided a platform for key stakeholders, including startup founders, policymakers, and ecosystem enablers, to address challenges and explore opportunities in the tech and agriculture sectors.
This article delves into the highlights of the event, key takeaways, and its implications for the future of technology and agriculture in Nigeria.
The Abuja Tech Converge: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
Overview of the Event
Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration two-day conference, hosted at the Peachvine Marquee in Abuja, witnessed the attendance of over 500 participants, including notable industry leaders and policymakers. The event featured panel discussions, keynotes, breakout sessions, product showcases, and a techathon aimed at nurturing young tech talents.
Key Themes Discussed
- Collaborative Technology for Community Impact
- Sustainable Technology and Impact Investing
- Talent Development: Nurturing Future Innovators
Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem
Key Challenges Identified
- Food Insecurity and Hunger
Former Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Isa Yuguda, emphasized the need for investment in agriculture, technology, and infrastructure to combat food insecurity. - Digital Skills Gap
A lack of skilled tech professionals poses a significant challenge to the growth of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. - Limited Access to Funding
Many startups struggle to secure funding for scaling operations and innovating solutions.
Opportunities Highlighted
- Leveraging Technology in Agriculture
Akintunde Akinwade, Head of Business Development & Digital Projects at OCP Africa, highlighted the potential of technology to transform agriculture and foster sustainable communities. - Driving Economic Growth Through Collaboration
Partnerships between startups, government agencies, and private organizations can create a more inclusive and thriving ecosystem.
ThriveAgric’s Vision: Redefining Agriculture Through Technology
Statement from ThriveAgric’s CEO
Uka Eje, CEO of ThriveAgric, outlined the organization’s mission to reposition agriculture as a viable economic sector. He stated:
“Our goal is to demystify the agriculture sector and attract diverse groups of people, including rural and urban youths, technology enthusiasts, and investors.”
Key Initiatives
- Tech-Talent Accelerated Programme (TAP): Upskilling young tech enthusiasts in fields like frontend development, backend development, and UI/UX design.
- Collaborative Agriculture Model: Encouraging partnerships between rural farmers, urban innovators, and regulators.
Tech-Talent Accelerated Programme (TAP): Bridging the Skills Gap
Highlights of TAP
- Selective Admission Process: Out of 4,000 applicants, only 20 were admitted into the six-month intensive training program.
- Core Training Areas:
- Frontend Development
- Backend Development
- Product Design (UI/UX)
- Impressive Outcomes:
- Seven participants secured employment opportunities post-program.
- Five others are undergoing recruitment processes.
Recognition and Rewards
Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration the program’s conclusion, participants showcased their skills in a techathon, with notable projects including:
- Healthcare Solution: Winning project designed for personalized patient care, awarded ₦2 million.
- Recruitment Solution: Runner-up project awarded ₦1 million.
- Customized Learning Solution: Second runner-up awarded ₦500,000.
Individual Achievements
- Top Graduates:
- Aneminyene John-Prince (₦500,000)
- Caleb Owatah (₦300,000)
- Caleb Ali (₦200,000)
The Role of OCP Africa in Driving Sustainable Farming
As a subsidiary of the OCP Group, OCP Africa partnered with ThriveAgric to champion sustainable farming practices. Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration involvement in the Abuja Tech Converge underscores their commitment to empowering local communities through technology and innovation.
The Future of Agriculture and Technology in Nigeria
Key Projections
- Youth Employment Opportunities:
By addressing the tech skills gap, programs like TAP can reduce youth unemployment, which is projected to reach nearly 50% by 2025. - Global Job Trends:
According to the United Nations, over 90% of jobs will require digital skills by 2030, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like TAP in preparing Nigeria’s youth for the global job market.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Growth
ThriveAgric’s Abuja Tech Converge highlights the importance of partnerships in creating a sustainable economic future. Through collaboration, the government, private sector, and startups can collectively tackle challenges and harness opportunities.
Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration Conclusion
The Abuja Tech Converge, hosted by ThriveAgric, showcased the transformative power of collaboration in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. By addressing critical issues like food security and digital skills gaps, the event demonstrated the potential of technology to drive sustainable growth.
Through initiatives like the Tech-Talent Accelerated Programme and strategic partnerships, ThriveAgric is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. With continued efforts, Nigeria is poised to become a hub of tech innovation and agricultural transformation, ensuring a brighter future for the nation and its people.
FAQs
1. What is the Abuja Tech Converge?
Industry Experts Advocate Collaboration Abuja Tech Converge is an initiative by ThriveAgric to foster collaboration and innovation within Nigeria’s tech and agriculture ecosystems.
2. What is ThriveAgric’s Tech-Talent Accelerated Programme?
The TAP is a six-month program designed to upskill young tech enthusiasts in areas like frontend development, backend development, and UI/UX design.
3. How does ThriveAgric support sustainable farming?
ThriveAgric collaborates with partners like OCP Africa to integrate technology into agriculture, promoting sustainable practices and empowering local communities.
4. What were the key outcomes of the TAP techathon?
The winning project, a healthcare solution, received ₦2 million. Runner-up projects included a recruitment solution (₦1 million) and a customized learning solution (₦500,000).
5. How does the Abuja Tech Converge benefit Nigeria’s economy?
By fostering partnerships, addressing skills gaps, and promoting innovation, the event helps create a more inclusive and sustainable economic future for Nigeria.
