The Anambra State Government has unveiled a sweeping plan to position itself as Africa’s Silicon Valley with the launch of the 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe (1MADT) initiative, a cornerstone of Governor Charles Soludo’s vision to transform the state into a smart megacity through digital empowerment.
Central to the strategy is the Solution Innovation District (SID), a tech-driven framework offering free, advanced digital skills training to over one million residents across beginner and expert levels. Courses span artificial intelligence, cloud computing, SEO optimization, data analysis, graphic design, and digital marketing, with flexible 4- to 12-week programs accessible via the SID Academy’s online Learning Management System (LMS).
Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, emphasized inclusivity, stating the program requires “no prior experience or qualifications” and targets students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and job seekers alike. The initiative aims to spur job creation, innovation, and SME growth while attracting global tech investments.
“Anambra is not just preparing for the future—it is boldly creating it,” Okoli declared, citing Governor Soludo’s push to exceed his original pledge of upskilling 10,000 residents annually. The revamped target of one million seeks to eradicate digital illiteracy and equip citizens to compete globally.
The state is developing a 13.7-hectare tech corridor dubbed its “Silicon Valley,” complemented by incentives like free laptops and smartphones for top performers. To bridge access gaps, SID is deploying tech-enabled mini-hubs in schools and underserved communities, outfitted with computers, internet, and teleconferencing tools.
Okoli called for partnerships with corporations, NGOs, educational institutions, and philanthropists to scale the initiative, framing it as a catalyst for Anambra’s rise as a “digital powerhouse.”
