- The Anambra state government is forming a technology collaboration and cooperation alliance with up to 26 US-based companies, including Google, Meta, Amazon Web Services, Dell, VISA, Microsoft, and Coca-Cola.
- The Anambra government, led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, aims to build a thriving technology ecosystem in the state. Thus, the collaboration will help to accelerate the state's technological advancements.
- The alliance could boost technological exchange and economic growth, benefiting Anambra State's tech sector and companies in Nigeria and the United States.
The US Consulate General in Lagos hosted a meeting over the weekend that resulted in the strategic partnership. The US Consul-General William Stevens and executives from 26 big tech companies held strategic discussions with the state's delegation, led by His Excellency, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
The agreement states that Amazon Web Services will help Anambra State transform its digital health and education systems. The tech giants — Dell and HP — will also provide discounts and technical support for future purchases of their devices made in the state.
While Google will help SMEs improve their digital presence, Meta, Facebook's parent company, will expand its collaboration in the state through some tech institutions.
Nonetheless, a statement clarifies that the partnership is preliminary, and parties reserve the right to modify the commitments to ensure their translation into meaningful projects.
This news comes a month after Anambra State adopted the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA). Adopting the NSA demonstrates the Anambra State Government's commitment to technological advancements.
In August 2023, the Anambra state government implemented a zero Right of Way fee, a fee paid by telecommunications companies to the state government for installing optic fibres on state-owned land. This move aimed to increase digital adoption and improve broadband access throughout the state.
Governor Soludo reportedly sponsored Foris Labs Team, an Anambra-based startup, to attend the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield in Silicon Valley earlier this January. Foris Labs offers students a virtual science laboratory environment through mobile devices or desktop computers.
In July 2023, the state government launched 'Code Anambra' as part of the Solution Innovation District. The programme is a software development training that equips indigenous people with in-demand skills in product design, frontend development, backend development, full-stack development, and mobile app development. The initiative also aims to position participating talents for opportunities in the global tech industry.
Also, VFD Group, a proprietary investment company, collaborated with the Anambra State government a month ago to support the state's tech startups by providing ₦6 million in grants for a startup pitch competition.
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