Place-Based Innovation in Nigeria: a Snapshot of 2024/25

Background

Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa’s Place-Based Innovation (PBI) offers a transformative, long-term approach to development by unlocking the untapped innovation potential in local communities. Focused primarily on three key regions; Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, this pioneering programme follows a strategic process that begins by addressing three fundamental questions:

• What is already in place?
• Where are the gaps?
• Who can we connect to turn innovative solutions into reality?

By first identifying existing solutions, then pinpointing the gaps in the market, Place-Based Innovation identifies space for innovative solutions that can address critical issues faced by local stakeholders.

Nigeria: A hub of innovation and opportunity

Ekiti State Investor Guide Launch Event

Ekiti State is emerging as a vibrant hub for innovation, with a forward-thinking innovation ministry, a rapidly growing talent pool, and strong government support. Positioned as a key player in Nigeria’s innovation landscape, the state offers unprecedented market opportunities for investors.

To accelerate this growth, Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa, in collaboration with Briter Bridges, developed the Ekiti Investment Guide, a practical, user-friendly tool designed to help investors navigate the local ecosystem, identify opportunities, and manage risks. This resource is crucial in propelling Ekiti State to the forefront of Nigeria’s innovation scene.

Impact highlights:

• 77% of event participants reported being “very likely” to use the guide to discover new investment pathways and opportunities.
• 69% expressed their intention to share the guide with other local stakeholders.
• 93% of participants rated the guide’s usability, level of detail, and relevance to local needs as either “very good” or “excellent,” with 79% praising its breadth of information.

Ekiti State has built strong, lasting connections key stakeholders across multiple sectors as a result of the work PBI has done across the region.

Black Soldier Fly Project: A Sustainable Agricultural Solution

Agriculture, including livestock and fish farming, employs 60% of Ekiti’s population. The cost of animal feed, which accounts for 60%-70% of production costs, represents a significant challenge.

The breakthrough came with Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) — a nutrient-rich, environmentally friendly feed alternative. BSFL can be cultivated on organic waste, aligning with circular economy principles. Innovate UK, in partnership with FlyBox (UK), and Ekiti State University, launched a pilot project to test the feasibility of large-scale BSFL production.

The pilot has shown significant promise, paving the way for future scalability and commercialisation in the region.

Young Innovators Programme: Empowering Future Leaders

The Young Innovators Programme in Ekiti offered an intensive three-day boot camp, delivered by ImpactHub, focused on market readiness and innovation. Through expert-led training using the Innovation Canvas, this programme has proven to be a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The program saw an overwhelming 170 applications, with only 10 finalists selected to participate. After a dynamic pitch event, five winners were awarded a total of £7,000 in funding to scale their businesses.

Participant feedback:

• “I learned the importance of having a growth strategy and proper documentation.”
• “Understanding sales, marketing, and market analysis was invaluable.”
• “It’s not just about the idea; it’s about solving a real problem.”
• “The biggest takeaway: effective team management and running a profitable business.”

The program has instilled in participants a new sense of purpose and direction, with several commenting on how the training dramatically shifted their approach to business.

More Than A Woman: Empowering Female Innovators

Building on the success of the More Than A Woman initiative in South Africa (2023), Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa expanded the programme to Nigeria in 2024. Attracting over 100 applications from Nigerian women innovators, the selected cohort received specialized speaker training and guidance on the Innovation Canvas.

Participant testimonials:

• “The training gave me the confidence to believe in myself and the impact I can make.”
• “I learned to connect my personal story with my business journey, making it more authentic and relatable.”
• “The training exceeded my expectations. Bianca’s presentation was engaging, and Joshua’s insights into the Innovation Canvas were invaluable.”

This powerful programme empowers women to not only dream big but to take actionable steps towards turning their ideas into successful ventures.

Spotlight on Winning Solutions

1. Difian Global Concepts Ltd: A revolutionary producer of high-quality powdered tomatoes, significantly reducing post-harvest loss for farmers and creating a sustainable supply chain solution.
2. The Health City: A forward-thinking, tech-enabled social enterprise focused on delivering preventative healthcare services and education for young people and adolescents.

Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa is at the forefront of unlocking innovation potential across the continent. Through its strategic initiatives and hands-on support, it is transforming local ecosystems and providing the tools for sustainable growth and impact. The future of innovation in Africa is bright, and Innovate UK is proud to be leading the charge.

About Global Alliance Africa

The Global Alliance Africa project is a six-year project funded by UK International Development through Innovate UK (GCRF) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).