The Federal Government has introduced the National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (CIEE), marking a significant initiative to promote innovation and assist startups and SMEs across the country.
The launch took place in Abuja and was coordinated by the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria, an initiative led by UNIDO and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Chief Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted the transformative potential of the CIEE, stating, “The launch of the CIEE is a testament to our commitment to supporting emerging SMEs offering innovative Cleantech solutions, driving Nigeria’s economic development, enhancing renewable energy access, and contributing to broader climate change actions.”
Nnaji addressed the hurdles faced by these enterprises, which include inadequate policy and regulatory support, limited financing opportunities, and a fragile innovation ecosystem.
He emphasized the three-pillar framework of the GCIP: transforming early-stage Cleantech solutions into scalable enterprises, bolstering the Cleantech innovation ecosystem, and ensuring effective project coordination.
The initial phase of the project involved providing technical assistance and conducting three cycles of the GCIP Nigeria Accelerator. Now, attention shifts to Component 2, led by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST) in collaboration with UNIDO.
This component aims to enhance and interconnect the institutional capacities of CIEE stakeholders, develop policies, foster partnerships, and ensure gender and youth inclusivity.
Dr. Uchenna Chukwu, Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), underscored the pivotal role of innovative entrepreneurship in technology commercialization, wealth generation, and global competitiveness. He highlighted NBTI’s support in providing essential facilities and services through technology incubation centers.
Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, UNIDO’s national program coordinator for environment and energy, stressed the importance of Cleantech in Nigeria and the CIEE’s role in cultivating a conducive environment for such enterprises. He cited Nigerian SMEs’ successes in global awards as indicative of the country’s potential.
Banjo expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology for their commitment to enhancing Cleantech in Nigeria and reaffirmed UNIDO’s dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development.
The CIEE aims to enhance knowledge creation, build capacity, develop an innovation strategy aligned with Nigeria’s climate goals, and establish a cleantech delivery framework, ultimately fostering a national forum for networking and sharing lessons learned.