By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has launched the National Cleantech Innovation Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (CIEE), a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country aligned with Nigeria’s climate goals and establishing a cleantech delivery framework.
The launch event, held in Abuja, was organized by the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) Nigeria, a UNIDO-led initiative sponsored by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, 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.”
Mr Nnaji addressed the challenges faced by these enterprises, including insufficient policy and regulatory support, limited financing opportunities, and a weak innovation ecosystem.
He emphasized the GCIP’s three-pillar framework: transforming early-stage Cleantech solutions into scalable enterprises, strengthening the Cleantech innovation ecosystem, and ensuring effective project coordination.
The initial phase of the project provided technical assistance and conducted three cycles of the GCIP Nigeria Accelerator. The focus now shifts to Component 2, led by the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology (FMIST), with support from UNIDO. This component aims to build and interconnect the institutional capacity of CIEE actors, develop policies, promote collaborations, and ensure gender and youth inclusion.
On his part, the Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Mr Uchenna Chukwu, underscored the importance of innovative entrepreneurship for technology commercialization, wealth creation, and global competitiveness.
He highlighted NBTI’s role in providing entrepreneurs with essential facilities and support services through technology incubation centres.
UNIDO’s national programme coordinator for environment and energy, Mr Oluyomi Banjo, emphasized the necessity of Cleantech in Nigeria and the role of CIEE in creating a thriving environment for such enterprises. He pointed to the success of Nigerian SMEs in winning global awards, showcasing the country’s potential.
Mr Banjo expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology for their dedication to improving Cleantech in Nigeria and reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting 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.
Aduragbemi Omiyale