Triumph in Diverse Industries
In a testament to African innovation and entrepreneurship, two Nigerian entrepreneurs have clinched victory alongside their counterparts from South Africa and Rwanda in the prestigious 2024 Swiss–Africa Academia-Industry Training (AIT) startup competition. The 12 winners, spanning industries from biotech to agriculture, fintech, education, clean energy, and health-tech, were carefully selected by a panel of esteemed judges from a pool of 20 finalists. Among them, two Nigerian startups stood out: Evet Africa, a digital animal healthcare venture, and TY-Dami Energy Resources, a climate tech pioneer revolutionizing refrigeration with carbon capture integration.
Commendation and Visionary Leadership
Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, lauded the Swiss government's initiative, emphasizing the importance of empowering Nigerian youths through entrepreneurship. She highlighted the university's commitment to nurturing a mindset conducive to innovation and enterprise, underscoring the pivotal role of Nigerian youth in driving economic growth and societal development.
Collaboration for Innovation
Frank Eggmann, Consul General for Switzerland in Lagos, drew parallels between Switzerland's historical migration challenges and Nigeria's current socio-economic landscape. He emphasized the transformative power of innovation in shaping national narratives and fostering economic resilience. The Swiss–African Science and Business Innovators Program (SASBI) serves as a catalyst for startup growth, providing invaluable support and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Erich Thaler, Programme Director of SASBI, elucidated the program's mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry by facilitating the translation of technical knowledge into market-ready solutions. With Nigeria and Rwanda now integral partners in the initiative, SASBI is poised to catalyze innovation ecosystems across the African continent.
Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship
Sunday Adebisi, Professor and Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre at the University of Lagos, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the Swiss government, emphasizing the university's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Through targeted training and support initiatives, such as the AIT-SASBI conference, University of Lagos aims to equip Nigerian youth with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the competitive startup landscape.
As Nigerian entrepreneurs continue to make waves on the global stage, collaborations like AIT Swiss-Africa serve as catalysts for fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering the next generation of African leaders.
