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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Anambra State has recorded another international milestone in its innovation drive as the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms. Chinwe Okoli, was appointed to the Global Steering Committee of the 43rd International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference scheduled to hold in France from October 27 to 30, 2026.
Okoli, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Solution Innovation District (SID), is the only African on the committee that will shape the strategic direction and programme of one of the world’s foremost innovation gatherings.
Her appointment has been confirmed on the official IASP World Conference Steering Committee list.
IASP, established in 1984, is the world’s leading network of science parks, innovation districts and technology hubs, bringing together more than 350 member organisations across over 70 countries to foster collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions and innovation ecosystems worldwide.
In her new role, Okoli will work alongside experts drawn from government, academia, industry and technology ecosystems across the globe to develop the conference agenda and drive discussions on innovation-led development.
The appointment is being viewed as a major international endorsement of Anambra State’s innovation ecosystem under Governor Soludo’s administration, reflecting the growing global recognition of the Solution Innovation District.
According to the state government, SID has trained more than 264,000 residents in digital skills since 2023 while attracting substantial private sector and development partner investments, positioning Anambra among Africa’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems.
The appointment is also expected to strengthen Anambra’s voice in global discussions on science parks, innovation districts and technology-driven economic transformation, while creating fresh opportunities for international partnerships, investment and knowledge exchange.
The 43rd IASP World Conference, to be held in Cannes, France, will convene innovation leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and technology experts from around the world under the theme, “Tech for Humanity: Shaping Values for a Human-Centric Future.”
Describing the appointment as both a personal achievement and a proud moment for Anambra State and Nigeria, the state government said it affirms that its innovation agenda is earning recognition among the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.
It congratulated Okoli on the achievement and wished her success as she represents Anambra State, Nigeria and Africa at the highest levels of the global innovation community.
