Newletter

As we find ourselves in the last month of the first quarter, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the vibrant start that January and February have brought to Startup Kano. These months were full of activities, setting the stage for what promises to be an extraordinary year. Here’s a look at the highlights that have shaped our journey so far January January was indeed a month of collaborative initiatives. The commitments in January set the stage for a year defined by collective growth and knowledge exchange. Here’s a glimpse into what has transpired: Nigerian Philanthropy Office (NPO) Launch (January 12th) On January 12th, the Nigerian Philanthropy Office (NPO) was officially launched. This event was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The NPO aims to establish 12 Mega Hubs nationwide, signalling a promising era for startups and small businesses. Startup Kano is proud to be part of this transformative initiative, providing opportunities, tools, and resources for startups and innovators, particularly women-led enterprises. Entrepreneurship Roundtable at Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) (January 24th) After the launch of NPO, the next event was a two-hour entrepreneurship roundtable forum hosted by the management of Skyline University Nigeria (SUN) on January 24th. The session, aimed at supporting students in their career journeys, brought together seasoned entrepreneurs. Startup Kano was graciously invited to share professional experiences and insights on the entrepreneurial mindset and skillset. The Executive Director, Aisha Tofa, represented the Startup Kano team, contributing valuable perspectives to the entrepreneurial discussion. Hub Managers Workshop (January 25th-26th) In January, there was also a dynamic Hub Managers Workshop. This event, held on the 25th and 26th, was meticulously crafted for hub managers and owners. The workshop aimed to provide a collaborative platform and a sustainable framework for advancing hubs. Attendees engaged in knowledge exchange, networking, and discussions, setting the tone for a year of innovation and collaboration within Startup Kano. Digital Kano Bootcamp (Started on January 31st) Simultaneously, Startup Kano proudly assumed the role of the official Training Partner for Digital Kano Bootcamp. Launched on January 31st, the goal was to provide essential digital literacy training for 1,500 individuals from the Northern region. This initiative aimed to empower participants, bridging the digital divide and preparing them for the challenges of the digital age. February Moving from the amazing happenings in January, February was all about having important talks and getting creative at Startup Kano. We had lots of discussions that set our strategy and also explored the artistic side of things. Let’s take a closer look at what went down in the second month of 2024. Train the Trainer Workshop for PWDs (February 7th) On February 7th, Startup Kano organized a transformative “Train the Trainer” workshop dedicated to People with Disabilities (PWDs). The workshop was to empower individuals with disabilities through training opportunities and promote inclusivity across various sectors. This initiative highlighted Startup Kano’s commitment to fostering diversity and creating equal opportunities within the community. Stakeholder Engagement and Launch of NEW-G (February 13th) In February, Startup Kano played a pivotal role in a crucial stakeholder roundtable hosted by UNDP Nigeria and the Northern Founders Community. Held on February 13th, this event engaged key players in the innovation space to discuss the state of the Northern ecosystem. Aisha Tofa, Startup Kano’s Executive Director, led the discussions and unveiled the Northern Ecosystem Working Group (NEW-G). This strategic initiative was introduced to catalyze the emergence and growth of the innovation landscape in Northern Nigeria. SHENi Workshop + Seminar (February 22nd-25th) Towards the end of February, Salamatu Adamu led a captivating SHENi Workshop + Seminar. This event, held from the 22nd to the 25th, featured a product presentation and photography workshop. Salamatu Adamu also launched “The Epiphany Magic Book,” a comprehensive guide on product presentation and photography. The workshop not only showcased artistic exploration but also provided practical insights for individuals interested in enhancing their skills in product presentation and photography. The year is still young, and the journey at Startup Kano is far from over. The exciting initiatives we’ve witnessed in the first quarter are just the beginning. Stay tuned for more events, collaborations, and milestones as we navigate the rest of the year together. Your endless support and contributions fuel our commitment to innovation and growth. Here’s to the adventures yet to unfold and the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to a year filled with continued success and meaningful impact!

Ecommerce and technology activities in the Kano ecosystem. Show me an excellent month and I’d show you this month. Nigeria’s technology ecosystem is experiencing a remarkable transformation with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and government support. From the launch of different government and Non government programs to initiatives promoting gender inclusion, Nigeria is positioning itself as a leading player in the global tech industry in Africa. The future is bright for the country’s tech scene, and we can expect more exciting developments to come. Here is a run down of the events that made this month so Fulfilling both  for  Kano’s tech ecosystem and Startup Kano Hub. Blue Sapphire Hub Empowers Women Entrepreneurs with Graphic Design for Business Class in Partnership with ANWE4HER” Breaking Barriers and Designing a Better Future One Pixel at a Time: Blue Sapphire Hub Supports Women Entrepreneurs with Graphic Design for Business Class” We’re thrilled to hear about the amazing work being done by the Blue Sapphire Hub in promoting entrepreneurship, capacity building, and technology in Africa. Their recent class on graphic design for business, specifically tailored to the Women on Wednesday Sokoto (WOW) cohort 1.0, is a prime example of the organization’s dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs in Africa. The WOW program, launched in partnership with the Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE4HER),  was held on the 22nd of March. It offers business development training and capacity building to women entrepreneurs, and we applaud Blue Sapphire Hub for their efforts in helping to bridge the gender gap in technology and entrepreneurship.             By providing opportunities for women to enhance their skills in areas such as graphic design, Blue Sapphire Hub is helping to create a future where creativity knows no bounds, and women are breaking barriers to build successful businesses and design a better future, one pixel at a time. Kudos to Blue Sapphire Hub and all the shortlisted WOW beneficiaries for their commitment to innovation and empowerment in Africa. Kano Chronicle Sparks Ecommerce Revolution: Guest Speaker Abdulkadir Nuhu Shares Insights on Warehousing and Logistics. Startup Kano and Kano Chronicle , a Twitter based hub that pioneers promoting history, tourism, outsourcing, governance, development, and investment for better civic engagement in Kano, Joined hands to host their latest Twitter event Kano and the future of ecommerce. Featuring guest speaker Abdulkadir Nuhu, General Manager at Sanda Ruwa, the event offered a unique opportunity to discuss the challenges of warehousing and logistics in business and how to overcome them. The insights shared by Nuhu were incredibly valuable, and we’re thrilled to see both Startup Kano and Kano Chronicle fostering a platform for critical conversations that will help shape Kano’s future. This event, held on March 31st, is part of a monthly series that promises to unlock new opportunities for Kano’s growth and development. It’s a thing of Joy to note that both Startup Kano and Kano Chronicle are dedicated to driving innovation, investment, and development in Kano. With initiatives like this, Kano is sure to become a hub for ecommerce, economic growth, and job creation. We’re looking forward to future events and discussions on topics that are essential to Kano’s success. Click here to see the latest Kano and the future of ecommerce event Revolutionizing Digital Literacy: NITDA Graduates 200 Women from #Ginamataginnaalumma Program In a world where digital skills are becoming increasingly important, NITDA and the World Bank are taking bold steps to empower women in Nigeria with the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. The #Ginamataginaalummahdigital literacy initiative is one such program that aims to equip women with digital content creation skills, and the recent closing ceremony of the program was nothing short of inspiring. During the four-day program, participants had the opportunity to learn critical skills that are essential for thriving in the digital economy. From content creation to digital marketing, the program covered a range of topics that are in high demand in today’s tech-driven world  The Director General of NITDA, Kashifa Inuwa CIEE, delivered a powerful closing remark, urging the participants to use their newfound knowledge to build a robust digital economy in Nigeria. We believe that initiatives like this are crucial for promoting gender equality in the tech industry and bridging the digital divide. We congratulate the 200 women who graduated from #Ginnamataginnaalummah program and commend NITDA and World Bank for their commitment to digital literacy. As we move towards a more digitally-driven future, programs like this will be critical in ensuring that no one is left behind. The Nigerian startup act takes center stage in Kano for the State Adoption of the Act.  Startup Kano takes the lead in revolutionizing Nigeria’s Digital Landscape; The Nigerian startup act is an exciting and ambitious project that aims to position Nigeria as a leading digital tech hub in Africa. This act is the collective effort of stakeholders in Nigeria’s technical system and the presidency, who have analyzed the potential of our digital economy and recognized the need for a legal and institutional framework for the development of startups in Nigeria. The act’s primary objective is to create an enabling environment for the establishment and operation of startups in Nigeria. This environment will foster the growth of technology-related talents, promote innovation, and encourage cutting-edge skills and capacity development. By doing so, the act will position the Nigerian startup ecosystem as a force to be reckoned with in the African tech space. The benefits of the Nigerian Startup Act are endless. It will attract local and foreign investments, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic growth of Nigeria. By empowering startups to thrive, the act will unleash a wave of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship that will shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy. The Act was signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 19th of October, 2022. Over 30 leaders in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem contributed to its drafting between June and September 2021. As Startup Kano takes on the role of the state adoption lead for Kano State, it’s an