Programmes – Page 2 – Startup Kano

July – Welcome to H2

As we round up the first month of the second half of the year, July has brought renewed energy and focus for Startup Kano. This month has been packed with exciting and impactful activities, from dynamic workshops to meaningful community engagements, all aimed at fostering innovation, growth, and community development. Below is a roundup of the key events: USPF Workshop We kicked off the month with the USPF Workshop on 1st & 2nd July, which focused on enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity. This event underscored the importance of providing communities with better access to digital tools and resources, a critical step towards inclusive growth. SDC Startup School Visit On 16th July, Cynthia E. Chisom from SDC Startup School paid a visit to Startup Kano. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to discuss innovative approaches and entrepreneurial strategies. SDC Startup School’s commitment to fostering startups and supporting new entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with our mission at Startup Kano. Mercy Corps Feed the Future Visit The following day, on 17th July, we welcomed Nurein Abdulfattah and Jamila Mahdi from Mercy Corps Feed the Future, Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity. Our discussions focused on enhancing rural resilience and food security, with a particular emphasis on strategic planning and improving rural livelihoods. Their dedication to these critical areas is truly inspiring. British Council Visit We were also honored to engage with Richard Garrett and Yahaya Joseph Janga from the British Council on 18th July. Their focus on promoting education and development through non-formal channels was a major highlight. The discussions underscored the importance of empowering communities through education, a crucial aspect of sustainable development. GIRL-H Program Job Fair and Skills Workshop The GIRL-H Program Job Fair and Skills Workshop, held on 24th & 25th July, was one of the major event this month. Hosted by IsaWali Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with Mercy Corps, the two-day event was a platform to connect passionate young women and girls with skills and networks crucial for their growth. Startup Kano was invited to facilitate a session on ‘Networking for Business Growth Workshop’ provided valuable insights into building strategic partnerships and mentorships. Arewa Radio 93.1 FM On 24th July, Amina Idris represented Startup Kano at Kano Mu Zauna Lafiya, a program by Arewa Radio. The discussion was on the critical role parents play in overseeing their children’s use of social media. The conversation highlighted the need for digital literacy and responsible online behavior, a timely topic in today’s digital age. Emotional Intelligence for Work-Life Balance Workshop The Northern Therapist in collaboration with Startup Kano, hosted a workshop focusing on ‘Emotional Intelligence for Work-Life Balance,’ on 27th July, as part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. This workshop emphasized the significance of emotional intelligence in managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly for men. Annual Skills Festival and Session Finally, we wrapped up the month with the Annual Skills Festival and Session by Enthuse Entrepreneurship School on 28th July, a vibrant event showcasing a range of skills and promoting continuous learning. It was an excellent opportunity to foster a culture of skill development and showcase the talents within our community. As we look forward to August, we remain committed to driving positive change and supporting our community through innovation, education, and collaboration. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and events!

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Zonal Workshop on ICT Adoption, Utilization, and Sustainability

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The landscape of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Nigeria is evolving rapidly, with significant strides being made towards enhancing digital inclusion and leveraging technology for socio-economic development. One such impactful initiative was the 2-Day Zonal Workshop on ICT Adoption, Utilization, and Sustainability, held on July 1st and 2nd, 2024, and attended by key stakeholders, including Startup Kano, represented by our HR, Yomi Sani. Objective of the Workshop The workshop, organized by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), focused on several pivotal goals: Capacity Building: Enhancing the knowledge of operators and managers of Public Access Venues (PAVs), especially Digital Resource Centers (DNCs) and Community Resource Centers (CRCs), on sustainable operations. Challenge Discussion: Addressing the unique challenges faced by CRC and DNC operators across different zones of the federation. Innovation and Resource Mobilization: Developing innovative strategies to ensure continuous support and resources for DNCs and CRCs, aiming for their optimal functionality and sustainability. Youth Empowerment: Equipping Nigerian youths with ICT skills for developing innovative applications and services. Stakeholder Enlightenment: Educating stakeholders on the activities and contributions of the USPF towards national ICT advancement. The workshop centered around the theme: “Leveraging Information and Communication Technology as a Driver for Socio-Economic Development.” Sub-themes included: ICT Tools for e-Business and Collaboration 21st Century Trends for ICT Inclusion and Sustainability in Rural Communities ICT Career Potentials and Opportunities Day 1: Foundation and Framework The first day set the stage for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within the ICT space. The event kicked off with a keynote address by Mr. Yomi Arowosafe, Secretary of the Universal Service Provisions Fund (USPF), who highlighted the significance of ICT in bridging socio-economic gaps. Key sessions included: Promotion of Universal Access and Connectivity: The Head of Infrastructure Projects at USPF discussed strategies to enhance connectivity in rural and underserved areas. This session underscored the importance of infrastructure in realizing the full potential of ICT. Overview of ICT in Nigeria: This workshop explored global ICT trends and their implications for rural inclusion. It was a crucial session for understanding the broader context in which we operate and the potential pathways for innovation. ICT Tools for e-Business and Collaboration: This session provided practical insights into leveraging smart tools for everyday business operations, a critical aspect for startups looking to integrate technology seamlessly into their workflows. Day 2: Hands-On Learning and Forward Thinking The second day was more hands-on, focusing on the practical applications of ICT in everyday life and the career opportunities it offers. It began with a presentation by the Head of Information Technology Projects at USPF on promoting the digital economy in Nigeria. Highlights included: Career Opportunities in ICT: This session delved into the various career paths available within the ICT sector, emphasizing mobile application development. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, gaining firsthand experience in this rapidly growing field. Sustainability of USPF Projects: A discussion session that focused on how to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of ICT initiatives. This dialogue was crucial for understanding how projects can be sustained long-term, a challenge many startups face. The 2-Day Zonal ICT Workshop has highlighted the critical importance of commitment to leveraging ICT for socio-economic development and was equipped with the knowledge to drive innovation in our community.

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NFC Monthly Meetup: Connect, Collaborate, Innovate

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The Northern Founders Community (NFC) continues to foster innovation and entrepreneurship through its monthly meetups in Kano and Zaria. These gatherings bring together founders, talents, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to network, learn, and explore potential partnerships and business opportunities. The most recent meetup, held on May 30, 2024, at the Twin Theatre in Maryam Abacha American University Nigeria (MAAUN), was no exception. Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Haruna of MAAUN started with an opening ceremony, featuring a warm welcome. His remarks emphasized the significance of community and collaboration in shaping the future of Northern Nigeria’s tech scene About NFC and Partner Introductions Mustapha Salihu provided an insightful overview of the Northern Founders Community, detailing its mission, vision, and the critical role it plays in the regional startup ecosystem. He also introduced NFC’s esteemed partners, highlighting their contributions to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial environment. Startup Finance and Building Ubaidurrahman Sulaiman delivered a compelling talk on the intricacies of startup finance and building. Drawing from his experience as the CEO of Brycoal, he shared practical advice on securing funding, managing financial resources, and scaling startups effectively. His session was particularly valuable for budding entrepreneurs looking to navigate the financial challenges of startup life. Prospect for Northern Startup Space Umar Faruk joined the meetup virtually and provided an optimistic outlook on the future of the northern startup ecosystem. As the co-founder of Sparklab, he offered a unique perspective on the region’s potential for growth and innovation. His insights into emerging trends and opportunities left the audience inspired and eager to contribute to the region’s burgeoning tech landscape. iLearn Platform A standout moment of the meetup was the launch of the iLearn platform by a team of talented students from MAAUN’s School of Computing. This innovative platform aims to provide accessible educational resources, underscoring the critical role of technology in enhancing education. The launch was met with applause and excitement, signaling strong support for student-led initiatives. Need for Strong PR Summaya Tofa, the creative director of The Meraki, emphasized the importance of strong public relations for startups. Her session highlighted strategies for building a compelling brand narrative, engaging with media, and leveraging PR to enhance visibility and credibility. For many in the audience, her talk provided actionable takeaways on how to effectively promote their ventures. The Northern Perspective Representatives of Zainpay discussed their innovative payment solutions and how they are tailored to meet the needs of the northern market. Their discussion showcased the potential of fintech in driving financial inclusion and supporting local businesses. The meetup concluded with closing remarks from Aida Isah El-Hassan, the Hub Manager of Startup Kano. She recapped the day’s key points, expressed gratitude to all speakers and participants, and encouraged ongoing collaboration and networking beyond the event. The NFC Monthly Meetup exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is essential for driving the future of Northern Nigeria’s tech industry. With the support of partners like Startup Kano, these events provide invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and growth. As the community continues to connect, collaborate, and innovate, the prospects for the northern startup ecosystem look brighter than ever.

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