Digital Innovation

2025 Impact Review: Anchoring Innovation in Northern Nigeria

Newletter, Update /

NEWSLETTER 2025 Impact Review: Anchoring Innovation in Northern Nigeria Dear Future Builders, As we move towards the second half of the year, the team has been going through our projects and activities of last year and we are truly in awe looking back at 2025. If 2024 was about planting seeds, 2025 was the year the roots truly took hold. It was the year Startup Kano moved deeper and more strategically into helping architect the future of Northern Nigeria’s economy. But when we look at the reports on our desks, we don’t just see numbers and milestones. We see you.We see the nervous excitement of a founder pitching for the first time at PitchStar Preincubation Program. We see the focus in the eyes of the hackers at CyberFest. We see the nod of mutual respect between a government official and a tech creative at the Digital Kano Conference. Here is the story of our collective year of 2025. Coming Together: Our Key Success Strategy Coming together has been our key success strategy. At Startup Kano, we have always been keen on partnerships, constantly looking for new value to bring to the ecosystem for our diverse target groups. We kicked off the year reminding ourselves that entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be walked alone. Throughout the first half of last year, our Founders Friday, Monthly Tech Meetups, and the Expert Series brought you into the room with industry titans. Whether it was discussing fintech security with Seun Runsewe, exploring sustainable architecture with Oluwagbemiro Bello, or mastering monitoring and evaluation with Fatima Turaki, these sessions bridged the gap between local talent and world-class expertise. To everyone who showed up, shared a struggle, or offered advice: you are the heartbeat of this community. Kano Climate Change Policy: Protecting Our Home By July, we proved that technology is about more than just software. In a landmark collaboration with Green Legacy Nigeria, the Certa Foundation, and the Kano State Ministry of Environment, we launched the Kano State Climate Change Policy. Working closely with the Honorable Commissioner, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, we moved beyond paperwork to action. We curated a portfolio of startups that are literally saving our environment: Earthbond generated 210 MWh of clean energy to reduce diesel dependency; Three Waste diverted over 100,000kg of trash from landfills; and Nurtured AgriTech deployed digital tracking to support the state’s 5 Million Trees Campaign. The Governance Ambassadors Programme (GAP) Running alongside these initiatives, we recognized that the future belongs to the youth. We initiated the Governance Ambassadors Programme (GAP) in partnership with YOSPIS Nigeria, born out of a critical need to bridge the gap in civic education and active citizenship. Through school outreach programs, essay competitions, and multi-sectoral stakeholder dialogues, GAP has successfully fostered a new wave of civic awareness. We are empowering students not just to be passive residents, but to understand leadership, civil rights, and their role in governance. Digital Kano Conference – Second Edition September was historic. At the 2nd Digital Kano Conference, we didn’t just talk about the future; we showed it. Startup Kano played a critical role in managing the startup showcase, ensuring that the innovation on display matched the magnitude of the event. We sifted through 217 incredible applications to curate 20 top-tier ventures in the Coronation Hall. It was a moment of pure pride to watch our local founders pitch their solutions directly to Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima and our Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf. We saw our ecosystem stand toe-to-toe with national leaders like Aminu Maida (EVC NCC), Malam Kashifu Inuwa (DG NITDA), and the Royal Father of the Day, His Highness Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II. Beyond the pitches, we facilitated conversations with international partners like Dr. Russell Avre and Barry Palte, alongside industry leaders like Dr. Olasupo Olusi from the Bank of Industry and Alh. Dr. Auwalu Rano. The high quality of these interactions contributed significantly to the event’s success and the launch of the KASITDA Strategic Roadmap (2025-2030). PitchStar: Resilience and Expansion By October, we celebrated the fruits of deep resilience. We know access to finance is still a significant hurdle, but the PitchStar Cohort 4 taught us that grit is our most valuable currency. We are incredibly proud of our graduates who completed this grueling incubation, including Daily Invoice, Blind Access, Maish Ecocycle, Auto fix and Axon Reach. These startups have demonstrated market readiness, and we are not stopping here. For 2026, we have set ambitious plans to expand the PitchStar program to other northern states, including Gombe, Jigawa, and Katsina, to unearth and polish even more gems across the region. Citizen Reporting Cross-Platform Project Expansion: Giving People a Voice From October to December, we took innovation on the road. Funded by the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) and Leap Africa, and in partnership with Blue Sapphire Hub, our Citizen Reporting Project expanded beyond Kano into Katsina and Jigawa. We engaged high-level stakeholders, including Jigawa State Governor H.E. Umar Namadi and the First Lady of Katsina, Hajia Fatima Dikko Radda, to ensure government buy-in. But most importantly, we engaged over 1,000 citizens, providing them with digital tools to report issues like gender-based violence and service delivery gaps. This taught us that technology must be inclusive—we heard your requests for Hausa language support and offline tools, and we are listening. Building Capacity and Security We closed 2025 by building talent. Partnering with Arewa Cyber Squads and Startbench, we hosted CyberFest 2025, gathering over 500 participants to train the next generation of ethical hackers. Finally, in December, we partnered with the Google Developers Group to host DevFest Kano at the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN), focusing on AI and Cloud solutions. Looking Ahead We started 2026 in high spirits, and the vision is getting bigger. We are no longer just a hub; we have evolved into Northern Nigeria’s powerhouse, ecosystem enablers dedicated to driving sustainable growth. Thank you for being part of our journey, for your time, and for

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Celebrating a Trailblazer: Dr. Amina Sambo Magaji PhD.

Newletter, Update /

For a decade, Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji has remained one of the most influential voices, mentors, and builders within the Startup Kano ecosystem and the broader Nigerian innovation landscape. Since 2017, her relationship with Startup Kano has gone far beyond titles or affiliations. She has been a consistent mentor, board member, advisor, advocate, and supporter of the vision to build a thriving technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Northern Nigeria. At different stages of our journey, from community meetups and Conference speakers to founder mentorship sessions, policy conversations, innovation programs, and ecosystem development initiatives, Dr. Amina has continuously shown up for founders, innovators, women in tech, and young people daring to build solutions for Africa’s future. Impact on AI and the Startup Ecosystem Today, we proudly celebrate not only her incredible journey but also a historic milestone: becoming the first female Technical Director of the Apex Technology Regulator in Nigeria (NITDA) and one of the world’s leading contributors in Artificial Intelligence. Professional Impact and Ecosystem Leadership This achievement is more than a personal milestone. It reflects years of excellence, consistency, advocacy, and groundbreaking contributions toward shaping Nigeria’s digital future. It is also an inspiration to thousands of young women and aspiring innovators across Africa who now see what is possible through knowledge, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership Amina Sambo-Magaji, PhD, is internationally recognized as an AI expert, innovation strategist, startup ecosystem builder, and technology policy developer with over 21 years of experience driving digital transformation and innovation development globally.Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs that have impacted more than 20,000 founders, entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners nationwide. Her work has consistently focused on building sustainable systems, advancing emerging technologies, strengthening digital capacity, and empowering young people to leverage innovation for socioeconomic transformation. Academic Excellence and National Impact Her academic and professional journey reflects a rare combination of technical excellence and ecosystem leadership.She earned a First-Class degree in Computer Science from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) before obtaining a Master’s degree with Distinction in Information Engineering and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence from Robert Gordon University, Scotland. Her academic work and research contributions have been presented in several international conferences and journals, particularly in areas related to AI, digital innovation, technology-enhanced learning, and national digital capacity development. As part of her contributions to academia and emerging technology development in Africa, Dr. Amina was among the pioneering team involved in establishing MSc and PhD programs in Artificial Intelligence at the Africa Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (NOUN-ACETEL). Through this work, she has helped strengthen Nigeria’s growing AI ecosystem while contributing to the development of future researchers, innovators, and technical experts. At the policy and national development level, Dr. Amina has played transformative leadership roles at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), where she has led major initiatives focused on digital literacy, innovation, startup development, and technology capacity building. Over the years, she pioneered and led strategic programs under departments such as Digital Literacy and Capacity Development, the Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), and the Digital Economy ecosystem. Her work at NITDA has significantly contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s digital innovation infrastructure, supporting startups, promoting emerging technologies, and creating pathways for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy. Empowering Women and Building Communities Beyond government and policy leadership, Dr. Amina remains deeply committed to community impact and inclusive innovation.Through her nonprofit initiative, the She&Tech Empowerment Foundation, she has continued to create opportunities for women and girls in STEM, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her work through She&Tech has helped bridge gaps in access, mentorship, and digital inclusion, especially for young women aspiring to enter the digital technology ecosystem and career pathway. Her leadership philosophy has always centered around empowerment, inclusion, mentorship, and ecosystem building, values that strongly align with Startup Kano’s mission and community vision.At Startup Kano, we have had the privilege of witnessing Dr. Amina’s impact firsthand. Since 2017, she has consistently supported our ecosystem through mentorship, strategic guidance, advocacy, partnerships, and founder engagement. Her contributions have helped strengthen Northern Nigeria’s growing innovation ecosystem while creating opportunities for startups, founders, women in tech, and young innovators to thrive. A Lasting Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship One of the notable moments in this journey was her participation as a speaker at the Startup Kano Women Founders Conference 2022, where she shared valuable insights on leadership, innovation, technology, and the importance of empowering women within the startup ecosystem. Her presence and contributions at the conference reinforced her longstanding commitment to supporting women founders and building a more inclusive technology ecosystem across Nigeria. Her contributions to Startup Kano have never been limited to advisory roles alone. She has continuously opened doors for collaboration, visibility, mentorship, and ecosystem growth while championing the potential of Northern Nigerian innovators at both national and international levels.Dr. Amina also serves as a mentor with global and continental innovation platforms, including Founders Institute and VC4Africa, while sitting on advisory and governance boards such as Startup Kano Innovation and Data Scientist Network (DSN). Her ecosystem influence continues to shape conversations around AI, innovation policy, startup growth, digital transformation, and inclusive technology development across Africa.Yet despite these achievements, one of the most remarkable things about Dr. Amina remains her indefatigable commitment to mentoring others and creating opportunities for the next generation. For many founders, innovators, women in tech, and ecosystem builders, she represents more than a leader. “ She represents possibility.She represents what it means to combine excellence with impact. What it means to lead while empowering others. What it means to use technology not just for advancement, but for transformation.” As Startup Kano continues to grow and strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Northern Nigeria, we remain deeply grateful for leaders like Dr. Amina Sambo-Magaji, whose vision, support, and mentorship continue to inspire our journey. Thank you, Dr. Amina,  For believing in ecosystems, in founders, in innovation, and in the limitless potential of young Africans. Thank you for helping shape the

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Innovation and Empowerment: From Community Conversations to Policy Action for Women and Entrepreneurs

Startup Kano Activities, Update /

Eid Mubarak to our community, may this special season bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to you and your loved ones as we reflect on a meaningful and eventful March. The month marked an exciting moment for Kano’s growing innovation ecosystem. Over the month, founders, innovators, policymakers, and advocates gathered for a series of events reflecting a shared commitment to building a more inclusive and opportunity-driven economy. These conversations unfolded across community gatherings, technology discussions, and policy dialogue, each naturally flowing into the next. Together, they highlighted how collaboration, innovation, and public policy can shape the future of economic participation in Kano. The activities also took place alongside the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Program at Startup Kano, which is equipping innovators with the tools and knowledge needed to build solutions that address climate and economic challenges. March is a month to celebrate our amazing and wonderful women, a time when community members and advocates come together to recognize their achievements and reflect on the importance of expanding opportunities for women and girls. The atmosphere is both celebratory and thoughtful, with conversations centered on empowerment, mentorship, and the need to create spaces where women can thrive in entrepreneurship, technology, and other emerging sectors. It serves as a powerful reminder that strengthening women’s participation in the economy is essential for broader social and economic development. Building on this energy, participants delved into the role of women driving innovation and leadership within the tech sector during the “Break the Pattern” event organized by Women Techmakers in collaboration with Technovation. Women Techmakers is a global initiative focused on creating inclusive spaces where women can learn, connect, and build careers in technology. In Kano, it plays a growing role within the local tech ecosystem through events like International Women’s Day, hands-on workshops, and mentorship sessions, supporting women at different stages, from beginners to professionals. Beyond events, its impact in Kano is seen in how it encourages more women in Northern Nigeria to step into tech, builds confidence through visibility and shared experiences, and contributes to a more diverse and supportive innovation ecosystem in the region. The event focused on redefining how women build, collaborate, and leadwithin the tech ecosystem. Through keynote presentations and panel discussions, speakers explored the barriers women often face in the industry while highlighting the opportunities that exist for women to thrive as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Participants shared experiences about navigating the tech industry and emphasized the importance of building supportive communities that encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields. In regions where women remain underrepresented in technology, conversations like these play an important role in inspiring the next generation of innovators. As discussions around innovation and entrepreneurship continued throughout the month, the ecosystem shifted into a more informal but equally important space for connection. Entrepreneurs and startup enthusiasts later gathered for the “Biggest Kano’s Founders Iftar – March Edition,” organized by Founders Friday at Blue Sapphire Hub. Held during Ramadan, the gathering provided founders with the opportunity to break their fast together while exchanging ideas and building relationships within Kano’s growing startup community. In many ways, the event reflected the collaborative spirit of the ecosystem itself. Conversations ranged from startup challenges to opportunities for partnerships and investment. Informal networking spaces like this often play a crucial role in building strong innovation ecosystems, allowing entrepreneurs to connect beyond structured programs and explore collaborations that may lead to future ventures. For participants in the Climate Innovation Ecosystem Development (CIED) Program, these engagements complemented the learning taking place within the bootcamp. The program focuses on supporting innovators working on climate-related solutions while helping them develop skills in startup development, ecosystem building, and climate finance. By equipping innovators with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial tools, the program is helping cultivate a new generation of founders who are building solutions that respond to both environmental and economic challenges. Cavemen Africa also released their Ramadan series, Ashabul Kahfi, a reflective conversation series where they sit with entrepreneurs and business owners to explore how faith shapes their journeys. Through these conversations, the series highlights how personal beliefs influence decision-making, guide the way leaders approach their work, and shape how they build and lead their businesses. One of the featured conversations is with Aisha Tofa, Board Chair of Startup Kano, who reflects on how faith informs leadership, purpose, and the responsibility of supporting communities that nurture innovation and entrepreneurship. Amid these activities, an important milestone for women’s economic participation in the state was the launch of the Kano Women’s Economic Empowerment (KANOWEE) Policy, a five-year roadmap designed to unlock the economic potential of women and girls across Kano. Alongsidethe policy launch, KANOWEE also published a book titled “Imani da Kwazo a Kasuwanci”, which celebrates businesswomen who have made their mark and continue to do so, highlighting both historical figures and contemporary trailblazers. The policy, which covers the period from 2025 to 2029, aims to create an enabling environment where women can actively participate in both the formal and informal economy while improving their livelihoods and economic resilience. By coordinating various women-focused economic initiatives under one framework, the policy seeks to ensure that no woman in Kano is left behind. The need for such a policy is particularly significant in a state like Kano, which, according to 2024 projections, has a population of over 16 million, nearly half of whom are female. Women already contribute significantly to agriculture, trade, and household income, yet they often face systemic barriers, including limited access to capital, low land ownership, lack of collateral for loans, and limited digital literacy. Social expectations and unpaid domestic labor also continue to restrict economic opportunities for many women. The KANOWEE policy addresses these realities by focusing on priority groups that are often most vulnerable, including poor and vulnerable women, out-of-school girls, women entrepreneurs in the informal sector, women and girls with disabilities, survivors of gender-based violence, and women affected by disasters or humanitarian crises. To support these groups, the policy is built around five

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