An Evening with Governor Soludo: Anambra Investment Forum & Silicon Valley Tech and Founders' Showcase
Join His Excellency Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Governor of Anambra State, Nigeria, and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, for a landmark evening connecting Anambra State with Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem.
Hosted by the African Silicon Valley Innovation Corridor, Jollof Tech, Malaika Commons, and Innovate Bay, this forum brings together investors, founders, technology leaders, academics, healthcare executives, and members of the Nigerian and African diaspora to explore opportunities for investment, innovation, research, and strategic partnerships.
The evening will feature:
• A keynote address and vision for Anambra from Governor Soludo and the Anambra State delegation
• A fireside chat with the Governor
• Presentations from Silicon Valley companies exploring partnerships with Anambra State
• A Silicon Valley Tech & Founders' Showcase featuring innovations in robotics, artificial intelligence, smart mobility, and development finance
• A special endowment announcement
• Curated networking with founders, investors, business leaders, and policymakers
Governor Soludo's visit is centred on four strategic priorities:
• University partnerships
• Healthcare partnerships
• Technology and innovation collaboration
• Direct investment into Anambra State
Spotlight: Building Anambra's Solution Innovation District (SID2035)
A central focus of this visit is the Solution Innovation District (SID), Anambra State's flagship initiative to build one of Africa's leading innovation-driven economies.
The Government of Anambra State has already laid the foundation through significant investments in the Solution Innovation District, Anambra Digital Tribe, Code Anambra, Smart Schools, startup incubation programmes, robotics training, broadband expansion, innovation hubs, and digital skills development. Approximately 13.7 hectares have been dedicated to the Innovation District, with the first landmark building already completed.
The next phase is about activating this vision by bringing together universities, research institutions, technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners to build an integrated innovation ecosystem that transforms research into commercial ventures, supports high-growth startups, strengthens advanced manufacturing, develops world-class talent, and attracts global investment.
Governor Soludo's long-term vision, SID2035, is to position Anambra as one of Africa's premier centres for innovation-led economic transformation. Rather than creating isolated programmes, SID2035 connects the State's existing strengths, including its entrepreneurial culture, globally recognised apprenticeship model, manufacturing capabilities in Nnewi, commercial ecosystem in Onitsha, universities, digital talent pipeline, and extensive diaspora network, into a globally competitive innovation platform.
The strategy is anchored on five interconnected priorities:
• Talent and Digital Opportunity
• Startups, MSMEs and Enterprise Growth
• Industry, Research and Commercialisation
• Innovation Infrastructure and Connectivity
• Investment, Governance and Global Positioning
This forum offers a unique opportunity for universities, investors, technology companies, founders, ecosystem builders, healthcare institutions, and development partners to explore how they can contribute through research collaboration, institutional partnerships, technical assistance, investment, and long-term engagement in building one of Africa's most ambitious innovation ecosystems.
EVENT AGENDA
ARRIVAL & NETWORKING
5:30 PM • Doors Open · Guest Arrival & Networking
Open networking reception; private meet-and-greets with the Governor by invitation.
Delegation arrives ahead of the 6:30 PM programme.
MAIN PROGRAMME · 6:30 – 8:30 PM
6:30 PM • Welcome & Opening Remarks
Chike Nwoffiah, Master of Ceremonies - introduction of His Excellency Governor Soludo.
6:45 PM • Anambra's Vision
Governor Soludo; Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser on Innovation & Business Incubation; Prof. Kate Omenugha, Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.
7:10 PM • Fireside Chat with Governor Soludo
Moderated by Prof. Folarin Erogbogbo, San José State University.
7:35 PM • Silicon Valley Tech & Founders' Showcase
5-minute presentations, 3-minute Q&A each.
Robotics • Joseph Aribido
Smart mobility systems • Dr. Aboubacar Kadera Diarra
Stablecoin payment rails • Ruth Iselema
AI infrastructure • Hameed Yusuf
8:05 PM • Endowments as a Development Vehicle for Anambra
Building Bridges Across Young Minds (BBYMI).
8:15 PM • Closing Reception, Press Photos & Networking
8:30 PM • Programme Ends · Delegation Departs for Hotel
Who Should Attend
• Venture capital and angel investors
• Startup founders and operators
• Technology executives and innovators
• Corporate partnerships and business development leaders
• University and research leaders
• Healthcare executives and professionals
• Nigerian and African diaspora professionals
• Anyone interested in investing in and partnering with one of Africa's fastest-growing innovation ecosystems.
Venue: Bay Area (shared upon registration)
Space is limited. Registration is required.