IHS Nigeria and Ilorin Innovation Hub Launch Demo Day
IHS Nigeria, a subsidiary of IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS), one of the world’s largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure, has joined forces with the Ilorin Innovation Hub to host the first edition of its Demo Day. The event took place at the state-of-the-art facility in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The event, titled “The Convergence,” aims to highlight 19 emerging startups that have participated in the Hub’s accelerator and incubation programs. These startups will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions to investors, venture capital funds, corporate partners, and the media.
The Ilorin Innovation Hub is a collaborative effort between the Kwara State Government and IHS Nigeria. It officially began operations in February 2025, with programs managed by Co-creation Hub and Future Africa. The hub serves as a platform for nurturing and bringing to life groundbreaking ideas that support economic resilience and address real-world societal challenges.
A Platform for Growth and Collaboration
The Demo Day is not only an opportunity for startups to showcase their work but also a chance to assess the impact of the Ilorin Innovation Hub in fostering innovation. The event is expected to unlock funding opportunities, encourage strategic collaborations, and increase visibility for these startups. These startups are working on solutions across various critical sectors, including agriculture, health-tech, green energy, lifestyle, and digital services.
Beyond the startup showcase, the Demo Day emphasizes Kwara State’s commitment to driving digital innovation and entrepreneurship. It also highlights IHS Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the digital divide and deepen the digital economy in Nigeria.
Insights from Leadership
Mohamad Darwish, CEO of IHS Nigeria, shared his thoughts on the initiative. He stated, “We believe innovation and digital technology are powerful drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. This is why we partnered with the Kwara State Government on the Ilorin Innovation Hub. It is impressive and very fulfilling to see the diverse portfolio of ideas and solutions showcased today from the hub within a year of the commencement of operations. This speaks to the depth of creativity among Nigerians and what is possible when they are equipped and supported. Today’s event makes me proud of our investment in the space and underscores IHS Nigeria’s continued commitment to supporting technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation in Nigeria.”
Temi Kolawole, Managing Director of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, added, “Today, we showcase 19 startups that have shown that when you combine talent with the right support, the results speak for themselves. The Ilorin Innovation Hub exists to ensure that geography is never a barrier to building something extraordinary, and this Demo Day is proof that we are on the right track.”
Key Highlights of the Event
- Showcasing 19 Startups: The event featured 19 startups that have gone through the Hub’s programs.
- Investor Engagement: Investors, venture capital funds, and corporate partners were present to explore potential partnerships.
- Media Coverage: The event attracted significant media attention, helping to amplify the startups’ visibility.
- Sector Focus: Startups are working across key areas such as agriculture, health-tech, green energy, lifestyle, and digital services.
- Community Impact: The Demo Day reflects the broader goals of the Ilorin Innovation Hub to foster innovation and support local entrepreneurs.
Future Prospects
The success of the Demo Day signals a promising future for the Ilorin Innovation Hub and its role in shaping Nigeria’s digital landscape. With continued support from both the government and private sector, the hub is well-positioned to become a major center for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
As more startups emerge and gain traction, the impact of the Ilorin Innovation Hub will likely extend beyond Kwara State, contributing to the national conversation on digital transformation and economic development.
