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Tag: NASENI

  • AfriLabs, NASENI join forces to boost Nigerian tech startups

    AfriLabs, NASENI join forces to boost Nigerian tech startups

    AfriLabs, a pan-African hub network, and NASENI, Nigeria’s National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, have joined forces to create an innovation lab to help young entrepreneurs and innovators across Nigeria bring new technologies to market and support long-term economic growth.

    The partnership between AfriLabs and NASENI to launch the NASENI Innovation Hub was announced during the 2024 AfriLabs Annual Gathering (AAG) held from November 5 to 8 in Cape Town, South Africa, with the hub officially launched on November 15, 2024.

    This collaboration shows innovation is crucial to economic growth and employment creation, especially in a rapidly changing world. The program aims to empower young entrepreneurs and promote technological advancement by combining the resources of both organisations.

    Read also: AfriLabs launches Connect Deal Room to facilitate local investment landscape

    Overview of AfriLabs and NASENI

    AfriLabs is a prominent network organisation that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. It connects technological hubs, startups, investors, legislators, and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders.

    Currently, AfriLabs boasts an extensive network of 496 hubs spread across 261 cities in 53 African nations, making it one of the largest networks of its kind on the continent. This vast reach enables AfriLabs to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and resource mobilisation among diverse players in the tech space.

    On the other hand, NASENI is a Nigerian government agency dedicated to enhancing the country’s science, technology, and engineering infrastructure. Established to promote innovation and industrialisation, NASENI focuses on developing homegrown solutions that meet local needs while positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in the global technology landscape. The agency’s mission includes supporting research and development initiatives, fostering partnerships between academia and industry, and providing essential resources to innovators.

    The role of the NASENI innovation hub

    The newly launched NASENI Innovation Hub will offer Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups vital infrastructure, capacity building, mentorship, and resources. This initiative aims to nurture innovative concepts, stimulate industrialisation, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global tech ecosystem. The hub will help young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses by providing acceleration support, leading to job creation, increased technological exports, and enhanced economic productivity.

    Nanko Madu, Director of Programmes at AfriLabs, emphasised the importance of the partnership with NASENI: “Our partnership with NASENI represents a significant step toward nurturing Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. Together, we are not just creating an Innovation Hub – we are building a pipeline for groundbreaking ideas that will shape Nigeria’s future industries and foster economic growth. We believe this collaboration will be key in scaling innovative solutions that address local challenges and have a global impact.”

    Read also: AfriLabs expands to new African cities countries

    “At NASENI, we are committed to transforming Nigeria into a global leader in technology and industrialisation. The establishment of this innovation hub marks a pivotal step in fostering homegrown solutions, nurturing local talent, and creating a dynamic ecosystem that will drive sustainable development through science and engineering.

    We believe that by empowering innovators and providing the infrastructure they need, we can fast-track industrial growth and economic diversification for Nigeria’s future,” said Khalil Suleiman Halilu, EVC of NASENI.

    The NASENI Innovation Hub will implement various programs to support the ecosystem. These include a global innovation return program for Nigerian researchers abroad, initiatives to empower women in engineering, a FutureMakers program for young talent development, an initiative for innovators tackling public sector challenges, and an acceleration program. Through these efforts, the hub aims to cultivate a robust environment that promotes the success of Nigerian innovators and startups.

  • NASENI calls for investment in renewable energy solutions

    NASENI calls for investment in renewable energy solutions

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is taking a bold step towards reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign goods and strengthening its renewable energy sector. 

    In a recent address at the NASENI headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Bashir Gwandu, called on investors to collaborate with the agency in the local production and domestication of Lithium batteries and other renewable energy solutions. This move aims to create job opportunities and alleviate the pressure on the country’s foreign exchange caused by the importation of foreign goods.

    Dr. Gwandu highlighted that NASENI has already made significant strides in solar panel production. The agency plans to further enhance its capabilities by attracting solar cell manufacturing, thereby bolstering synergy with existing solar panel assembly efforts. NASENI has also been engaging with various international companies to explore partnerships for local production of lithium-based end-products, as opposed to exporting raw materials for processing abroad.

    Read also: The Zero Covid Policy of China affects Nigeria’s first local helicopter – NASENI

    Domestication of Technologies and Capital Goods Production

    The core vision of NASENI is to bridge technological gaps between Nigeria and other countries and encourage domestic production to replace imports. 

    To realize this vision, NASENI is working closely with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to promote the development and production of electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, discussions are underway with stakeholders to establish electric vehicle charging stations on major roads throughout the country.

    Dr. Gwandu extended an invitation to both local and international investors, urging them to establish their industries in Nigeria. NASENI promises to provide support and a conducive investment environment for those willing to produce locally. The Nigerian government is eager to welcome the first company that expresses interest, particularly in the production of lithium batteries, as the agency is ready to form partnerships with such ventures.

    Collaboration with LEMI Technology

    NASENI welcomed a business delegation from LEMI Technology, a company based in Shenzhen, China, to explore potential collaborations. The founder of LEMI Technology, Ms. Joyce Chen, expressed the company’s willingness to invest in Nigeria and forge a fruitful relationship with NASENI and the Nigerian government. 

    The delegation also included key members such as the Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Rocky Hu, the Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Biju Yao, Oversea Business Director, Ms. Monica Liang, and Engineer Mr. Lucia Peng.

    LEMI Technology’s Role in Nigeria

    LEMI Technology has been operating in Nigeria since 2018, providing renewable energy products to over 200,000 Nigerian households and creating employment opportunities for locals. The company intends to collaborate with NASENI on renewable energy projects, particularly in the production of solar and television panels, inverters, and lithium batteries.

    NASENI holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s sole purpose-built agency with a specific mandate in capital goods research, production, and reverse engineering. Its focus areas include engineering materials, industrial and analytical chemical materials, scientific equipment and components, engineering equipment, engineering designs and standardization, and power equipment.

    NASENI’s Push for Lithium Battery Production

    In an effort to encourage local end-product production, NASENI has been engaging with key exporters of lithium within Nigeria. The agency advised them to invite their off-takers from around the world, who manufacture lithium batteries, to invest in Nigeria’s end-product production. Nigeria possesses significant raw materials, including phosphate, making it a viable destination for battery production. 

    NASENI aims to limit the export of raw lithium and promote the processing of these raw materials into finished products within the country.

    As NASENI continues its efforts to bridge technological gaps and encourage local production, its partnership with LEMI Technology holds great promise for the renewable energy sector. Together, they envision a future where Nigeria becomes a key player in the production of lithium batteries and other renewable energy solutions, promoting economic growth, job creation, and energy sustainability. 

  • The Zero Covid Policy of China affects Nigeria’s first local helicopter – NASENI

    The Zero Covid Policy of China affects Nigeria’s first local helicopter – NASENI

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), with a mission to establish a dynamic Science and Engineering Infrastructure-base for achieving home-initiated and home-sustained industrialization, has expressed disappointment on the setback of Nigeria’s manpower training in China, which has affected local manufacture of First Made in Nigeria helicopter.

    This was according to a statement by the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammed Sani Haruna in Kaduna recently.

    Haruna said border closure was a major impediment as Border closure by the Chinese government due to the COVID-19 outbreak prevented the training from holding.

    Nigeria Airforce (NAF), in partnership with the National Agency for Science and Engineering (NASENI) had since finalised arrangements to produce the first made-in-Nigeria helicopter, which must be launched in the country before the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in May 2023.

    Read also: Qatar Airways Selects Inmarsat as its in-flight internet provider

    The Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT), which is the research and development (R&D) arm of the Nigeria Airforce and the NASENI, have been directed by the Presidency to ensure that the local helicopter production’s dream becomes a reality soon.

    Both AFIT and NASENI have taken up the challenge of completing all works on the first Made-in-Nigeria helicopter initiated by NASENI and which President Buhari had directed should be launched before the end of his administration in 2023.

    Inspection of the Helicopter assembly ground

    The NASENI chief also inspected the Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Equipment Development Institute in Kaduna, a new institute of the National Agency For Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) which was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari as the centre for NASENI assembly of the first made in Nigeria Helicopter.

    The institute, which is located in AFIT Kaduna, has the mandate to research and develop spare parts, components and systems of Aeronautics and Air Vehicle Technologies.

    The NASENI team led by the executive vice secretary visited AFIT authorities to finalize the site takeover and design.

    The visit was to fast-track the project which will be commissioned by the president before the end of his administration.

    Inspection of other NASENI projects

    The NASENI chief also inspected the ongoing NASENI Automotive Supplier Industrial Park, approved by the federal government in three locations in the country, with 3 billion naira 

    According to him, on completion, it will unlock opportunities in the automotive sector as well as potential in the manufacturing industry with a view to creating employment and skilled Labour in Nigeria.

    He also said it would be self-sustaining and a government revenue source which would put an end to the importation of vehicle spare parts.

    Kenya, Rwanda, 15 nations participate in new global air transportation sector

    NASENI Mandate

    The mandate of the Agency includes the development of relevant processes, capital goods and equipment necessary for job creation, national economic well-being and progress. 

    With deliberate interest in key areas of science and engineering development, the agency hopes to improve the country’s socio-economic value in order to engender competition.

  • Nigeria Will Begin Manufacturing Electric Cars In 2023

    Nigeria Will Begin Manufacturing Electric Cars In 2023

    The Nigerian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese and Israeli companies to begin assembling and manufacturing Electric Cars that are eco-friendly, green, electric, and smart automobiles.

    The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) signed the partnership deal alongside representatives of the Israeli, Japanese, and Nigerian companies on Thursday in the country’s capital, Abuja.

    With this partnership’s commencement, Nigeria will gradually contribute to ensuring the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal Seven, which aims at improving international cooperation and aiding access to clean energy research and technology.

    Speaking on the agency’s intention to begin the automobile project in 2023, Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Prof. Mohammed Haruna, said it would transcend vehicle assemblage to producing Nigerian-made electrical vehicles in the near future.

    Haruna commended the partnership, noting that the welcomed development is here to stay. He, however, bemoaned the initial attempt to domesticate some technologies in Nigeria, particularly in the automobile industry, which didn’t yield the expected outcomes, resulting in the continuous importation of vehicles.

    Haruna says, “NASENI has come into this now with the perfect partners.” The technologies of Japanese and Israeli companies are proven and well known.

    But most importantly, Nigeria will not just be consuming this technology; we are here to make sure that we domesticate, produce, and manufacture in Nigeria.

    Nigeria Must Embrace New Technology in the Automotive Sector

    “We are grateful and we are happy with this collaboration, and we assure Nigerians that the automobile industry after this collaboration will not be the same again.”

    On his part, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, assured that combining Israeli, Japanese and Nigerian technologies would assist in tackling the bedevilling challenges facing the transport and environmental sectors in the nation.

    Freeman said, “What is special about this project is that it is a timely project that combines Israeli technologies, Japanese technologies, and Nigerian entrepreneurship and innovation together to create a project that is going to work fabulously.”

    “We are talking about bringing electronic motorcycles into Nigeria, which will be a program that is green and environmentally friendly.”

    “It offers people a cheap and safe way of transport and even has the technology to ensure that the motorcycles are only used for legal and appropriate purposes.”  

    “When we look at what the problems are in the world, in Africa and in Nigeria, we are talking about issues of fuel scarcity; we are talking about green technology; we are talking about the need to provide cleaner, cheaper, easier transport.

    He added that”… we are having Israeli and Japanese companies come together with Nigerian partners to provide cleaner, greener, newer, exciting technology that is expected to move people and populations across the country.

    “I believe that a program that is going to start in Nigeria will be successful and will go across Africa.”

    Speaking on Nigeria as a place to invest, the representative of Peramare Enterprise, an Israeli enterprise, Dr Ayal Raz, said the country is safe for business operations.

    Read: Solartaxi launches an electric car ride-hailing app in Ghana

    He said: “We believe this innovative idea is going to change so many things in the face of Nigeria.”

    “It will bring green energy, which means cheaper transport, and we all know what that means for our people.”

    “It will give work to the people because it is industry; we are going to put a factory together.” Assembling and building We will start with assembling and then building. It will give us cleaner air and less pollution.

    “Nigeria is safe to do business in and, by the special grace of God, it is going to come during the first quarter of 2023,” Raz said.

    Mr. Sasi Shilo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SIXAI and Japanese Partner, said his company’s interest transcends production and is focused on supporting Africa, especially Nigeria, to build a sustainable country with clean and safe technologies.

    Read: Ford’s Promise of Electric Vehicles

    “It is a very exciting moment. We have been working in the automobile industry for about half a decade. We have certified plants in 14 different countries.

    “We really want to contribute to the African continent with our technology.” “What we want to bring is not only to produce but what we want to achieve is to support the African continent to be sustainable through our products with safety and environmentally friendly features,” Sasi said.

    Wadada Aliyu, Chairman, PAN Nigeria Limited, said the initiative is groundbreaking and marks the beginning of technological evolution in the country.

    “This is historic because Nigeria is conforming to the order of the day, which is a green environment, and memorable because NASENI has kicked off the ball.”

    “With this synergy between Israel, Japan, NASENI, and PAN as a facility where the assembling will be done, I think the sky will be a starting point of technological evolution in Nigeria,” Aliyu said.

    Mr. Madisca Haruna, Managing Director, LINKSMAN International Ltd., said the project seeks to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Goal Seven, which seeks to enhance international cooperation and facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.