The global profile of Anambra State’s innovation ecosystem has received another major boost following the appointment of Ms. Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation and Chief Executive Officer of the Solution Innovation District (SID), to the Global Steering Committee of the 43rd International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference, scheduled to hold in France from October 27 to 30, 2026.
With the appointment, Ms. Okoli becomes the only African representative on the prestigious committee, where she will join leading figures from government, academia, industry and technology ecosystems across the world to shape the strategic direction and programme of one of the most influential global gatherings dedicated to science parks, innovation districts and technology hubs.
The International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is the world’s foremost network of science parks, innovation districts, and technology hubs. Established in 1984, the organisation comprises more than 350 member institutions across over 70 countries, fostering collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions and innovation ecosystems to accelerate innovation-driven economic development.
Okoli’s appointment is a significant international recognition of Anambra State’s growing leadership in innovation and technology-driven development under the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
It reflects the rising global visibility of the Solution Innovation District, which has trained over 264,000 residents in digital skills and mobilised significant private sector and development partner investment since 2023, positioning Anambra as one of Africa’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems.
Ms. Okoli’s appointment gives Anambra State a stronger voice in global conversations on the future of science parks, innovation districts and technology-led economic transformation.
It also opens new channels for international partnerships, investment attraction and knowledge exchange, ahead of a Cannes conference that will convene many of the world’s leading innovation ecosystem builders, a natural stage for showcasing SID’s progress to a global audience.
This is both a personal achievement for Ms. Okoli and a proud moment for Anambra State and Nigeria, affirming that the state’s innovation agenda is earning recognition among the world’s leading innovation ecosystems.
Already, congratulatory messages are pouring in, wishing Ms. Chinwe Okoli success as she represents Anambra State, Nigeria, and Africa at the highest levels of the global innovation community.