Nanko Madu

Nanko Madu is the Director of Programs at AfriLabs, the largest network organisation of technology and innovation hubs in Africa, leading the organization's design and implementation of programmes focused on building the African tech and innovation ecosystem through the deployment of capacity building and improvement strategies targeted at hubs, startups, innovators, SMEs as well as women and youths. Examples of such programmes include; the AfriLabs Capacity Building Programme (ACBP), the African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship Program, Smart Cities Innovation Programme (SCIP), and Africa Europe Digital Innovation Bridge Network (AEDIB/NET). Madu is a mentor, innovation ecosystem builder, international public speaker and advisor. Her wealth of experience in ecosystem development and support has solidified her reputation as a luminary in the area of Innovation and Tech ecosystem building. She has built a remarkable career spanning over 14 years working on various programs that promote economic development, climate change/green economy, renewable energy, AI research, education and capacity building across different sectors. She has led the successful disbursement of over 2 million Euros in funding to hubs, startups, and innovators across Africa. She has also led the design and deployment of a large-scale training programme for over 40,000 SMEs; disbursing 300 Million USD in grant funding targeted at 3,900 enterprises conceptualized by youths in Nigeria.