The Impact Investors Foundation (IIF) Nigeria has officially launched the Sustainable Systems for Research and Innovation Financing (SSRF II) project in Nigeria.
The Foundation also launched the Nigerian Enterprise Support Organisation (ESO) Collaborative on Tuesday in Lagos, to advance the investment and innovation landscape in Nigeria.
BRANDPOWER reports that the ESO Collaborative was established with grant funding from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s(FCDO’s) Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA) Fund.
This is geared toward scaling sustainable systems for enterprise and innovation financing across Ghana and Nigeria in partnership with Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh).
The RISA fund is implemented by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and funded by the UK International Development from the UK Government.
The Nigerian ESO Collaborative, implemented by IIF, is a cornerstone of the SSRF II project.
In her address, Ms Etemore Glover, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of IIF, said the ESO Collaborative is a transformative initiative that would drive innovation and investment in Nigeria.
Glover stated that the goal of the IIF is to build a thriving ecosystem where ideas can flourish, and businesses can grow, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic development.
She said: “The ESO Collaborative aims to create a dynamic network of key stakeholders from the innovation, enterprise development and investment communities.
“Fostering an ecosystem that supports sustainable development, technological advancement, and economic growth in Nigeria.
According to her, by bridging gaps between researchers, innovators, investors, and policymakers, the ESO Collaborative seeks to enhance the capacity of local enterprises, stimulate economic activities, and promote inclusive growth.
Glover called on stakeholders to join hands in building a sustainable, innovative, and prosperous Nigeria, as well as create an environment where research and innovation are not only encouraged but thrive.
In her remark, the Country Technical Lead, Nigeria, Ms Alice Omisore congratulated the IIF team on the launch of the project, adding that the RISA fund strengthens both the research and innovation ecosystems in Africa.
Omisore confirmed RISA’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the SSRF II project in Nigeria and Ghana.
BRANDPOWER reports that the event featured goodwill remarks from prominent figures in the innovation and investment sectors, panel discussions on the future of research and innovation financing and networking opportunities for attendees.
Participants include representatives from the FCDO, leading investors, successful entrepreneurs, and key government officials.
IIF’s overarching goal is to promote the growth and excellence of impact investing in Nigeria.
In the last five years, the foundation has been playing a leading role in the impact investing ecosystem in Nigeria by convening stakeholders in government, private and social sectors to advance its growth.
