Chinwe Okoli, special adviser to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo on Innovation and Business Incubation, has been appointed to the Global Steering Committee of the 43rd International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference. This appointment makes her the only African representative on the committee.
Background of the Appointment
The announcement was made by the Solution Innovation District (SID), where Okoli also serves as Chief Executive Officer. The conference is scheduled to take place in Cannes, France, from October 27 to 30, 2026, and is expected to gather some of the world's most influential innovation ecosystem builders.
Founded in 1984, IASP is the leading global network of science parks, innovation districts, and technology hubs, with more than 350 member organisations across over 70 countries. Its annual world conference draws participants from governments, universities, research institutions, and private sector technology players.
Okoli's Role on the Committee
As a steering committee member, Okoli will contribute to shaping the strategic direction and programme content of the Cannes gathering. She will sit alongside representatives from government, academia, and industry across multiple continents. Her position as the committee's sole African voice gives Anambra State a direct line into conversations that will influence global innovation policy and practice.
The appointment follows sustained growth at the Solution Innovation District, which has recorded over 264,000 residents trained in digital skills since its establishment in 2023. The district has also attracted considerable private sector and development partner investment, positioning Anambra among Africa's fastest-growing innovation ecosystems and raising the profile of the state's technology-led development agenda internationally.
What the Appointment Means for Anambra
SID described the recognition as a milestone for the state's innovation agenda under Governor Soludo, noting that it opens new avenues for international partnerships, investment, and knowledge exchange ahead of the October conference.
The statement released by SID read in part: "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."
The organisation added that the Cannes conference presents a natural platform for showcasing SID's progress to a global audience, given the calibre of delegates expected to attend.
