GLOBAL INNOVATION ALLIANCE SECURES $1.2 MILLION

World Innovation League, formerly known as NaijaHacks, has secured a substantial $1.2 million to support the acquisition of tech skills among Africans and Black immigrants residing in Canada.

The funding, spearheaded by Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, sets an ambitious target of increasing the representation of Black Canadians and new immigrants in the tech industry by 50% within the next five years.

The strategic initiative involves the implementation of a comprehensive program designed to empower 500 African and Black immigrants in Canada with tech skills. This initiative encompasses mentorship, hackathons, and practical work experience, all condensed into an intensive four-month timeline.

Uchi Uchibeke, the visionary mind behind Nigerian fintech Chimoney, initially founded NaijaHacks as a non-profit organization in 2018. It quickly gained prominence, evolving into Africa’s largest hackathon with a staggering 1,300 participants and major sponsorship from industry giants such as Microsoft and AWS Activate.

While Uchibeke leads the charge, the initiative is a collaborative effort involving Co.Lab and Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Programme.

The transformation from a hackathon-centric entity to a global talent accelerator played a pivotal role in securing the significant $1.2 million funding. Uchibeke anticipates an additional $10 million in the near future, aiming to extend training opportunities to 4,000 individuals over the span of four years.

New Reporter: Victoria Fakiya

Image Source: NaijaHacks 2019. Image source: {Instagram}

News Source: Techeconomy