Several factors combine to make a tech ecosystem formidable. Some of these include good infrastructure and international partnerships. The last few years have seen the Nigerian tech ecosystem, led by Lagos, attract international investment and partnerships. Last year, Mark Zuckerberg, the Founder of Facebook, was at the Yaba, Lagos tech ecosystem, for instance, to prop them up. Most recent, is the opening of the new Priority American Space, hosted at Co Creation Hub, CCHUB, in Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. I had a very interesting chat with Darcy Zotter, the Public Affairs Officer at the United States Consulate in Lagos and she shed more light on the American Space and why Lagos was selected to host one of the few ones around the world.
Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata Jnr, Presenter of Tech Trends on Channels Television, having a chat with Darcy Zotter, Pubic Affairs Officer, American Consulate, Lagos on the American Space located at CCHUB, Yaba, Lagos.
Darcy stated that the American Space, is the first Priority Space in Nigeria, but it is actually the 11th American Corner. “What, however, makes this one different from the other ones is that, in this Space, we’ve invested in a lot of technology”, she stressed. She stated that, traditionally, American Corners are designed to provide information about the USA, such as studying in the USA, exchange programs, etc, but what makes the one situated at CCHUB at Yaba, Lagos, different and why it is hoped that everyone will come there, is that, this one is fully stuffed with technological tools. She opined that this is only one out of ten in Africa, but America recognizes that Nigeria, in particular, is a Hub that is very innovative and entrepreneurial. “So, we looked at it and thought, okay, this is sort of a good environment because, we can make it happen. All we have to do is, kind of, give the people the tools”.
Darcy stated that in Nigeria, and Lagos in particular, they saw a lot of sparks and sparky people and CCHUB is a great example, with its focus on social entrepreneurship innovations. She stressed that, American Space wants to assist and provide more tools, carve out a space where people can get together and create ideas and make things happen. The American Space facility is absolutely free for the users and it is opened from Monday to Friday between 10:00am and 5:00pm and can sit up to 60 people at a time, she stated. Darcy also explained that, although, it is free to those who want to come in to use the facility, or, in a group, coming with an idea, they will need to register.
On the facilities available for use at the American Space, Darcy stated that there are Computers, iPads, Equipment and all kinds of e-resources that those who come over can use.
Stating what informed the choice of CCHUB for the location of the American Space, Darcy said that one of the reasons was that CCHUB actually looked for it and the relationship started about two years ago. “CCHUB wanted a partner that appreciated and also, could facilitate innovation and creativity, hence, they were a perfect choice. Darcy reeled out some cutting edge technology that are available in the Space such as, a 3D printer, Doodle pens and a whole lot of techy tools that people can use at the facility.
On what she thinks the American Space will contribute to the entire ecosystem, especially, today, when technology rules the world, she stated the American Space will become a gathering place. and people will know that this is a good place they can come to share, roll and realise their ideas. The ecosystem, she said, can also align with CCHUB and leverage on the work that they do.
Darcy is of the view that not-for-profit organisations in America, can work with American businesses to better create more solutions here in Nigeria. This, she sees as happening organically. She stated that techy people in Nigeria, are a sort of force that drives each other together and sort of know each other. What the US government can do, is to introduce the guys here to the people in USA or help the Americans to come over or get Nigerians to the USA, thus, helping to put the US techy people in contact with the Nigerian techy people.
She stated that the American Space in Nigeria, for instance, is connected to a couple of thousands of American Spaces across the world, hence, if you visit the American Space in Nigeria, you can be connected to, say, an innovative person in Romania, Venezuela, etc. This, she said, is part of a network.
When asked on how often activities, events and programs will be held at the American Space, Darcy made it clear that the facility has a full time Director, who is quite active and, even, before the place was opened, she was already holding programs. She stated that anyone with an idea should get in touch with the Director of the American Space for her to set it up. The American Space, she concluded, can help to find trainers for such programs but, it will also be cool, if such people have their own trainers, so, the American Space is looking up to Nigerians to come up with ideas.
You can view the full interview here.
