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By Madu Obi
An indigenous organization, the Pivot Group, has planned a competition for Nigeria's start-up outfits, particularly those in the South East, to select successful ones for empowerment.
Titled the Pivot Challenge, the competition would focus on various critical sectors of the country's economy, including Agriculture and Food Security, Clean Energy and Environment, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Technology and Innovation, Healthcare and Well-being, Economic Development and Job Creation, Education and Skill Development, as well as Infrastructure and Urban Development and Insecurity.
The coordinator of the challenge, Okafo Onyinye said during a briefing in Awka that the targeted audience are early-stage startup, non-profit organizations, impact investors, government agencies, private sector professionals, mentors, and industry experts.
According to her, the Pivot challenge represents a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, adding that it is an opportunity for people to come together, harness collective strengths, and build a resilient future for South East.
Okafo added that top 50 successful participants will be enrolled in a free two-week bootcamp, explaining that the intensive training programme will provide them with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to refine their projects and enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities.
She believed that the impact of the Pivot challenge would extend beyond the competition itself as the selected establishments in the various sectors would be empowered to make meaningful contributions to the growth of the economy.
She said: "We are investing in the future leaders and innovators of Southeastern Nigeria. The winners will receive not just financial support, but also mentorship and partnership opportunities that will help them scale their solutions and create lasting change.
The ripple effect of these efforts will contribute to the growth and sustainability of Africa's green economy, fostering prosperity and resilience in our communities.
The Pivot challenge responds to the urgent need for a fresh perspective on the development trajectory of African communities, particularly in Southeastern Nigeria.
The region has vast potentials, but requires cooperative efforts to address issues like poverty, unemployment, gender inequality, and inadequate infrastructure.
By focusing on building from the ground up, we are emphasizing the importance of grassroots initiatives and local solutions that can drive meaningful change.
By identifying and supporting early-stage organizations with groundbreaking ideas, we aim to foster entrepreneurial mindset and social impact that can lead to sustainable growth and prosperity."
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